Seagate hard drive not working

[x_orange90_x]

Hello, I recently acquired a ST31500341AS that is not working. I plug the drive in and when I turn on the computer I can hear the drive spin up, but it makes a sort of 'search' or 'scan' noise. It is not a consistent sound, it goes for a couple of seconds and stops about 5 seconds, and then repeats this pattern until I unplug the power from it. At the same time, the computer will not finish POSTing, it stays on the machines logo screen.

I have read all over here about TVS chip issues, but I need to know, does this sound like that sort of issue? I would like to repair this drive if possible. I do have the tools and a multimeter, I however don't know exactly how to test the chips, or even which chips they are.

I can't exactly explain the sound it makes, but it sounds somewhat like a normal hard drive seeking, just incorrectly, if that makes any sense. Thanks in advance for your replies!

[BlackST]

I do have the tools and a multimeter, I however don't know exactly how to test the chips, or even which chips they are.

If the problem is internal , unless for "tools" you mean HDD diagnostics like PC3000UDMA or so (very unlikely otherwise this thread would not have appeared) , no multimeter or tool can get a bit out of your drive in this case. Sorry for bringing bad news. It is useless and impossible (for you) to "test the chips" as you said if the drive IS spinning or TRYING TO SPIN due to an internal problem OR there is something else. Maybe there's no problem at all at electronics level .
But don't panic (yet!) : the first thing you need is a proper EXACT diagnose (sound can help but it's 20% of the battle).

[x_orange90_x]

Lol by tools I meant torx.. Alot of people don't have them.

Anyway, I understand what you're saying. I can't really describe what is happening in the drive and the sound. Maybe it isn't spinning at all, I do know that it sounds like one of those audio clips of a bad hard drive.

I have drives that purr, drives that click, drives that knock, and all of those I know are bad.. But this drive just doesn't sound as bad, is it possible that the drive can attempt to boot with one of the TVSs burned out? Like it is getting enough power to turn on, but not enough to function?

After reading about the high failure rate and all the horror stories, Im afraid if i do get it to work it will just die again. Thanks for your reply!

[SAjunky]

What messages do you receive from diagnostic terminal? It would tell you more than from multimeter.

[labtech]

Did the drive sustain a physical shock like a drop from table on the floor?

[x_orange90_x]

Hello and thanks for the replies!

I'm not sure about the terminal stuff, as the computer will stay frozen whenever the drive is installed. I can't even access the BIOS to see if it even detects anything. If I am missing something please let me know, I am computer savvy but not really hard drive savvy.

As far as a drop or bang, I don't know what it has been through as I am not the original owner.

[SAjunky]

For testing with terminal, you don't connect to the PC by SATA interface, but 3-wire diagnostic terminal. You need LVTTL to RS232 (or USB) converter and Windows Hyperterminal program. Power on hard drive and watch what report on the screen. There is no other way to know what happened.

[x_orange90_x]

Ok I kind of figured it was something different. Is this something I can make, or do I have to buy this?

[x_orange90_x]

So I plugged the drive back in last night so I could listen to it again. I guess I was wrong about it spinning up, it sounds more like it tries to spin, like a 'pheeew' sort of sound, but every few seconds.

The guy I got it from said he just had a tech guy transfer everything off of it to another drive.. But as for now it isn't working.
I've tried it on 2 different computers and get the same result, with and without the Sata cable plugged in. I was using a sata power to molex adapter that came with my motherboard. That wouldn't cause anything would it?

[northwind]

I understand you do not care about the data inside the drive?
This is a 1.5TB drive, most likely it is still under warranty.

[x_orange90_x]

I actually don't even know what's on it, so no I don't care about the data.

Warranty? I thought the warranty was only 1 year.. If it is under warranty will Seagate cover this?

[labtech]

I actually don't even know what's on it, so no I don't care about the data.

Warranty? I thought the warranty was only 1 year.. If it is under warranty will Seagate cover this?

It depends on what is wring with the drive.
If you go to their warranty look-up link, you can check to see if it is still under warranty.
From what I remember as it may have changed in the meantime, they will ask you to run the Seagate diagnostic tool and see what kind of error the program outputs. I think the type of error may or may not play a role in the RMAing process.

[x_orange90_x]

The drive right now, as described above, is essentially bricked. I cannot even start my computer with it attached, let alone run their software on it. What effect will this have on an RMA?

[labtech]

The drive right now, as described above, is essentially bricked. I cannot even start my computer with it attached, let alone run their software on it. What effect will this have on an RMA?

I understand your point of view, BUT running the diagnostic and further relaying the error info to Seagate are the so called "prerequisite" actions as part of the RMAing process.

Or I could be wrong... Just trying to clarify things and help you.

Best wishes

[BlackST]

If data is of no importance just RMA it - remember you CAN get in return a refurbished drive.

[x_orange90_x]

Labtech, i know what your saying. I hope they understand that I can't give them any code because the computer will not even function with the drive plugged in.

BlackST, that's fine if it's a return, at least it will function. But i want to know something else, will they "snoop" the contents of this drive post-rma? Or do they just wipe them clean. The guy i got it from said there may be music and pictures on it, but i have no idea as i haven't been able to access anything

Thanks for guys' help

[BlackST]

In theory they don't have the time and will to snoop on data, and the data itself should be totally destroyed during the re-certify process - and the drive is not yet working. But if you have heavy privacy concern, you should consider it.

[x_orange90_x]

Another thing I am worried about here is I stupidly tried the freezer trick with this drive to no avail, will this void my return? Or do these drives not have moisture stickers?

[BlackST]

Shhh... They are on this forum

[x_orange90_x]

Lol, seriously though, do hard drives have these stickers