Hey fellows

A few days ago i woke up at 4:30 AM to find out that my External HD was clicking, I immediately turned off the computer thinking that was the problem but left the HD on later that morning i turn on the computer to find out that Windows wasn't recognizing the drive. I turned off the External HD and turn it back on and starting clicking 3-4 times and then it stopped. The next logical thing i do is try to use to get back my data but at I was unsuccessful. Then I decide to open the external HD so i can i plug it directly to the motherboard. After an hr or so of searching I found a way to open the enclosure. I took out the first 3 screws with no issues but the 4th screw was giving me issues, after messing with for a bit out of frustration I pulled out hd from the enclosure and when i came to realize the bottom of the PCB got scratched...Shocked...at that point i decided to give up. After a few just for shit and giggles I plug in the HD to the motherboard and boot it up the HD clicks 3-4 times and then stops as usual and as the computer boots up it lags for about a minute or so, it continue to load recognizing other drives but when Windows starts loading after 30-45 seconds it flash the deadly blue screen and restarts the computer.

So as you see perhaps i am in need of a a new PCB to recover my data

i am looking for:

WD5000KS-00MNB0 HD
or
PCB: 2061 701383 E00 AH

If anyone could help me I would be forever thankful. The HD itself contains 10+ yrs worth of photos which have sentimental value Sad

Thank you in Advance

-Armand

more info about the Drive

MDL:WD5000KS-00MNB0
Date: 24 Oct 2006
DCM: HCACAJAAB

Phade2Black,

Welcome to the real world of WD Ext Workbooks.

I have the same issue and have been unable to find a replacement PCB or HDD to recover the data.

If you find one I would love to know where you got it from as WD are not to overly helpful:

Phoenix

My external wd drive starting clicking too.

I took the enclosure off and am waiting for my USB-SATA cable to come in so I can try it on my computer.

Doesn't have critical data, but data I'd like back nevertheless.

Looks like ours were made around the same time. Exact same model. Date: 27 Oct 2006.
~1 year lifespan SUCKS.

PCB swap does not help for WD5000KS-xxMNxx. We found exactly matching donor (everything identical except serial no), swapped PCB and same clicking occurs. After hotswap, we can read most modules and drive never clicks; however we cannot do smart hotswap as we cannot read translator modules. If anyone finds a solution, please contact my direct e-mail.