Hi, so I recently moved my 1.5TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 from computer A (within which it was working great) to a newer computer B. After installing the 1.5TB in computer B, the computer would not power on at all - further even the PSU would not turn on. Once I unplugged the seagate 1.5TB from both the Sata and power, computer B did power on normally. Thinking that it might be a PSU issue, I installed the seagate 1.5TB back in computer A - but also I got the same problem, i.e. the computer would not power on at all. So I concluded that the H/D must have some type of electrical failure????

1) does anyone know what could of happened?
2) I would like to recover my data, is there a solution OTHER than going to expensive data recovery specialists?
3) I googled, and found much talk about PCB swap, would that be a solution?

Here are some additional notes about the H/D

-Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 (+5V 0.72A/+12V 0.52A)
-1500 Gbytes
S/N: 9VS1GSKP
ST31500341AS
P/N: 9JU138-302
Firmware: CC1H
Data code: 09373
Site Code: TK
Product of Thailand

- I purchased the H/D as OEM form Dell on 6/15/09

- Computer A is a 2 year old Dell w/ 305W PSU, Computer B is a 1 month old HP with 300W PSU
- also I did not notice any burning or smell anything unusual

Any information would be great! Please note I am somewhat hardware and software savy, but no where near pro level.
Thanks in advance.

Sounds like the TVS. Search here for info.

_________________
You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

Thanks drccsc! I did a search on TVS and it appears that I need to temporarily remove the PCB and then either remove the TVS or replace it. But that seems to require soldering or physically cutting off the TVS. I don't think I even know where to start.

If I have no experience with this kind of thing, does that mean I need to seek some expertise help? Should I avoid data recovery specialists since they charge in the ~$200 - $1000 range? Do I have other less expensive options - it seems as if this job should take no more than 30min of time for someone who know what they are doing.

Sorry for all the questions, I look forward to hearing a response.

You could try a local electronics repair shop or friend with soldering skills. I'm sure they're not going to be familiar with drive PCBs but if all you need to do is point at something and say "please take that off" then they should be able to...

_________________
You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

Also of course this will void the warranty and is not guaranteed to solve your problem. If it works then the drive should be usable again but will be without electrical protection. The TVS is sort of like a fuse or one-time surge protector. It blows up to save the rest of the drive.

_________________
You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

Thanks again drccsc, your info is very useful!
I am going to explore some hopefully inexpensive and local options for getting someone to remove or replace the TVS for me.