HDD GURU FORUMS

Hi, i'm very desperate couse i have a very big problem on my hdd.

I have from 1-2 months a segate momentus 7200.3 , 320gb, 7200 rpm, the top of seagate mobile storage. Some hours ago, my os has started a continuous swap. As the pc was blocked for too long, I turned off the computer. Restarting the system, the hd was not found. I have changed also computer, but nothing... the bios cannot found it. My uncle helped me... So we have togheter discoverd that the mechanical engine does not work: question : was a pcb problem or a engine problem? fortunately i had another segate momentus; when i have bought mine, i have bought 2 pieces. But here another problem : pcb with different coulors . What mean this?
that maybe there was 2 different pcb version ( with maybe different firmware version) on same model ( also if i have bought both at the same time from the same seller, some of the first models arrived in my country).

So i have changed pcb with the second one. And here the response: the engine had started to work, but giving an error to mounting process in bios and whitout discover the partition under the system ( the disk is installed but not the partition, that mean that the eeprom work, but cannot comunicate with the physical disk layer ).

question : Can i found/ buy the same pcb of my hd drive? Do you know a way to do it?

Can i recover in some way the data on my hd? ( I have everything there)

Please help me ... is very very important


the firmware version of my hd should be this under the qr code on a label on pcb:

100512985 B KB4529G3

That is the code writed on pcb ( should be the pcb version):

100508225 REV A

That's are the codes in front of hdd:

S/N: 5TJ01LD6
ST9320421AS
PN: 9GE144-500
FW: SD13

Date: 09014
Site: WU


thank you for everything!

While another PCB may work, it would help to figure out what's wrong with this one.

If the data is important, I recommend you at least get a professional diagnostic on the drive. A diagnostic is typically not too expensive. The cost of repair typically is very expensive and makes sense if the data is worth at least $1000.

Sorry.

Now, if you wish to gamble, you can find an identical drive on eBay. The problem is that 320GB drives are relatively new, so finding them on the used market could be a challenge.

You may be immensely lucky and your replacement board may actually be a match. Color difference may not matter. The firmware matters. In that case, you will need to know how to access drives that are not accessible in Windows. In fact, attempting to access this drive from Windows is a mistake. You will find MHDD available to be downloaded from this website. If you can follow the instructions and manage to launch MHDD on that drive of yours, you may be able to see whether the problem is now simply a file system corruption or if it's something else. Your 2.5" SATA drive can be connected to a desktop just as you would your regular 3.5" SATA drives.

If it's a file system corruption, I'd charge you less than if I had to work on its firmware or had to use my Torx screwdrives.

Good luck!

Agree with wiseleo,

Post both DONOR & DEAD drive info details.

Oh... it's not difficult here to find NEW and somewhat used 320G Momentus... what's happening ?

the problem is the different pcb version/firmware on 2 same model... i will post new pics soon of both drives (working and not working) .. However with the corrupted pcb (mainboard pc cannot find it at bios starting), how can a diagnostic tool find it? it's seem impossible.. with the similar working pcb also the bios reveal a disk error. A diagnostic tool on site can overcome this problem?

I have no idea about the way to use MHDD.. Can someone help me posting the right link and the instruction to follow?

Re-read. Is data worth at least $1000?

That's are the pics of bad HD:



That's are the pics of working HD:



If administrator could upgrade my first post with these images would be nice! Thanks!

Hi

U probably have to swap the ROM ic (8pin ic in the top-right corner of the 3rd picture) to make the donor PCB compatible with the damaged drive.

pepe

Hi,
Yes, U have to swap the ROM ic (M25P40)
This drive is based on the same technology like Barracuda 7200.11

Mikippp

Sure? if it were a firmware corruption? couse other people told me that maybe is this.. pcb doesn't matter

If there is fw corruption, click on option B (buy equipment) or option P (a pro)

after swapping the ROM into the working PCB - keep concentrate that u don't damage the ROM, then need to extract data.
If SA problem exist, then have to solve with the right gear. If inaccessible sector issue, then have image.
fried using DIY experiment? then PRO cant help anymore.
everything in your own risk.
Good Luck

P.S. Proper diagnose is the key of success

Hey guys
I need really help
I have the same problem descrited abobe
The same disck with the blue part, not the green.
What can i do?
Has been a solution for you?
I have really important information on my disk...
Please, anything that could help me will be wonderfully
Good bye!

Ahh Another clue, your disk with problem, makes a weird noise?
repetitive alarm, almost silent?

I have exactly the same problem as Gigabit..
has anyone found a working solution to save the data?
any help would be appreciated...

Are you saying that your drive spins up but is not being detected by BIOS?

No spin up,completely silent...tried in an external enclosure in which it worked before,still same no sound at all....

Assuming your enclosure is good, and your power supply is OK, then the problem is most likely with your drive's circuit board.

Can you upload a detailed photo of the component side?