Right...

It spins up now which was a good sign at first BUT

The drive clicks about 25 times before spinning down.

During the drive's clicking phase, it is not detected by any software on computer or in device management

But when it spins down and stops, the drive is then detected by the computer and in software, albeit with an Unknown SMART status and a capacity of 0MB (because drive isn't spinning up)

So I conclude that even with an exact identical PCB, it still doesn't work

What's happening when it spins up? Is it trying to access the data and then stops because it can't or do I have a dead drive now...

Please help me, thanks

Does it detect the full model and serial but with 0mb?
If the drive still clicks after a Pcb swap it usually means dead preamp or heads.

_________________
Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se

Assuming its a WD (with ROM in U12) then it probably won't give correct model and serial, but something else

But either way you're almost certainly correct with your diagnosis of dead preamp.

DIY ends here

_________________
PC Image Data Recovery
http://www.pcimage.co.uk

New!! HDD-PCB.COM for all your PCB and donor HDD requirements!

It detects the full model with correct serial, with 0MB capacity.

So replacing the "preamp" is out of DIY perspective?

I do know someone who's experienced with circuit boards and such if it is still possible I can revive my hard drive

Replacing preamp is not DIY...but in this case it's not preamp.
And I would say it's end of the road for DIY...you need professional help from a DR company.
Were are you located?

_________________
Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se

Im based in the UK, West Yorkshire region

Also guys a quick update: I put the drive in the freezer and just connected it up now.

Here's whats happening

Drive spins fine now, no more clicking noise albeit you can like hear the platters spinning like a dvd drive (is that normal?)

The drive does spin down and stops but after a long time now, not short like before

but its undetectable in my computer

Its detectable under Safely Remove Hardware, and in device manager, not in disk management. In disk management after it spins down it asks me if I want to initialize the drive but that doesn't work it says "Device cannot be initialized due to I/O device error"

So, no more clicking noise, stays spinning for longer but it still does not work. Is this the end of the road for me

Ok after a while clicking noise came back FFS.... I really cant afford to have it fixed

Stop putting other things than food in the freezer!
If you care about your info stop doing more things with the drive.
You don't know what it cost until you have had it proper diagnosed by a pro, as you're UK based I would say your best choice is Sean at Pcimage...he's based in Peterborough.

_________________
Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se

Ok sorry about that. Can you give me this Sean's contact information or website please?

Never mind, I found it. Damn, I shouldn't have put it in the freezer silly me

I've probably f****d the data for good now

God, I can't believe we have another one who thought a freezer solves all electrical problems. I feel like shooting myself in the head...

Here's what happens when you use the freezer trick, even with a Zip bag, this does not work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad1uVAB5bNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3iBSqVe1Jg

Hope you got a backup!!!!

Shane

No backup... I know... Im screwed