Hey Friends,

currently I have a Seagate 7200.10 (ST3400820AS) Drive on my table with a possible platter damage. I'd like to inspect the platters. Can some one tell me, if the alignment is critical on this drive? Or can I just put a mark on the side of the platters to align them again, when I'm done with the inspection?

you can

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HddSurgery - Professional Data Recovery Tools

Thank You!

when ever you have doubts , test on one donor. Label it and move them a bit.

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HddSurgery - Professional Data Recovery Tools

Yeah, I know. But my problem with this model is, that I don't have any donor drives of the similar model. And when I buy a donor drive, I still can't try this out, because on this drive the heads are parked on the platter. And releasing the screws of the motor and twisting the platters can damage the heads. Same with removing them and putting again back on.

if just someone could invent a tool to move heads of
You can try on same family also.

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HddSurgery - Professional Data Recovery Tools

i think no rotation align. but platter balancing is most important. i think this has 2 platters. there can be a hole under the pcb which covered by sticker. you can peel off and check platter 0. but you have to seal it again.

first you have to check the original head under microscope. after that you can decide next step.