WD 1.5TB external - attempting recovery?

[RiptoRises]

Hi guys,

I'm a new member, and just started having a problem with my 3-year-old Western Digital desktop 1.5TB USB external. Basically, the micro-USB port was pushed in from the casing, and so while fishing around trying to make it accessible again, I made the drive not detectable by Mac or a virtualised Windows. The status light usually flashes, but now, when I plug it in, the light goes solid after about 5 seconds, which to me indicates some kind of read error. But, the drive spins up fine, and doesn't make any unhealthy noises whatsoever; it's just not being picked up by the computer.

It's still under warranty, so WD have said they will send me a new one once I post it back. But, the drive itself isn't really that important - I'd really love to get back its contents, which I've collected over a few years. I've engaged a few data recovery places, and am being quoted around $300. As I'm fairly sure the problem is with the WD casing/interface, I think it should be a pretty easy fix.

So, I come to you guys. My current plan is to open up the casing, and use a SATA/IDE connector to attempt a direct connection from the drive to the computer - that should tell me whether the drive itself is compromised. If I do it this way, how does the power adapter fit in? Will there be an A/C port on the drive itself?

Also, how should I get into this thing without damaging the drive? The WD casing seems pretty solid.

Any other recommendations for recovery definitely appreciated! The bonus of going to a recovery place would be that I presumably wouldn't void the warranty, meaning I could get a free replacement drive from WD.

Cheers,
RiptoRises

[HaQue]

see pm mate

[fzabkar]

Is the drive an Elements or an Essentials?

Is it a My Passport (2.5") or a My Book (3.5")?

[RiptoRises]

see pm mate

Hey HaQue, thanks mate, don't have privileges to respond yet as I'm a new member - could you PM me your e-mail address?

Is the drive an Elements or an Essentials?

Is it a My Passport (2.5") or a My Book (3.5")?

It's an Elements!

Cheers,
RiptoRises

[fzabkar]

Elements models are not encrypted, so you're in luck on that score. However, is it a My Passport Elements or a My Book Elements?

[HaQue]

No probs, as I was saying, this drive I soldered last week or so, under microscope, had Data tracks severed, but power tracks connected, so spun up but no data access. perfect recovery.

green and red circled were torn off PCB

BTW Im driving to Nhill tonight,instead of Melb as usual.. bummer.

[RiptoRises]

Elements models are not encrypted, so you're in luck on that score. However, is it a My Passport Elements or a My Book Elements?

Oh, well that's good.

I thought My Passport and My Book were separate products. But my Elements is externally powered, so I guess it would be closer to My Book than My Passport.

No probs, as I was saying, this drive I soldered last week or so, under microscope, had Data tracks severed, but power tracks connected, so spun up but no data access. perfect recovery.

charlenes.jpg

green and red circled were torn off PCB

BTW Im driving to Nhill tonight,instead of Melb as usual.. bummer.

Wow, that sounds really similar to the problem I'm having - of course you would get way more information from a message board than from the manufacturer...

That's a bugger, I'll send you an e-mail.

Cheers,
RiptoRises

[fzabkar]

A My Book will have a separate USB-SATA bridge board, in which case the actual drive will be unaffected by any damage to the USB connector. Just remove the drive from the enclosure and attach it to a SATA port inside your computer, or install it in a third party enclosure. My experience at WD's forums is that WD's Tech Support will generally give you permission to do this if you ask them beforehand.

[HaQue]

This drive has a USB plug and external DC power plug. Power was fine, USB the issue.

Plug was pushed in

Supposed to look a bit like this but with pins soldered to board... New Connector time!

[HaQue]

Update: After new USB connector was soldered on, drive is working fine. Owner was lucky that the USB legs ripped out of the solder but did not lift or break any tracks. Still amazes me why there is not a plug, short lead going to the USB plug and this assembly fixed to the case. In case of breakage, just unplug and replace with new USB connector assy. A bit like the power plug on some laptops.