Help with a dying (or already death) ST9500420ASG...

[mane]

Hi everybody,

My 500GB seagate hdd on my MBP stopped working the other night while sending some files to the trash and wouldn't boot since.

The hdd model is a ST9500420ASG.

I've purchased a SATA/IDE to USB adapter (the one from Vantec) a connected to a running desktop machine with Mac OS X. This result on the following message:
"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer".

Disk Utility wrote the following to the log..

Type : Disk

Partition Map Scheme : Unformatted
Disk Identifier : disk2
Media Name : ST_M13FQ BL Media
Media Type : Generic
Connection Bus : USB
USB Serial Number : PROLIFICMP000000007
Device Tree : /PCI0/EHC2@1A,7/@2:0
Writable : Yes
Ejectable : Yes
Mac OS 9 Drivers Installed : No
Location : External
Total Capacity : 3.9 GB (4,142,054,400 Bytes)
S.M.A.R.T. Status : Not Supported
Disk Number : 2
Partition Number : 0


When turning power on to the disk it does spin and a few soft clicks could be heard before the disk comes to a stop and seems to stop spinning.

After reading a lot of threads on this forum I've come to the conclusion that the disk might have physical damage and the best option is to send it to a Data Recovery firm and let the pros take a shot a it.

The problem is I can't afford a Data Recovery firm.

Is there some steps I could take to give it another chance, besides a DR shop?

Would be advisable to scavenge eBay and try to find a donor PCB or is the a lost case?

Thanks for your advice.

regards,
Mane

[networks]

The drive probably has bad heads based on symptoms posted. If data is of any value put it on the shelf and wait till you have the funds for pro recovery the cost may not be as high as you expect. Its not a lost case its just not a DIY case.

[pcimage]

"ST_M13FQ BL "

Bad heads

No DIY

[dmarques]

There are different prices ranges done by different companies.

You can try at least to get a free quote.

[northwind]

networks has given you the correct advice here.
It sounds like bad heads to me too.

Buying a new pcb will be just a total waste of money. Save them for a pro later. Sorry, no DIY.

[BlackST]

Bad heads for me too (and possible media damage too...).
This means no DIY : if you can accept the loss carry on and get a new drive, otherwise wait for better times.

[mane]

Thank you for your advice folks.

I've decided to get quotes a seen what can I do from there on.

So far, I've gotten to quotes:
Provider one. $500.00 ~$1,500.00
Provider two. $900.00 ~ $2,000.00

Regards,
Mane

[pcimage]

Sounds reasonable given the complexity of the job and cost of parts (these often require several donor parts due to media issues)

[fzabkar]

http://myharddrivedied.com/hard-drive-recovery

How much does it cost?

"We do an evaluation of hard drive for $50 after which we can tell you what is wrong with the drive, the probability of recovery, and if possible we will provide you a list of recoverable files. After the evaluation the cost of recovery is additionally $750 per a drive, or $200 for Flash USB Drives. If there is a need for parts you will be told the cost of those parts ahead of time."