Hello. Few weeks ago my disk broke down. When computer starts it is clicking and speeding up, but after few seconds it stops. I sent it for free analysis and diagnosis was: damaged heads. I ask for cost of repair, but it was about 1000$, however my data on disk are worth about 150$. So I want try to repair it on my own. My friend have old WD1600AAJS to sell, but heads will be same?

Unlikely, the model number and date the drive was made needs to be exactly the same and the drive needs to be taken to a Data Recovery company (No a corner computer shop) to have the heads replaced. This will cost a lot of money assuming the drive was not opened and tampered with.

Your best bet is to save up for the repair, or accept your data loss, move on and learn to keep backups of everything. Sorry if you already have backups.

Shane

No, very much NO!

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

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u need wdr.30 and Change head map in service area

First off, depending on the model of the WD5000AAKS, there is a good chance that the heads are not the problem. Rather, the clicking could be caused by a failing PCB. But, with enough time of ignoring the PCB issues, it will result in head issues too. That said, yes their diagnosis could be correct.

So, what am I saying? It is not uncommon for less experienced data recovery guys to make a wrong diagnosis and for more experienced labs to take advantage of their client. If their quote is too high, it might be worth sending to a lab you can trust for a second opinion.

With that in mind, knowing that you aren't willing to spend more than $150 on the data, you might want to try to order a new PCB through a company that will program the donor to match for you. If that fails, you know that it is more than likely heads and there is no point in your bothering to try and do that yourself....you will just spend lots of money on parts and end up with two or three dead drives.

Good luck

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Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

Congrats on being the first user Ive seen able to put a definitive $$ value on their data. Definitely helps in suggesting DR options knowing that up front I would think.

Two days ago my disk arrived from analysis and I saw it hasn't been opened! Maybe problem is PCB, not with heads, so I will try to get donor.

I can't sent private messages (We are sorry, but you are not authorised to use this feature. You may have just registered here and may need to participate more to be able to use this feature.), so I can't reply to user Mikippp. Could you write him to contact with me on my mail ***?

Now I can send messages, so I will contact with Mikippp
I just bought two disks: one with the same model and second with the same PCB. I costed around 15$ with shipping and I will get it on tuesday.