Seagate Cheetah Medium Error - Medium Format Corrupted

[Gianna]

Hi There

I have a Seagate Cheetah 36GB, 10K SCSI Ultra320 drive that has gone into error, with the error being:
Sense Key: 03h
Sense Code: 31h
Sense Code Qualifer:00h
I understand that this means Medium Error - Medium Format Corrupted.

I want to be able to recover data from this drive in some manner.

Firstly, can data typically be recovered from a drive with such an error?

If so, what is the recommended method to do this?

And where are the associated tools available from?

I understand from somethings I've read that the problem may be in the system area. Also not sure if PC3000SCSI could be of help

Appreciate anyones assistance or guidance to this issue.

[TerraNova]

I've had similar case, unfortunately data could not be recovered due to media scratched. I dont think pc3000 scsi would help.

[Gianna]

Thanks

I have read in a few locations that implied problem may be able to be fixed by either writing something to the system error and/or possibly re-installing/upgrading firmware.

Hopefully someone out there may have had a positve experience they may point me in the right direction.

Gianna

[beto]

that´s problem or its a SA problem "translator ", or MHA very common on Seagate Chettah, and SAS too this failure doenst solve updating firmware, or reinstalling

Best Regards

[BlackST]

Ditto.

[Gianna]

So I assume I should try another host adaptor, if that doesn't work it is probably the System Area translator.

If it is the System Area translator is it possible to fix in any way

Thanks

[BlackST]

With hw tools and knowledge, yes. It's the hdd not the scsi card. No free sw and no emule can help. Time to call a pro... Maybe the data now becomes not important as you'll have to pay. Anyway diagnose is needed for evaluation.

[Gianna]

The data is important so I suppose I will have to wear the cost!!

Are either of Seagate Data Recovery Service or Ontrack any good ?

[BlackST]

They are professional DR firm but probably they will charge you an arma and a leg. Where are you located ?

[beto]

jajaj that company will charge your "soul" too jajaja on the quote

Regards

[Gianna]

I'm located in Australia.

They have given me indicative costs ranging from $600 to $2200. However, the data is more valuable. My only worry with anyone is that I don't give it to someone who doesn't know what they are doing and I assumed the drive manufacturer may have better luck or better tools.

The drive does not display other typical faults such as clicking or grinding. The drive also spins up normally. So I hope that there is little or no physical damage to the surface.

[BlackST]

Gianna, before sending to Seagate or Ontrack (btw Ontrack if I'm not wrong is owned by Seagate itself) I'll get the drive checked by a SKILLED PRO with the appropriate equipment, of course it is near impossible - the drive doesn't make weird sounds or abnormal behaviour, it simply doesn't start correctly - to diagnose without seeing the drive. After that, I'll send to Seagate or Ontrack or reputed DR firm (talk with them before).

Right today I got a call from a customer who need advice for DR (fallen HDD) . He's sending me via express courier the drive for an evaluation, the case is almost desperate (too long to tell) but anyway I'll give a look. There's nothing to loose at this point so everything is welcome, in the worst case (i.e. badly damaged surface) the cost for the attempt is reasonable, but I always try to be honest and don't give more expectations than allowed. In any case I have to see the drive and analyze it phisically. I think the same will be for you.

[Gianna]

Just an update, sent to Seagate, they appear to have recovered most if not all files, I should recieve drive back early next week (it took a bit of time), the have indicated the following was the issue "The drive required a head transplant in order to gain access to the data, read errors and system area damage was also present and corrected. We have no way of knowing what caused the failure. "

Not sure if that is of any help to anyone else.

Thanks for all your replies.

[BlackST]

The suspects were on the translator or MHA itself (magnetic head assembly)... so the conclusion. It's strange the drive didn't click. maybe ONE of the head, not relevant for starting but much relevant for data, instead.

Regards.

P.S. if possible, keep us informed about the end result of the recovery and - if you wish and if it's not too personal - the total amount.

[beto]

Hy black st at some cases on seagate chettah , with size 0 problems, its caused by an MHA, problem i had check that, very strange but on segate scsi, an MHA problem, not always its knocking

Regards

[Doomer]

Gianna
Sometimes Cheetahs ended with weak heads and the heads kill SA on the last breath
So first tech should change heads stack and after that fix corrupted SA and some read errors definitely will be on the platters because of all that
It is pretty much standard routine for DR
IMHO

BTW - you lucky you got most of the data

[Doomer]

btw Ontrack if I'm not wrong is owned by Seagate itself

I can assure you that is not true at least for now

[hddguy]

I can assure you that is not true at least for now

Do you work for either of the two?

[Nationwide DR]

Seagate Data Recovery is just Actionfront rebranded. Ontrack is owned by Kroll, but they have purchased lots of other companies, IBAS, VOGON etc.

[Doomer]

I can assure you that is not true at least for now

Do you work for either of the two?

I am working for Seagate Recovery Services