Trying to access a HDD from a SonyHandyCam (DCR-SR47) for a friend (that has been dropped by the video taker of wedding video...very precious of course)  downloading to a Win XP comp. The HD (on the camera)is giving me HDD foremat error E: 3100 again on the camera screen. Have downloaded all the Sony software (PMB Downloader PMB LAUNCHER) and for editing the video files. Yes, I do have the camera connected to a non-hub USB on my computer. And the camera is not on battery, but CONN. to a plug outlet.
Updated Windows with the latest KB update for Image Mastery.  My Computer shows the Sony Cam as connected but I get a "G:\ not accessible" or "I/O device error" when trying to use Sony software for accessing the Hard DRIVE on the Camera.
I have read that the HD on the camera if damaged will not emit sounds when accessing, but I hear these "spring sounds coming at intervals of 5, then 3, then 1  and then the HDD Error shows n the Sony Camera screen when trying to ask the camera's HD to play or download to the computer. I have tried a second computer with Win 7 that I have all Sony download/ editing software on and no joy with that either.
So, that I have tried nearly everything I know to do...any further ideas?
Can I trust a local company to PULL the video from the camera or is $ony the only way to go here? Not being familiar with the device you are trying to access the HDD on i cannot specifically suggest  a reliable action to take. However is the HDD on the Camera readily accessible and user removable. If yes then perhaps it could be placed in another camera (PROBABLY at least the same brand--maybe even only the same model) and the data could be recovered from it. At this point it is difficult to know whether the problem is compatibility with the computers (software) or is it from the possible damage to the camera from the fall. Is it not possible (if the camera is still operable) to view the pictures from the viewfinder of the camera itself?truenorthHi

First the more things you try and the longer you run the camera the harder it will be for a data recovery company to get the movie s off the camera. The fact that it is given a drive letter by windows looks like the data may still be able to be recovered. I suggest emailing a few data recovery companies in your country explain what you have here and see if any are experienced enough to do the work. Nothing will be achieved by dismantling the camera and removing the hard drive that is better left to the recovery company you select. I base this advice on the drive making those noises. if it was spinning and not making any noise then data recovery software may have recovered the file structure.

Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news

Lisa_maree