Hello everyone!
First of all I want to thank you for the existence of this forum! It might save my ass.

I got a minor problem:
The disk was working fine until I accidentally pulled the USB cable while it was inside the harddrive and I guess that it has damaged the SATA to USB controller of this external HDD.

I have tried with 4 different systems and 5 cables but get always "USB device not recognized".
In computer management, it apperas as unrecognized USB device with following device status:
Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)
The ID of the hardware is unknown (this was for Windows 7, x86).
There is no clicking, the drive spins up as usual and orange led lights up.

I stopped by LaCies office and they tried it with another power supply, but that had no effect. The guy said that they can take it in on warranty and repair but they can not save my data (which is pretty damn important to me). So that was not the way to go..

Now I think that the only way to get my precious data is to disassemble the HDD from the case and put it inside a desktop (or use another SATA to USB adapter/controller).

Or is there still another way to get my data before braking my warranty?

Yup. You don't want the USB part, though. Connect directly to an SATA port.

The problem is now: How to take it apart.
I found 4 screws on the bottom of the case. Does anyone know the procedure of disassembly for this drive?

I have not seen this product before, but generally, if it does not fall apart when the screws are removed, pry the housing apart with a large flat screwdriver.

That was what I was thinking. Its getting late though, I am gonna get some rest now. Thanks for help, will be back in 8 hours

Couldn't sleep without at least unscrewing the four screws. That was enough to take the disk out. It is a Seagate Barracuda LP.
I will get to a workstation tomorrow and let you know how it went!

Hi Dabr,

From what you describe sounds like the 7200.11 Firmware problem.. Could you photo the label on the drive just to confirm ?

I vote : Yes

_________________
If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, you probably don't fully understand the situation. ... Mr Kipling

https://www.mjm.co.uk/

Thank you for the optimistic votes!
Here it goes. Its ST31000520AS with firmware CC32

The disk does not seem to be among these ones at least:
http://news.cnet.com/seagate-fixes-7200 ... it-doesnt/

I have checked and it seems like this disc is not among those that are affected with firmware problem.
Come back to you later today when I plugged it to a desktop.

Its fixed, bought a new 3,5" case and its working again!