Question

[Mr Wolf]

Sorry for my ignorance, but do I need a special hardware to use this software, or I just need the software?

'cause here:
http://www.acedre.com/contact.html
it says:

Does PC-3000 for Windows support 2.5" HDDs?

Yes, the package of PC-3000 for Windows includes a special PC-2" adapter for connection of 2.5" HDDs to the PC-3000 PCI board. The software portion of the complex includes specialized utilities for 2.5" drives manufactured by Hitachi, Toshiba, Fujitsu, and Seagate. On-going development of specialized utilities for IBM and Samsung 2.5" HDDs is under way.

PC-3000 for Windows kit
PC-3000 PCI card
PC-3000 software application
Adapter PC-USB-TERMINAL
Adapter PC-2 (for 2.5" HDDs)
Adapter PC-SEAGATE
Adapter PC-SEAG. SATA
IDE interface cables
PC-USB-TERMINAL cable
HDD-10 cable
User Manual
ACEDRE technical support
Access to Online Forum
Software Updates
FTP Access to Database with Firmware modules and Loaders

[rchadwick]

PC3000 is a combination of hardware and software. As I'm sure you've found, it's expensive, and there really isn't a way around it.

[Mr Wolf]

Ok... but since I'm reading a lot of posts on this forum, I thought a lot of users are... using just the software

So, for example, it doesn't work if I try to use it with the hard disk of my notebook, or with an external hard disk?
Do I need the hardware that comes with the software?

[CK]

Short answer = YES

[Mr Wolf]

I see
So... all those guys bought the software???

[rchadwick]

Software and hardware, yes. The hardware, in addition of a number of adapters, IDE and Serial, consists of a PCI card.

[rchadwick]

You can use a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter for laptop drives. For external drives, you need to remove them from the enclosure and connect them directly.

[CK]

I see
So... all those guys bought the software???

I'm not sure what you're getting at, but if you mean "Can I get an illegal copy", yes you can, but it's useless and you would be wasting your time and $$$.

PC3000 is a hardware + software package and should only be purchased from ACE or their official resellers.

[Mr Wolf]

That's what I meant: so, if you get the software and you don't have the hardware, it's useless

Then, why much users who post here ask for firmware and so on?

But... rchadwick seems to have said instead it's possible to use the software without special hardware

[rchadwick]

I never said such a thing. I don't think anyone has. I think your wishful thinking is clouding what you think you hear. PC3000 is hardware AND software. One doesn't work without the other. There are bootleg versions, but they don't work right, still require hardware, and they are around $600. Since you seem to be looking for a nice neat package you can just download for free, I suspect even the bootleg version is out of reach.

Do you know why everyone is asking for firmware? Have you considered there are professionals on here, and they have actually purchased one or more PC3000 units? This isn't a warez forum. What you're doing is like going to a Law Enforcement forum, and ask in all seriousness how to grow primo grade ganja in your basement.

[Mr Wolf]

OK, ok

But you wrote:
"You can use a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter for laptop drives. For external drives, you need to remove them from the enclosure and connect them directly."

So you referred to the hardware which comes with the software???

But... if professionals bought PC-3000 units, why can't they get the firmwares from the company who made PC-3000?

Always here
http://www.acedre.com/contact.html
it says, under "Does PC-3000 for Windows support 2.5" HDDs?":
FTP Access to Database with Firmware modules and Loaders

[rchadwick]

Earlier, you wrote:

"So, for example, it doesn't work if I try to use it with the hard disk of my notebook, or with an external hard disk?"

Yes, you need a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter, to connect a laptop drive TO A PC3000. If you have an external drive, you have to open the enclosure, get to the bare drive, and connect it directly TO A PC3000. When I say PC3000, I mean the PCI card that installs in a computer. If you don't believe me, maybe you should download a pirate version, install it, and tell us how it works. I suspect you won't find a pirate version for DL, as it doesn't work without the hardware PCI card. Did I mention you need hardware? Oh, by the way, the software doesn't work without the card. El software no functionar sin el hardware.

Then again, you have the ability to ask them yourself: http://www.acedre.com/contact.html

[shahij]

PC3000 is SW-HW Complex. specially made for professionals.

[Mr Wolf]

Ok ok, I'm convinced! No esta noche! Me duole el corazon!

I read somewhere a warning reguarding pirated workstations... which don't work!

But again... why guys who would have bought PC-3000 ask for firmwares here if they can get them from the producer of PC-3000?

[Steve]

But again... why guys who would have bought PC-3000
ask for firmwares here if they can get them from the
producer of PC-3000?

Ace Labs makes pc 3000, they DON'T make firmwares.
while they may have a large repository of firmwares,
they don't have firmware for ALL drives.
Salvation Data also makes tools for working with firmware,
they also DON'T have firmwares for all drives.
I would suspect that there are very few (in any) that have
firmware for every drive made.



PS I think you might consider changing your signature

[CK]

There are a LOT of variants of the hard drives on the market, each of which has a different set of Service Area modules. Although Acelab supply a set of modules, they cannot be expected to provide every single set of modules that would be required to provide 100% coverage for all drives on the market past and present. Therefore, each user builds his/her own database of modules. ACEDRE do provide access to their FTP site for those users who purchased PC3000 from them (they are North American + Canadian dealers ONLY). All users who purchased from ACE Lab in Russia or other legitimate resellers do not have access to this FTP. As such, if I do not have the service area modules for a particular drive that I do not have in my database, I would ask other users as they may have it and vice-versa.

Remember, ACELab merely supply you with the means to fix a drive, the rest is up to the user.

[Mr Wolf]

Ok, now it makes sense!

So, those who buy PC-3000 outside North-America take it up the ass!
Ok, but they can only hope someone has the firmware they're looking for... since PC-3000 is very expensive


Nope, I am and always will be Mr Wolf! Hey, a lot of people breaks me the bal... - pardon - asks for my help!
Now I'm learning something about hard disk issues I've always wondered... and I'm happy I'm in a forum with guys who really know, not lamers!

[CK]

Au-contraire Mr Wolf, those who do buy in the USA get shafted on the price

[Mr Wolf]

Ok, mon ami: if I've well understood, in North America PC-3000 is more expensive, but you have access to their FTP site, while, outside North America, it's cheaper, but you don't have access to it (WHY???)!
So, those who bought it outside North America asks for firmwares and other stuff in this forum or download them elsewhere

[CK]

ACE DRE (Deepspar) are a separate entity to ACELAB, although they are linked. They keep separate sales areas and offer different services. The FTP site is provided by ACEDRE for their customers only. They offer English speaking support natively. Also their PC3000 is packaged with a workstation as far as I remember. I wouldn't be certain that ACEDRE have every firmware available so i'm sure lots of their customers request firmware from sites like this.

As a data recovery company, your database of firmwares should grow although it is likely that you will have to request specific files from other users at some point. It's no big deal!