Hi all,

I turned the computer ON 2 days back to find out it couldn't detect the HDD anymore. I went to the bios, it wouldn't detect there too. I bought an external HDD enclosure, but when I connect to it the HDD does not seem to power on at all. So from reading online & these forums I figured out chances are high it must be a bad PCB. Is that true?? (I don't think the HDD powers on when connected to comp & when connected to external enclosure).

When does it not display in the BIOS, mainly due to PCB issues right?

I found a HDD that is very similar to mine, but was manufactured 1 month before mine (mine is feb02, the one I wanted to buy is jan02). Some of the serial numbers etc don't match, do you think it would be worth it to give it a shot?? Which is the one number that needs to match for high prob of success??

Here is the hdd that I'm bidding on:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-DeskStar-82-3-G ... dZViewItem

The auction ends in 3 more hours, don't want to miss out on this
I don't have the label for mine with me right now, will post the info in 30-45 mins.

Can I patch the firmware to match mine??

Please help, got very important data & pics.

Thanks!

Some of the info you have posted is unclear and thus you may not get accurate answers.

Lack of BIOS detection could be PCB, but it could also be heads, motor, or firmware. If it is true that the drive doesn't spin, then it probably is PCB related (although there are other causes, too).

The first two lines of numbers on the label on the bottom of the PCBs need to match for a swap. Plus you need to swap the 8 pin ROM IC - IBMs are very ROM specific in my experience.

Jon

_________________
http://www.datasaversllc.com

Thanks for the quick reply.

I can explain whatever is not clear. All I did was keep using my computer regularly, suddenly it stopped working one day. How can I isolate the issue to PCB/Motor/Heads?? It can't be firmware right, if it was working the day before?

Also, how can I figure out which one is the ROM, I see multiple ICs with 8 pins. Its all soldered, so I guess I have to use my giant solder & a few hours to solder it back on the board.

Is there a way to download that particular firware & upload in the new donor PCB?

As always, appreciate your time.

Are you saying that the drive makes no noise at all?
No buzz, beep or anything?
Does it draw any current?

If there is nothing there is a very good chance it is the PCB.

Did you check the fuse? It is a little black chip with a "0" on it by the power connector.

You should not try to swap the ROM unless you have replaced surface mount chips before.

If you get the ROM chip too hot, it will burn out and you are screwed.

Yes your service area firmware can get damaged at any time but your problem is most likely electrical hardware if there is no sound or current.

thanks DRNJ!

Yes, it does not beep/buzz or do anything. It absolutely dead. I'm just hoping its PCB issues.

I ahev found a donor on E-bay who is selling it to me tomorrow. The part number, mlc number match. They are manufactured 1 month away & the first two lines of the serial numbers on the PCB match too. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

BTW, I couldn't find the fuse Next to the power connector i.e. left side of PCB I see R's & C's, no fuse.

Can you explain how to test if the PCB is busted. I'm going to take it out of the HDD, connect it to power supply & use a multimeter to measure. Where & what can I measure to make sure its the PCB. Any precautions before I do it??

I tried to measure Voltage on the motor leads (there are 4 leads that go from PCB to the center of the HDD), nothing. I didn't try anything else.

The fuses are zero ohm resistors.

Did you measure the input current on the 5v and 12v line?

I can't teach you how to debug a PCB in under 1000 pages of text.

The motor receives pulses from the PCB, you need a scope.

Thanks again!
I might take it to the lab & check it out or just wait to try out the PCB on the donor HDD.
I will post later after I try that. I might have more questions at that point.

Appreciate the help!

-Anand