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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: April 6th, 2012, 17:17 
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Joined: February 28th, 2011, 21:04
Posts: 207
Location: United Kingdom
That board that sits on top of the hard drive also encrypts the data. If you remove it and plug the hard drive either directly into a sata port on a motherboard or put it in a new caddy you wont be able to read the data. You will have to either repair usb socket or find a matching replacement board.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: April 7th, 2012, 20:44 
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Joined: September 8th, 2009, 18:21
Posts: 15461
Location: Australia
If you wish to remove and reattach your micro-USB connector, then try your local TV/AV repair shop.

Best of luck.

BTW, a "casket" is where dead drives go. :-) Yours may still be alive and kicking.

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: April 14th, 2012, 8:28 
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Joined: April 14th, 2012, 8:18
Posts: 7
Location: Vladivostok
Hello
I have a similar problem.
faulty pcb. I connected the drive to SATA. Windows randomly initialize it as a GPT. Most likely while she wiped the beginning of the disk. All information is encrypted.
I found this same PCB on ebay.
What do you think, if I plug a drive through the new pcb, I see the decoded information? By using R-Studio to copy out all the information.
Or the new PCB will not be able to decrypt data that was encrypted with the original PCB?
Advise me how to implement the action plan?
Thank you.

P.S. The hard disk is almost new, has no problem with the surface. SMART test passed without errors.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: June 16th, 2012, 8:46 
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Joined: August 18th, 2010, 17:35
Posts: 3636
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Windows does not randomly initializes drives. It does if clicking on the OK button to do so if requested or engaged by somebody. If that happened, then likely the data structure is compromised.

And then the wiping part is confusing.

Also, what makes you think the old external controller was bad?

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: August 16th, 2012, 0:16 
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Joined: August 16th, 2012, 0:11
Posts: 1
Location: malaysia
Quote:
Hi guys,

I have a similar problem to most of the people here.
My WD Elements SE 1TB's micro usb socket is damaged.

If I look closely inside the socket, I could see that the plastic?? coating that usually protect and align the prongs are gone.
So I can't fit in my cable.


Hi vennsoh, my problem is very similar to yours, did you open up the casing of the HDD to detect and repair the damage? thanks for your sharing


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: August 21st, 2012, 22:08 
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Joined: August 21st, 2012, 22:02
Posts: 2
Location: united states
My usb connector fell off. I was able to match the numbers on the control board to a new one on Ebay. It worked like a charm. I paid $25 and got all of the data back. Quick and easy except for taking the unit apart which is not really too bad with all of the videos out there showing how it is done.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: August 21st, 2012, 22:19 
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Joined: August 18th, 2010, 17:35
Posts: 3636
Location: Massachusetts, USA
monock wrote:
My usb connector fell off. I was able to match the numbers on the control board to a new one on Ebay. It worked like a charm. I paid $25 and got all of the data back. Quick and easy except for taking the unit apart which is not really too bad with all of the videos out there showing how it is done.

Got lucky. Sometimes they are not compatible despite numbers matching.

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: August 22nd, 2012, 10:28 
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Joined: August 21st, 2012, 22:02
Posts: 2
Location: united states
Got lucky? The unit that I bought was designed to support this drive and others with various revisions for data recovery. It did what is says. All I can say is that within 30 mins, I was getting the data off of it like it was new.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 12th, 2013, 23:33 
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Joined: January 12th, 2013, 23:17
Posts: 4
Location: Croatia
Hi, guys. I'm hoping some of you can help me. I've got a WD My Book Essential 3Tb disk which just quit working.
Couldn't be recognized and stopped spinning :( I disassembled it and found out that the disk itself is working,
so the problem's got to be the PCB. Now my question is, I found a replacement PCB on e-bay and the numbers match,
but the REV. doesn't. Is that going to be a problem? If so is there a way to circumvent it by soldering something from the original PCB to the new PCB that I'm thinking of buying? Thanks in advance


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 13th, 2013, 4:24 
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Joined: August 21st, 2012, 12:15
Posts: 285
Location: India
flexotr0n wrote:
Hi, guys. I'm hoping some of you can help me. I've got a WD My Book Essential 3Tb disk which just quit working.
Couldn't be recognized and stopped spinning :( I disassembled it and found out that the disk itself is working,
so the problem's got to be the PCB. Now my question is, I found a replacement PCB on e-bay and the numbers match,
but the REV. doesn't. Is that going to be a problem? If so is there a way to circumvent it by soldering something from the original PCB to the new PCB that I'm thinking of buying? Thanks in advance


DIY has its risks involved, be aware of it.
If Data is important , and you are not confident enough, dont take the risk.
Take pro help, it shouldn't cost much( as you say the hard disk is working fine).

You can check the failed PCB first and see why it failed. Some times the problem is with the USB Port connector, and re-soldering the connector (Properly) fixes this issue. Magnify the area around the connector and inspect(before and after soldering).
I suggested this assuming that your have basic soldering skills and tools, because you mentioned soldering in your post.
Post a Pic if you can.

But if you are not sure, no DIY

As mentioned before in this thread by labtech, the PCB does not match always. If you are lucky, you may get a matching pcb and your data like monock .

good luck


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 13th, 2013, 6:24 
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Joined: July 7th, 2010, 4:45
Posts: 924
Location: UK
DIY has risks are you accepting the risks?

Just to confirm the drive spins when connected via SATA but not when connected to the USB bridgeboard. If so yes to USB bridgeboard is faulty.
Fzabkar posted this about a common fault with the U6 mybook-essential-pcb-burnt-t24590.html?hilit=Drain1#p165789

"A common fault on the USB bridgeboard is the dual MOSFET switch at location U6. This IC switches +5V and +12V power to the drive.

If U6 is faulty, then it can be removed and replaced with two wire links. You would need to connect the Drain1 and Source1 pins together, and the Drain2 and Source2 pins together. This effectively bypasses both switches and permanently powers on the drive."

This method could be a free way of making the USB bridgeboard work to get your data off?

Note: The dot on the MOSFET indicates pin 1

Attachment:
image.jpg
image.jpg [ 29.66 KiB | Viewed 15847 times ]



Loki


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 13th, 2013, 19:03 
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Joined: January 12th, 2013, 23:17
Posts: 4
Location: Croatia
@ sathyan
The data I "lost" can mostly be downloaded again, but it would take me many months if not even a year to do so. My brother is experienced when it comes to electronics and soldering so I think I'll take the risk, if he doesn't give me a heads up I'll consider a pro.
Here's a pic of the culprit
Attachment:
File comment: 4060-705094-001 Rev AD
pic1.jpg
pic1.jpg [ 815.29 KiB | Viewed 15826 times ]


@loki
Yes, when I put the disk into a generic external case it spinns up and behaves nicely, no strange noises or anything. I checked the drive with WD Data Lifegurad Diagnostics and it passed. It showed me I had a 830GB drive, but I read somewhere else that that's normal, because it doesn't read the encrypted partition well. Otherwise it shows the right model number of the connected disk as a WD30EZRX… meaning a 3TB disk.

The solution you posted is for an older model or maybe the 2TB My Book, I think. I have a newer one. It's the 4060-705094-001 Rev AD. Any suggestions?


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 14th, 2013, 2:57 
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Joined: August 21st, 2012, 12:15
Posts: 285
Location: India
The connectors look good, and no visible component damages.
As you mention , the drives does not power up, so check the power (input )section of pcb.
Firstly check the power adapter , verify correct voltage.(hope you had checked it before , and also checked with another working adapter if possible.)
Check fuse at R56 on the pcb(use multimeter, ohm range) .
Connect adapter it to the pcb(do not connect the drive) and check the voltage at 0 ohm, both ends of the fuse( at r56)(multimeter, DC voltage )
and post the reading you got.
From here on you will have to trace the power to the controllers and replace the faulty . Not DIY , it will be easier to replace the board.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 14th, 2013, 3:22 
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Joined: August 21st, 2012, 12:15
Posts: 285
Location: India
Also look into Loki's good suggestion about the dual MOSFET switch which may be present in your pcb too. Cant properly read the writings on the 8pin ics in the pic, you can google and find what they are.
If there exists a dual MOSFET Switch on your board , check for voltages at pin 1 and pin 3 (input ) and pin 5 and 8 (output).


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 15th, 2013, 14:21 
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Joined: January 12th, 2013, 23:17
Posts: 4
Location: Croatia
ok, I'll do that as soon as I get some free time and I'll order the other board in the meantime and hope for the best (fingers crossed)


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: January 22nd, 2013, 5:13 
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Joined: August 22nd, 2011, 12:24
Posts: 2
Location: USA - Washington
any word on the $mrtware e-krypt? Im going on 2 years now waiting to get back in my drive...ive tried every pwd i have, knew, or thought of. software prog can read but not un-encrypt...please pvt msg me if you got something, anything...i want my soul back.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: February 12th, 2013, 18:57 
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Joined: February 12th, 2013, 18:44
Posts: 1
Location: Bahstone
OK so this is a great thread. I've actually learned alot about how much I'll never be buying a Western Digital external HDD again. I've seen all the posts about how if you don't have your original PCB your pretty much screwed and that's kinda where I am. In my initial nievity I accidentially damaged the PCB...more accuratly I plugged it in outside of the enclosure and didn't realize that there was some stray wire from another project under the board and POOF...I nuked the board and the white plastic sticker is burnt beyond reading...SO...is there anyway to determine the PCB I would need to purchase on Ebay to replace the one I torched? Is the type of drive along with all the info I need on the HDD description sticker on the drive? It's a 1tb Essential FOR SURE...but thats about all I got. Is there a possibility of a generic 1Tb Essential PCB then I could find everything else I need to mine for the partition?


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: February 13th, 2013, 5:32 
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Joined: November 29th, 2006, 10:08
Posts: 7843
Location: UK
Which PCB are you talking about?

The one with the SATA connection screwed onto the drive itself?

If yes, then it's not the encryption board but the actual controller board for the drive and cannot simple be replaced, it contains adaptive data for particular drive. You need pro assistance for recovering this drive.

As far as blaming WD for this, it's a a little harsh, no matter what make you had bought you'd be in the same boat! Virtually all modern drives have particular info programmed into their PCB's.

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: March 14th, 2013, 16:23 
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Joined: March 14th, 2013, 16:16
Posts: 2
Location: Mo, USA
Aussie Girl wrote:
Hey guys, I had the same problem with my USB connector breaking off and I was unable to access 1TB of data off my WD My Book 1TB. I have got it working so wanted to let you all know, as I have read all of these forums looking for advice.

First I tried putting the hard drive into an external case - the drive was not accessible and did not work.

Then I tried accessing the data through a recovery program, which was able to see the drive and data - however after 10 hours of reading it - it was encrypted.

Finally I went and bought a new mini USB connector for $1.95 from Altronics in Australia and then went to a local electronics repairer who charged me $40 and was able to solder it on. He told me it is extremely common and they break all the time.

I want to upload a photo of the soldered circuit board, because I had looked everywhere for one. But I have no idea how to do that on here? Anyway the guy did a great job and I can access all the data! I learnt a big lesson having 71,000 photos stored solely on my hard drive!

Hope this helps... If anyone wants to see how it was soldered let me know and I'll send you the pic!


I just suffered the same problem. The USB connector broke on the PCB of my Western Digital My Book Essential 2 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive and I desperately need the data. Is it easier to take it somewhere and have the USB port repaired or will having someone switch the BIOS chip onto a new but identical PCB work better?


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital MyBook essential data recovery
PostPosted: March 14th, 2013, 18:29 
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Joined: March 14th, 2013, 16:16
Posts: 2
Location: Mo, USA
species287 wrote:
Ach ok. This is the most concise answer you're going to find on the internet for this one.

Dr-Kiev is correct. It is hardware encrypted. I signed up to this forum just to post this. Here is the story of what I went through...

A drive was given to me and they told me "I dropped it and the USB port is pushed in. Can you fix it. I means everything to me." I was given the Western Digital MyBook Essentials. Image Single usb port on the back is the only interface. I scoffed and said yeah sure. Firstly, I open the thing up. There are no special places to insert screwdrivers to losen it nicely. You pretty much pry very gently around the seam. The usb port has been ripped off the board and taken a lot of copper with it.

Next I separated the hard drive from it's controller and put it into a new hard drive caddy. Just a cheapy sata to USB dock. No dice. On my mac, OSX says the drive needs to be initialized. On windows a similar problem. I can see the presence of the drive in Device Manager and to some extent in the Storage Manager Snap-in, but that's it. Linux sees the device as well, but attempts to mount the drive under any of the possible filesystem types fail. None of the operating systems could format or partition or do anything to this drive.

So I go back to the board and decide to start trying to reattach the usb port. The copper it so badly damaged you need a microscope and incredibly fine detail soldering iron to even attempt this. But I give it a go with exactly those tools. No dice. I just didn't have a steady enough hand and there were a few surface mount components ripped off the board already so when it didn't work I figured it was cactus and went back to looking how to crack it.

Thats when I see this forum and what Dr-Kiev said. I take another look at the board and see the Initio IC on there. So yeah. It's encrypted via hardware as well as software. Even if I buy a new board, I'm fairly certain these things are uniquely encrypted. Now I'm not sure, so don't give up hope, but it would be pointless otherwise. I just didn't want to wait for delivery of a new board and neither did the client.

So I finally develop a method that I can redo the soldering with my hand tremor and still pull it off. I solder everything where I think it was supposed to lead to. Only 4 wires required. 5volt+ GND- Data+ and Data-. After the reattach, I put a spare drive onto it to test it before I try with the clients drive. No luck. On the mac, OSX tells me the drive needs to be initialized but also informs me of another drive being there and not being disconnected properly. So it's seeing the onboard firmware virtual CD drive as well as my hdd. But again, I can't format partition initialize or anything.

At about this point I took a gamble and put the clients drive back in and BAM. It came up. Accessible and everything. In my wisdom I assembled all this on the edge of the desk precariously balanced. I started it copying, the cat jumped up on my desk and knocked it all off and tore up the board so insanely much more. A few hours later I was able to put it back together but had badly burnt and destroyed the board. I'm copying the data off it as I type. It's ugly. Real ugly. But screw paying Western Digital $700 to "attempt recovery" or anyone else $1400 for the same.

This is what the control board should look like: Image

When I've finished copying the data off this board, I'll try to get a photo of it as it is now and post it. F*CK THIS THING! After I'm done, I will throw the board in the bin and replace it with a generic interface. Then reformat the drive and put data back on.

I would recommend to stay the hell away from encrypted drives. Especially hardware ones. NEVER BUY THIS DRIVE. EVER. STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: I don't know if changing the board for a new one would have worked. No one on the net has done it yet. I didn't have time to wait to try it. I don't think it would work (just because of how the thing behaved when I tested it) , but please someone try it if thats your only other option and let us all know. If you know the interface board is dead, don't run those data recovery tools on the drive (I don't think they could actually do any damage, but best be safe). If it's just the USB port that's ripped off. Get it put back on by someone much better than me. It took well over 10 hours of my life. Explain the problem with the hardware encryption and how important it is that you get THAT EXACT BOARD repaired.




I am in this same position and need my USB fixed to recover the data! I have bought a PCB off ebay and have been told that soldiering the 8pin Flash BIOS chip from the old board to the new board would also work. In any case, I can't do this myself. What do I do?


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