Samsung HD501LJ not recognized by BIOS

[dan295]

Hello

I have a Samsung HD501LJ SATA Hard Drive that would not recognize by the computer BIOS

When installed it will show not show up as a drive in the BIOS (just reads NONE), therefore the drive will not boot

Steps taken:

0) Backups are 2-3 weeks old
1) Tried different SATA Cable
2) Tried different SATA Port (moved over to port 2)
3) listened to hard drive, no odd or clicking noises
4) Tried in different computer
5) Bought a second identical hard drive (good drive, detects on either computer) with same level firware CR100-12 and swapped the PCB Board
6) Took PCB from bad drive and put it on good drive, good drive still worked fine

Now this is beyond me, I am not a DR specialist but I would send to one if needed, I just don't know who to send the drive to. So many companies on the web but I don't want to send it to someone who only looks for the "easy" fixes (because I have already tried them).

Any help or referals would be greatly appreciated. I am located in Central New Jersey approx 1 hour from either major city (New York or Philadelphia)

Thank you

Dan

[dmarques]

Hi,

Probably your drive has some firmware issue, but needs to be checked by a pro to be sure.
I don't know anyone in NY or Philadelphia. But there are some other pros around from the US.
I can recommend at least 2.
PM me if you need.

[tritonsmoon]

I am having a similar issue with the same model drive. Did you find a solution? Was the drive repairable?

[poehere]

I am having a similar issue with the same model drive. Did you find a solution? Was the drive repairable?

What do you mean repairable? So you can use it again? Not recommanded once a drive fails it is only repairable to get off data then recommanded to change out your HDD. Should not use it again unless you refurbish it then it is possible to use it again depending on the condition of the HDD when you refurbish it.

[tritonsmoon]

once a drive fails it is only repairable to get off data

Exactly. I'd like to retrieve the data on this drive. I was asking if he found a solution just long enough to get the data.

My drive is detected in certain operating systems, but I can find no data. It doesn't make the "click of death" or any other weird noise. To me it sounds normal starting up.

[pcimage]

Almost certainly FW issues, more than likely smart or g-list corruption.