It’s somewhat of a myth but apparently sometimes you can freeze a hard drive to get it working again. Tips: * Don’t move or power it on anymore than absolutely necessary. Likely any further use of the drive will further degrade the data. If you get it on, go for your important data first as it can go again anytime. * Try extracting the hard drive from the case and using another case with it * You know that friend that’s kind of pale because never goes out due to being in the middle of a ‘clan war’? Get the friend that broke it to bribe him with some pizza or whateves to help you out. * Worst-case scenario you can use a data recovery service that will CSI-ninja the stuff out of the drive if it’s even possible. Be prepared though to spend at least $800+ for even an incomplete recovery. Operate with the worst-case scenario as you try these hail-marys. Email your prof, and document any repairs, damage reports as proof (although this is not really a valid excuse). * Maybe check through your sent/deleted email or anyone you might’ve sent parts (proofreading?) that you can recover. Check anywhere else, maybe a USB key that’s your or a friend’s you copied the project onto for printing. * Did you submit any drafts to turnitin.com or a similar plagerism checking service? They’ll have a copy.