I have a Maxtor 250gb pata hdd - I need to get the data from it but when it's connected to a power source, I can smell like a burning smell from the pcb. On the pc, I can clearly see one of the vt diodes partly melted on there. Would it work still if I removed the diode from the pcb? I have seen other posts on here with people having the same issue with other hdd's but the same type of diode burning out.

I'll post a pic up of it later, but if anyone can advise, it will much appreciated.

Thanks

*Apologies for the quality of the pics - I'll try re-do them later today. The diode though is the one nearest the left screw on the pcb, the one thats melting.

Hello,

The answer is simple:
Remove the TVS, seek to ANOTHER PC wich have known good PS, try the drive and see it appears or not in the bios!
If yes: Image the drive imediately to another one, and throw away....
If no: Don't left the drive ON!!! Seek for professional help!

If it is possible, use some overcurrent protection circuit for this test.

Regards,
Janos

Thanks Janos Much appreciated for your help. I'll give this a try.

hello,
if this don't work you can contact me and provide me the clear image. send it to me by email. may be your PCB other part have problem also. good luck!

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data recovery service[/b]

Hi Network3000, I removed the tvs chip and managed to get my data from it. I had a lot of my own music productions and templates on there I didn't want to lose... But it worked!

Am happy!

Thanks to N.C. (Janos) too, it worked a treat

the smooth chip has burnt out on mine can anyone help ?