Hi,

my disk isn't recognized anymore in the BIOS. At startup it spits out the error "primary hard disk failure". In the BIOS the disk isn't recognized. It says: calpyso and all 0's for the values.

Will I be able, or would it be worth to try, to replace the PCB and get some data back?

Here are some pictures of the disk:
http://www.brokendroid.nl/maxtor/front.jpg
http://www.brokendroid.nl/maxtor/back.jpg

I noticed there is an extra chip located on this pcb, is it possible to use a PCB that does not have an extra chip? I have seen a video where someone replaces this chip.
Do i need a pcb that already has a chip itself, or could i just put my chip on the board without a chip?

thanks,

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SEO Eindhoven /

Its not a pcb problem its a firmware issue you need to find a pro .

Yessss.... Firmware OR head problem or both (head problem that lead to FW corruption).

I thought the firmware was located on the PCB in a chip somewhere, isn't it?

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SEO Eindhoven /

NO. It's not a cell phone. There's one part on PCB (in your case just what it takes to start) and the most relevant and UNIQUE data for each drive is ON THE PLATTERS and loaded at startup.
And now before you ask how to do something on your own : specialized HW+SW tools (assuming you have the know how) cost thousands of EURO. A quick solution is to find a pro near you who knows his stuff.

this PCB with ROM chip. but it's no the point. problem no on PCB. problem perhaps like they said. is there any clicking sounds?

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data recovery service[/b]

hard to describe, let me try... maybe there is a soft "click" at the start, then a short high "skweeking" sound, like a spin-up, then there's nothing...

There's not really important data on the disk, just some holiday-pictures, so i was hoping maybe to have some luck with replacing the pcb to try to get some pictures of it, not so important to spend hundreds of dollars on it to get them back. A replacement pcb/hdd is available for around 20$ which is not so much. that's why I was hoping this would have a chance..

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SEO Eindhoven /

The probability that the PCB is at fault for me is 1 to 5 % but in thousands of drives seen it happened effectively only a couple of times. Try if you want, ask for same PCB same code same specs. The worst thing to happen is that you have a useless spare PCB or a spare drive.
The symptom you described is usually related to firmware problem OR heads or Heads that made problems to firmware.
It seems the typical Maxtor sound : unpark heads then a high pitched sound like "zzziinng" with a click at the end then nothing and the drive keeps spinning.
Variant : unpark heads and partial recalibration then nothing.
With the appropriate equipment I diagnose it in less than 5 seconds.
It's not a hundreds $ recovery but much less depending on the effective problem. but should see the drive
Well, at the end of the story, if your holiday photos are not worth a recovery, there's always Google, Google Earth / Street View + Photoshop

If you are going to replace the PCB, you may like to read this thread.

How To replace Maxtor Calypso III board:
howto-how-replace-maxtor-calypso-iii-board-t5977.html

This photo has some annotations:
http://www.dataclinic.co.uk/data-recove ... psoIII.jpg

Replacing PCB at least in this case is useful like a tit on a bull. the probability of having only the read channel KO are less than 5%. Only if the PCB has particular damage can give these symptoms while drive still partially works.

I didn't suggest that the OP replace the board. My rule of thumb is, if the drive spins, then the PCB is probably OK.

In any case, it will only cost $20, in parts, to find out if the fault is one of those rare 5% chances.