the story:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250 GB fell of a desk, while NOT working. When connected, doesn't do anything. Not a sound. In store where I got it they offered me other one, in exchange, since there is no visible damage. But data recovery is not included in a deal. I can't afford datarecovery experts, so, I'll try to fix it my self, since there is a massive backup inside.

So, first thing first...
Grounded my self, took a screwdriver, removed a pcb... no visible damage. All seems ok.

Is there a way to chek a PCB consistency, without buying software or hardware?

Since this is a first HDD I seen that doesn't even click or spin, I decided to open it.

Clean room, ground...
Removed upper cover, everything in place, but, PLATES WON'T SPIN!

I'm not sure if this is a normal for this type of HDD, since I opened only couple of HDDs so far...

If this is the problem, I'm thinking of buying one identical, and switching the plates. But, since moving a head needs to be done while spinning plates...

I really need some help
Thanks in advance

Dropping the drive cause the fluid bearing to seize. Very common with all manufactures.
Don't attemp to swap platters. It takes a pro to do it correctly. Any media damage can be catastophic.

I do not intend to pay anyone to do this for me.

If I loose data... wtf. I already lost it.

I'm doing the repair / swap / whatever by my self

I'm in need of a bit of help / advice / guidance

thanx

and thanx for the diagnosis. Could you point me to a next step of doing this repair in my own garage?

Hi one other thing to try before opening anything is if you saw which way up it landed, turn it the other way around and GENTLY tap on a flat surface ( such as your desk top) a couple of times. sometimes this will free up the shaft as inertia shifts it back. You can see if it spins again. DON'T use excessive force and don't try more than a couple of times.

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I think ST is a sub company of Lucas

The most effective way for the data to be accessed is to place the heads and platters into a working donor with a good motor. If your data is important to you then you should consult a good reputable company. Otherwise you are very likely to render the disk unrecoverable. During this procedure you can potentially damage the heads, you have a problem with finding a tool for removing the platters, the platters must remain completely still, any misalignment of any of the platters will ensure your data is gone for good.

If you really are determined to do this then at least buy a batch of working hard disks from ebay and practice practice practice!!

I still recommend you approach a recovery firm.

Yes.. If You try to do it by yourself. This case is SPINLDE SIEZURE. A HARD CASE. I think you will damage upto 3 or 4 or maybe 5 Harddrive without any result. and maybe you will make it unrecoverable. Working with harddrive and Get ALL its data is not as easy as you think. This is why the cost is not cheap.
If Data still very important for you I still recommend you to send it to reliable Data recovery Company...

Thanks

Hi I didn't rear that you had opened it before. Another thing that has worked on a couple of drives for me is to use a couple of mini screwdrivers as pins in either the balance holes or screw heads of the drive bushing, and a third to get some leverage to start freeing the spindle. You can place the drive on a flat surface with a couple of blocks or something similar to help hold the drive in place, so it can't twist. Try to turn the drive a little in one direction and if it moves start to rock it back & forth. Since it was dropped, the bearing is stuck, but not seized from grinding to a halt while spinning, and should free up with some patience. Make sure to use some canned air to remove any dust before turning the drive on, (there is sure to be some) if the heads pick it up you won't get your data.

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I think ST is a sub company of Lucas

This should help explain what I mean. Careful you don't slip or you will scratch the platters. You should not try to move the platters to another drive, as placement is difficult & very critical.

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I think ST is a sub company of Lucas

hi!

Shortscurcuits:
could you explain why do you try to move platters at wrong direction? maxtors rotate their platters clockwise.

Hi you have to rock the spindle both ways to free, since the servo is against the magnet it's not like the heads are going to move off landing area. If you try to spin in the same direction there is a good chance you will simply sieze the bearing tighter instead of freeing it.By starting off in the direction opposite of the way it jammed in the first place you have a greater chance of success.( Mechanics 101 )

If you don't think this will work I suggest you try it, you might be suprised. And as long as it spins freely it will work long enough to recover data, which is what most of us are after.....

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I think ST is a sub company of Lucas

I was away for a few days, and, BOY, as I was surprised when I saw all thees replays!

I really appreciate all the info provided here!

Spildit: it has two plates

prodata: I'm willing to sacrifice data and HDD for some experience... I'm repairing PC-s for quite some time, and this is logical step forward in gaining skills

Shortscurcuits: Wow! now this is a nicely explained and could just work! First method to try!

Aviko: I'm trying your method if Shortscurcuits-s don't give risult-s. Maybe a little bit of bout does the trick.


Thanks Gys! I'll info you about progress.

Best Regards
Veljko

bump
Shortscurcuits
willing to be colleague or make friends with you !
thanks for you sharing the tip.
designlabz ,lucky

Anytime!

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I think ST is a sub company of Lucas