Help Please - WD5000BMVW-11AMCS2

[John^]

Hi Guys,

My partners hard drive has failed.

When connected the computer makes the "conection sound" but it does not show up in my computer (or anywhere else I look).

I have taken it to the computer shop down the road and he has said that it sounds like the drive is fine (no clicking etc) how ever he also cant see/access it.

He has said that the easiest way to fix it (if possible) is to get a new PCB board. Does anyone know where I can get one from? Is it possible?

The back of the drive has the following additional info:

USB
Date: 23 Feb 2012
DCM: HCOT2VB
DCX: 4A20MBSC4
5VDC ---- 0.55A
S/N: WXR1CB144700

It is a HP hard drive but obviously the inside is Western Digital.

Any help would be greatly, GREATLY appreciated.

Attachments

[John^]

I have asked the computer guy to give me the PCB board number, I will post it if he sends it through to me. Unless you guys can determine the PCB board number from the above details.

[pcimage]

Very much doubt it's the PCB if the drive sounds "fine".

You could check the solder points at the USB connection, but it's more likely a firmware issue and or media issues.

In my experience, a lot of non-DR "PC guys" just assume it's the PCB because it's the only thing they can invisage being able to fix/change.

As someone once said on here "if all you have to fix problem is a hammer, then all your problems will look like nails"

By all means get the PCB connections checked, or please feel free to fit a new one, but I believe you'll be wasting your time and money

If you really need your data, then please seek proper pro assistance.

[John^]

Would firmware and or media issues have the symptoms I described, connecting (LED lighting up) but just not showing up on my computer.

[pcimage]

Would firmware and or media issues have the symptoms I described, connecting (LED lighting up) but just not showing up on my computer.

Yes, see it virtually ever day.

[John^]

How much to get it all back?

[northwind]

Very much doubt it's the PCB if the drive sounds "fine".

You could check the solder points at the USB connection, but it's more likely a firmware issue and or media issues.

In my experience, a lot of non-DR "PC guys" just assume it's the PCB because it's the only thing they can invisage being able to fix/change.

As someone once said on here "if all you have to fix problem is a hammer, then all your problems will look like nails"

By all means get the PCB connections checked, or please feel free to fit a new one, but I believe you'll be wasting your time and money

If you really need your data, then please seek proper pro assistance.

100% agree.

[John^]

Hi Guys, could I get some feed back on this: A Data Recovery pro has told me it is the head that are damaged, and it needs to be taken apart in a clean room. the cost will range from $1,750 to $3,500 depending on how quickly I need it done.

Is the damaged head problems consistent with the problem's I have outlined above?

[pcimage]

Hi Guys, could I get some feed back on this: A Data Recovery pro has told me it is the head that are damaged, and it needs to be taken apart in a clean room. the cost will range from $1,750 to $3,500 depending on how quickly I need it done.

Is the damaged head problems consistent with the problem's I have outlined above?

You have PM

[Dmitri]

the cost will range from $1,750 to $3,500 depending on how quickly I need it done.

That's a lovely pricing, I must say.
Should you decide that you're too young to sell your kidney yet, we'll be happy to help if it's OK for you to ship the drive overseas.

[northwind]

Indeed, that price range sounds a little steep to me too.
For this drive, anyway.

[John^]

Thanks guys, we are just figuring out our options. Great forum you have going here.