Need a hint for data recovery

[dr_blob]

Hello, after some study of old posts I come to a point where I need a hint on how to go on.
Any answer is welcome.

Damaged HDD: MAXTOR DMax+9 6y060L0420411 YAR41VW0 CALYPSOIII
Failure: inverted AT connector --> HD completely died
Recovery: replaced original PCB E4FYA with new D8FYA (same chips SMOOTH 1.0, Ardent c5-c1 040110200 and ROM 25P10)
Current status : there is a minimal sign of life now, the disk start spinning, the head produces some bad rumors for 30 sec then stops and disks continue spinning, the BIOS "see" a CALYPSO HD but is not able to recognize cylinders, sectors etc... HD is not visible in Windows.

Now I ask you which option you would suggest to spend next efforts (target is data recovery):

1) Replace the ROM of new board with ROM from old board
2) Put HD in safe mode and try some recovery software (it's a complex world, I tried to read some manual ...HD doctor...PC3000 ... HDD repair: up today I've not understood if any of them may be helpful in a situation like this)
3) Try replace the pre-amp (actually before replacing pcb I checked the diodes between ground and -5V,+5V on pre-amp connectors and they seems OK), I know it's a very difficult task... a friend of a a friend of a friend ... works in a clean room laboratory.

Thanks again
dr_blob

[BlackST]

You need a PRO not a HINT, maybe. I think it's beyond your possibilities if you really need the data, otherwise keep on trying but the data is at risk if not gone for sure.

[N.C.]

Hi dr_blob,

If i understand right, you are lucky, your preamp is OK, and need only a matching PCB with the same E4FYA number.
Go on, and replace the PCB.

Regards,
Janos

[dr_blob]

NC.. I also think the pre-amp should be OK. But I think the F8FYA should be the same as E4FYA, all the main chips are the same.

BlackST... why do you say it's beyond possibilities: head and disks are ok and I already replaced the pcb... I should not be too far from solution (if the pre-amp is not gone).

Thanks for the answers , anyhow if no other suggestions will come, I'll go on with the easiest of the three steps, the swap of the 8-pin ROM chip.

dr_blob

[N.C.]

NC.. I also think the pre-amp should be OK. But I think the F8FYA should be the same as E4FYA, all the main chips are the same.

Trust me.
If the preamp is dead, can make 2 result:
1. the pcb smoke again
2. the drive only clicking crazy.

You need a matching loader (in MCU) and config. (in 8 pin eeprom) = you need a matching pcb.

Thanks for the answers , anyhow if no other suggestions will come, I'll go on with the easiest of the three steps, the swap of the 8-pin ROM chip.
dr_blob

If the loader and config not match, the drive wont spin up.
Thats what happening, if you change the rom only.

Janos

[susan]

I think :

1)Put HD in safe mode and try some recovery software . it can help you to find out the wrong about the HD.

2)if it's wrong about fireware then the HD doctor or others can repair it. untill the BIOS can see your HD, then you can use POWER DATA EXTRACTOR. it can copy all the data.

3)if can't, replace the relative accessory.

[dr_blob]

Thanks to susan and N.C... so after your suggestions I'll try the software way first, at least for a diagnosys.
N.C. so loading a new firmware without replacing the ROM chip could result in working HDD (without corrupting data)?
I'll find a way to do that ... but if you can give any direction you'll receive another big , trivial , happy THANKS .. and a paid dinner when you'll come to Milan.

dr_blob

[N.C.]

Hi,

I think you have only an electrical problem.
If you want to touch the firmware, you can make more mistakes.
Additionally you don't need it.
I suggest, only change the pcb with a matching model, or another one. The DM9 has a lot of compatibiliti, and you have a big chance to find a matching one.

Good luck!

Regards,
Janos