Switch to full style
Data recovery and disk repair questions and discussions related to old-fashioned SATA, SAS, SCSI, IDE, MFM hard drives - any type of storage device that has moving parts
Post a reply

wd1200jd-00GBB0 DIY Repair?

November 23rd, 2009, 7:39

I have a 120GB Western Digital hdd which has stopped working. It was manufactured Jan. 2004, I've been using it in my desktop with no problems since summer 2004, the model number is wd1200jd-00GBB0. The computer that it is in had not been used/turned on for several months. After I began to have trouble with the power cable/dc in on my laptop, I began using the desktop again while waiting for a replacement dc jack. After 2-3 days of use (computer on without restarting), it crashed/restarted. Upon reboot, I got an error saying that I had no bootable device. Upon checking the bios, the main hdd was no longer visible. I hear no spinning/clicking coming from the drive. I am wondering if anyone can tell me what could be wrong, and if it would be possible to repair myself.

The vast majority of data from this computer was stored on a RAID 1 array, and backed up on a separate file server. There is a small amount of data on the hdd which broke down that would be nice to have if I can recover it myself, but I would not consider it valuable enough to put out more than $20 let alone $1000+ to recover. The vast majority of data on the drive is just the OS along with installed programs. Pretty much, I am perfectly fine with making the data impossible to recover in my attempts to fix it.

I have the exact same model hdd in another computer which was built around the same time. It has been replaced by a newer/larger drive, and contains nothing of importance, so I could potentially use it as a source of parts. I am not overly concerned with ruining this drive. I am also able to gain access to a clean room if need be. I've never opened up a hdd, and more than anything this would be for fun as a learning experience.

If anyone can give me some direction, I would appreciate it very much.

Re: wd1200jd-00GBB0 DIY Repair?

November 23rd, 2009, 9:46

You have to try replacement PCB on your drive, but it will cost you over $20.00.
New PCB will have to be modified in order to match your drive specs.
Post a reply