Hi guys,
I just picked up a Hitachi Deskstar 7k2000.b HDT721010SLA360 1TB hard drive for cheap, but the condition was unknown. When I plugged it in, it spins up to full speed for 5 seconds, then spins down and can't be read by any computer or adapter. Is this a PCB problem? Can I replace the PCB easily myself?

Here are some pics of the PCB: http://goo.gl/6Bhgc

Thanks,
JGAN

Correction: It's a 7k1000.b drive. Also, I checked everything that looked like a diode with a multimeter and they all had resistance.

I would say that heads are gone, if you put your ear close to it can you then hear a faint clicking sound during the calibrationprocess?

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Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se

When is the calibration process? I don't think there is any clicking when it is plugged in.

It's when the drive spin up, put your ear against the drive and power it up...how does it sound...any faint clicks?

_________________
Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se

No clicking at all, spins up like normal.

I just accidentally booted up the drive without the controller fully on to the hard drive - one chip did not touch the board. Without this chip, the hard drive didn't shut down, but it still wouldn't be recognized by the computer. The chip is in an indent on the bottom of the hard drive, contacting the unexposed side of the PCB. It is a 22-pin transistor, with "A1A6 N6NC" on it. Any clue if this is related?

I think when only the motor connector is connected ,then the drive (will not shut down) keep spinning.
In your case , the heads are trying to read info from the platters , and spinning down when they fail to do so, hence suggested to listen for faint clicks by the member mr_spokk
Mostly this drive has some internal faults , and not PCB fault as you think .
So if you dont want any data from it, go for another drive,

NOT PCB fault.

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http://www.pcimage.co.uk

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Ok thanks guys. If anybody wants to buy the PCB, it's a 0A58786