Maxtor 6L300SO unable to access data

[nor_way]

Hi,

As posted in the subject I have a Maxtor 6L300SO hdd normally placed inside a cabinet of type OneTouch III.
Recently I discovered that the disk weren't dicovered either in BIOS or in device manager.
Downloaded Seatools and the program can see the disk but not the data. Tried then the free version of Stellar Phoenix NTFS data recovery. The appl. scanned for 24hours+ and then started all over again.
The disk is powering up normally and spinns normal without any noice.
Could this be solved by recovery software or by replacing the PCB?
As far as I can understand from reading through this forum, replacing the PCB is not allways easy.
After a search on ebay I found this PCB: http://cgi.ebay.com/Maxtor-DiamondMax-1 ... 35a6e4c774

Would this match the one on my hdd?

HDD:
Model 6L300SO
Code: BACE1G20
Chip:040125400
Board: Sabre-S 302071101

Can any of you help me out with this? I was offered a pro recovery for €1100 here in Norway but that is way over my budget.

The disk was locked with a password in the Maxtor Software following the OneTouch III. Will this have any effect on the ability to access the data?

Attachments

[craig6928]

yes that will help you

but as the drive is password locked that information will be stored on the platters themself.
if im correct and allso the pcb.

i could be wrong

this is why it stopping you reading the data of the disk drive

but as its not seen in the bios its more likely a fault with the pcb board or headstack is at fault.

we do unlock services

[CK]

PCB replacement will NOT help you. Based on your post, there seems to be no mechanical fault with your drive.

I imagine your enclosure is at fault, but as you set a password on the drive, this will need to be removed before you can access your data. The password is stored in the System Area on the drive and NOT the PCB.

If you are unsure about how to proceed, I suggest you get a second opinion - it is likely that recovery will cost you FAR less than what you were quoted. Lots of members, including myself, are in Europe if you are happy to ship it outside your country. Perhaps you could try sending a PM to Mr Spokk on this forum, he is in Sweden.

[nor_way]

Thanks for your replies.

Ok so if I understand you right, even if I have the maxtor application and password, a PCB swap wouldn't make me able to access my disk?
I've tried to read my self up on hdd's, so I just wonder how you can conclude that a PCB swap won't work?
I'm guess you're right, I just wonder what symptoms that made you so sure?

The disk is by the way removed from its enclosure and connected via a usb-ata adapter, if this makes any difference.

[pepe]

Hi,

PCB is the least likely component causing your problem. If it is pwd locked, swapping the pcb will not give you a solution.
U need somebody knowledgeable in maxtor FW repairs and having tools to do that.
A DR firm would be a good choice, there are many guys here able to help you, but u need to send the drive.
We can also do it for a part of that price.

pepe

[nor_way]

Ok think I get it. I've allreayd sent some PM's so lets hope that he's willing to look into it.
Thanks for your help so far.

[CK]

so I just wonder how you can conclude that a PCB swap won't work?

Knowledge & experience

[nor_way]

Just to give you an update in this one.
I sent my disk to Sweden to Mr_Spokk for repair. He showed excellent service and returned my folders on a backup disk within just a few days. Thanks for excellent service and reasonable prices.

[CK]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad it worked out well for you.

And well done to mr_spokk It's always nice to hear when a forum member gets a good result and a happy customer