What would you do? Heads = toast.

[rdenis]

Right, so I've got a 3500320AS that is toast - as in the heads are toast - probably platter damage too. Sure, I can't be for certain it's the heads BUT....I am sure the heads are toast. Now, assuming the heads are in fact toast I just so happen to have an identical drive that works - it even has the same date of manufacture and location, etc.

Now, this dead drive has maybe a couple dozen files (maybe a few MB each in size) that I'd like to recover if I can. I had a backup of these files at one time but I can't seem to locate them so I will assume they are gone. (Maybe I backed them up on this same drive which would explain why I can't find them...)

Anyways, if I can't recover the files, its not the end of the world but would save me probably a good weeks work of having to recreate them if I needed to.

So, I am at the point of deciding:

1) Send the drive to a Pro - just not sure whether the recovery cost would be worth it. More later.

2) Chucking the drive in the garbage - which may be a likely result since the heads are toast and probably have caused platter damage.

3) Trying to do a head swap without a proper clean room or professional tools or most importantly any experience of having done a head swap - although I have watched some nifty Youtube videos where it looks so easy...


If I look at the data in terms of value to me - i.e. how much would I be willing to spend trying to recover it today, I would say probably up to $1000 depending on the certainty I could recover my files. Now, that probably rules out sending it to a Pro.

If I look at trying to do this myself, I will probably kill a day and likely my drive altogether. Part of me says, what the hell, give it a shot, you are already prepared to move on. The other part of me says, don't bother, its a waste of time.

Either way, this damn drive is costing me money and/or time but so be it.

Anyone have any other ideas?

[freakzy]

Hi, is there "clicking sound" when you apply power on ? Don't do this for long lime, test only for 5 seconds is enough.

[labtech]

There are plenty of reputable companies offering a free evaluation and a solid quote for data recovery.

If you do not like the quote, then can always request your drive to be shipped back to you at your own expense.

The benefit here is that you will at least know what the problem is with the drive and how much it will cost.

Nobody will ever guarantee the recovery of data, therefore legit companies exercise a "no data, no fee policy".

[poehere]

Where are you located in the US. We have some good DR techs that are in California, Georgia and Florida here on the forum let us know where you are and we can put you in touch with one of them. They can check this out of your and if you supply donor drive prices might be cheapter on this one. That is if the donor drive is a good match for this drive that you say is toast.

[lcoughey]

I'd be willing to look at it and consider doing it for $1000 (or less), if you are willing to donate your donor drive for the parts. You can PM me if you would like to discuss it more.

[rdenis]

Luke - definitely interested and if I could PM you I would. Stupid board administration apparently does not allow new members to use this function.

Do you have an email addy you can PM me - supposedly I should be able to view a PM.

Thanks.

[SquaL]

Hi,

check out his web site as well.

[northwind]

I think you ruled out DR Pro help for no reason. $1000 is a fair price for this job, esp. if you supply donor (but again if not, these drives are very common) and assuming there is no platter damage. We do these drives all the time.

One can tell only when inspect the drive.

[lcoughey]

PM sent

[rdenis]

Thanks everyone for the info and the PM's, I will contact Luke.

[lcoughey]

Just to follow up on this. Heads and platters were toast. The filter was black and there was plenty of extra dust floating around.

[northwind]

Damn