Mac hard disk

sure as long as the HDD is not completely dead and unavailable.
The easiest solution though is to try it with a Linux Live DVD. In windows you need bootcamp installed or some HFS driver from the Web. Linux reads almost anything and everything by default.

 

This is barely coherent nonsense. In order to recover data, the OS must be able to read the drive. It must also have the software capable of recovering the data. The only Windows software that I am aware of that can read a Mac drive is MacDrive. Mediafour claims that MacDrive can repair Mac drives. I have no way of knowing how effective it is. Except in an emergency, I would not futz around with Windows software to recover a Mac drive. Mac utility Disk Warrior is the most effective user application for recovering Mac data. If DW can't do it, then a file recovery service is the best bet.

 

Based upon these assumptions:

- You can remove the HD from the Mac and install/attach it to a PC.

- The HD still works in that it spins up and operates normally. In other words, it was not a mechanical crash.

If so, then I highly recommend SpinRite by GRC. It's worked wonders for me recovering data on all types of HD formats. Plus it can condition the drive which will make it operate more effectively.

 

The real question is if the HD platter/head is toast or if the file system is just corrupt. If there is physical damage, then short of expensive service, there is absolutely no hope for recovery.

If the file system/OS is simply corrupt and not bootable, you can boot the computer into target mode (hold T key during startup until you see the firewire symbol). Then you can plug your computer into another computer and copy off the files you want to save. This can be followed by various methods to try to repair the corrupt drive and/or clean wipe.