Hi!


I have a Maxtor Fireball3 30GB HD, Model 2F030L0710504 VAM51JJ0 who has turned in a state where BIOS detect it as "Maxtor ARES64" and it's impossible to boot system or access the content on it from other linux box or linux live CD.

I would appreciate any suggestion to resolve this situation: software that could help to fix firmware, or info/link to fw download, because I can't find loader or firmware specific to this model.

It is possible to clone the fw from an other unit? How to do this?

I'm new at the art of firmware's hard disk recovery, so be patient with me!!!


Gerardo Ponce
Computer Services

Mar del Plata -=- Buenos Aires -=- Argentina

These disks rely on firmware for accurate and correct operation of the disk. The firmware is broken down into multiple modules, each with different responsibilities for operation such as defect tables, servo information, translator. This problem cannot be solved with any software. You need specialised equipment to access the SA which is stored in negative sectors so not accessible by standard means. Hot Swap is only option without specialised equipment, but even this will result in data corruption if successful because of data shifts as a result of different values in PLIST.

You need to send your HDD to a pro

...or buy equipment and learn how to proceed.