How do I fix Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 8 firmware?

[Northern Wind]

Yes, I am another one of those people who has a malfunctioning Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 8 hard disk drive. I am 99% sure it is firmware failure, judging from similar accounts I have read (BIOS thinks it's a N40p etc.). And while I am somewhat computer-savvy, so to speak, but I unfortunately lack expertise on hard drives. So, I was hoping somebody here would be kind enough to impart enough knowledge to me (assuming said knowledge is in existence) to fix this problem. My problem seems very similar to the problem discussed in this thread here.
I have searched the web with a fine tooth comb for ways to fix my problem, but it seems like all the material is either too technical for me to understand, or not applicable to my particular situation.

Apparently, as far as I can understand, this particular hard drive model suffered from unstable heads, which in turn slowly wore away certain sectors on the platters until they had erased the G-list, at which point the computer no longer was able to boot the hard disk, or something to that extent. However, I am not sure how to fix the bad sector or reload the firmware, if that is what is required.

My hard disk drive model is a Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 8, 40 GB, ATA/133.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice rendered.

[BlackST]

You also need specialized HW/SW complex to fix the firmware. If you need the data inside the HDD stop attempts (you stated you don't have tech knowledge), tell where is your location maybe one of the pros here can fix the FW issue or repair the drive for you at low cost (maybe). There's no freeware solution or step by step guide for your problem in YOUR case, sorry.

[BlackST]

Sorry, duplicated post - @ admin, please delete.

[Northern Wind]

Well, thanks for the advice. I suspected as much, in terms of my not being able to fix it myself. The data on the hard drive is not terribly valuable, but I thought it might be worth a try to get it back anyway. Is this a costly problem to fix, or is it relatively inexpensive? Other than the firmware, the drive is in perfectly good shape.

[BlackST]

I don't think it's an expensive issue... post a new thread where you say (if you want, obviously) where you are and then the nearest people who can help you can contact, maybe via a private message.

[shahij]

Agree