Wrong on both counts.



Why not inspect the heads in a clean room environment?

It's possible to re-generate the ROM info on this model with a PC3K. But that assumes that there are no issues with the HSA. Inspecting the heads is prudent because continuing to operate the drive with bad ones lessens the chances of DR.

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http://www.datasaversllc.com

Even if I tested by placing a folded piece of paper between the HDA contacts and the PCB? Motor still does not spin with original PCB. But spins with replacement PCB (without paper).

1. Original PCB is bad

2. Even though it spins with a foreign PCB, the heads may still be bad.

3. The best way to tell if heads are bad is either: a) inspect them; b) use a PCB with the correct FW If drive doesn't spin with correct FW, heads are [most likely] bad.

4. You can also try a procedure called a hot swap with an appropriate donor. But you must be able to put the drive to sleep. If you recalibrate it and it clicks or spins down, then it's most likely heads. But it could be wrong heads map.

We'll be happy to help if you want to try to recover it. There is no charge if we can't.

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http://www.datasaversllc.com

If the MCU is functional, then there is a way to read the ROM using cheap tools, eg ...

WD U-Command Tool :
http://www.hddoracle.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=217

Once you get a prompt at the terminal port, you can use the tool to dump the ROM.

Alternatively, there is a free ZOC script which I wrote, or a nice tool written by @Severance, which can also dump the ROM (but not write it). However, there are free tools to write the ROM to a working donor drive.

In short, there is a path to a complete read & write DIY solution with freeware, but it requires patience.

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A backup a day keeps DR away.