Thanks for taking the time to read, I went through the posting, HDD internals, and DIY sections already

I have a customer drive here that would show up in Windows sometimes so I used a LIVE CD with Total Commander to try and copy a few important files, but right now it will just spin slowly and it sounds like the head clicks in and out every 3 seconds then gets me a device I/O error and I cannot access the Documents folder.

This is the information of the drive:
500GB Seagate ST3500320AS, 9BX154-568
FW: SD81
Front: http://i.imgur.com/EehTh51.jpg
PCB: http://i.imgur.com/rilmFK8.jpg
PCB Buy: http://www.donordrives.com/seagate-500g ... 5-pcb.html

From reading it seems like replacing the PCB with this issue would most likely not change anything as the VCM seems to be kind of working(?)

I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions on anything to try next relatively cheaply (<$100, I do not have a PC-3000 to access). I don't mind reading up a bit.
If no suggestions on that front a recommendation where to send the drive to be recovered in the US (West Coast / California greatly preferred) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi Jaws,

I would strongly recommend your last suggestion and would leave it up to one of our US posters to recommend a DR pro.

In lieu of that, the only one i know of in your area is 300dollardatarecovery.
Some may have a better idea and/or have a personal recommendation based upon actual experience.

You maybe able to effect a cheaper fix but is it really worth the risk of screwing up a customers drive to save / make a few bucks?

It's nice to see you offered the suggestion up: +rep.
Some come here after thrashing a drive for days, hoping for some "silver bullet" remedy.

gl
Kern

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Голод не тётка!

Thanks ferret that place looks like a great option to start with. I'll give them a ring. As much as I'd like to attempt fixes I won't be doing it on a sensitive customer drive.

Very sensible

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

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