I have 2 drives that would be nice to get data off, but backups recent enough that the cost in hours of redoing lost work is roughly equal to the super discount cost I got quoted.
(1/3 the original quote)

So that's enough incentive to try and learn but not so much as to get too emotionally involved.
I'm interested in learning more, I've done PCB swaps, and software recovery for years, no big deal.
but the drives are 2 platter 2.5" seagate drive with 2 platters (320GB 7200.4)

I've got two bad drives one with head damage and one with head and motor damage.
(Dual HD laptop with severe trauma.) I hope at least one PCB is OK, if not I've got a donor drives that matches pretty close as far as I can tell from all the seagate #'s.
I've also got a non-close match of the same model to play and practice on. Hopefully I don't kill it too quickly so I can get some practice out of it.

So I'll practice on another drive first, take heads out and put them back. (they are on a ramp)
"clean room is a Tupperware, in a clean room."
I've got anti static gloves and ESD tools.

I've read a lot here and elsewhere, but not 100% clear about head alignment.
Heads are locked when the drive is powered down.
Heads will crash into each other without a drive or ramp between them.
Why will heads touch?: magnets or just natural inward pressure of the arms?

Head alignment is important, but can be done by hand.
the "alignment is the horizontal alignment of the heads not the head spacing as that' is basically the width of the patter right.
but heads are locked, I'm guessing that lock will be disengaged when I remove the head assembly?
Should I try and move the ramps with the head assembly, or just get the heads onto the ramp in the other drive?

But the second drive that won't spin is probably only achievable by a platter swap due to locked motor. I hear that's close to hopeless from comments here, and if I'm still in the game after the first drive maybe I'll have some stupid questions about that.
Unless there is another way to deal with a platter/motor spindle that does not spin.
My first stupid question would be, if it's so important that the platters stay aligned they um, why the blazes are the made so that they spin independently?

oh and if anyone knows what numbers are crucial for a match on Seagate drives.
or where to get them other than ebay.
mine are:
Momentus 7200.4 320GB
ST9320423AS
PN: 9HV14E-285
FW: 0002SDM1
sn 5Vh0PS7N
sn 5VH0Q069
Site: WU
Date: 10141 corresponds to 2009 October 3rd

thanks for any advice.

Redo your lost work and move on with your life, otherwise:

1) spend your money on parts
2) spend a lot of your time trying to perform recovery
3) get frustrated and angry
4) Redo your lost work and move on with your life

_________________
www.datarecoveryne.com

Thanks, I already consider it a given that I will redo lost work; parts money spent.
Desire to learn intact.

Very well,
Your first approach with the unit that has bad heads is to do a very careful swap. Since these drives have unloading ramps all that is necessary is a set of head spacers. I like to use tyvec fabric, the kind used in floppy drive cleaning disks. It is lint free with a rough enough surface that it will not stick to the heads. With the greatest of care and a good role on the dice you should be able to swap the heads without damage. Now what about head alignment? Well if the SA reads the first time you can begin offloading sectors that read with out errors. After that, well, we will need to discuss further.

I always admired Don Quixote, there is just something romantic about chasing windmills.

Best of luck, and may the best hard drive win.

_________________
HWHacker
Smiles

Love it. Good luck :O)

"clean room is a Tupperware, in a clean room."

_________________
All went well until I plugged the drive in.

My advice would be to consult your personal deity, he is the only one that can help you with this one.

Tupperware... I always thought that a clean room was any room BEFORE I come in with my boots on...

Site WU....

I cant wait for the results of this case!