Last week I was in the middle of running a surface scan with TechTool Pro on my Freecom 500g external HD 480Mbit/s (USB 2.0) 2.5” SATA (Samsung HM500LI) I had to stop the process early because I wasn't prepared to wait 17 hours so I clicked the "x" but the app would not quit. I tried ending the application process but that didn't work either. Finally I pulled the hard drive from my MacBook. Now when I plug in the drive, it spins for about 30 seconds then stops. I've tried this on both platforms and get the same result. In OSX I do not see the drive in Disk Utility and in Windows, it does not appear in Disk Management. Before it crashed, TechTool Pro reported a list of bad blocks. I would like to note that the drive was working fine before the surface scan.

I have another Freedom drive which is a 120 gig Fujistu. I opened both cases and switched the drives noting that the good drive works with both logic boards. Unfortunately the bad drive didn't work with either of the logic boards. Was this test moot considering the drives were different manufactures/models?

Can someone offer any ideas of what the problem might be? A local pro wants a $50 bill to look at it and repairs start at $350.

I need help determining what the problem is then whether I will attempt to revive the drive without a proper clean room or professional tools or most importantly any experience. I am prepared to spend a lot of time or money... I just have a lot more time right now.

Most likely some bad sectors caused a corruption of Service Area. In this case you might want to consider professional service or to move on without your data.

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www.datarecoveryne.com

So the fact that it spins for a few then slows down to a halt says that it's not mechanical? Could TechTool Pro have caused this? Thanks

Tool could have been a final drop for this drive, but can't tell for certain.
It is best to diagnose that drive and then move on with appropriate recovery solution.

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www.datarecoveryne.com

What are the chances it is a bad PCM? The drive does not make any clunking noises or ticking. Thanks.

1% or less...

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www.datarecoveryne.com

Does Samsung make software to further diagnose the drive? ie. "Hitachi's HDD Doctor"

So I've decided to take the drive to a pro. What would one expect to pay to recover data from a drive with a corrupt service area? Thanks again

Price will depend on a company you take it to and actual problem with your drive.

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www.datarecoveryne.com

There is a good chance that your problem is more than a firmware issue and could be heads and/or surface damage too. So, I suggest you get the free quote from a place that you feel you can trust.

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Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

Thanks All.

Just an FYI, I took the drive into a pro today and he advised that I find a donor drive with not only the same model number but also matching part #.

Is it critical I match the first few numbers or can it be in the same ball park? What if I can only find the same model? A quick Google search didn't come up with many places that have the drive in stock, it seems to have been discontinued some time ago and this model has been removed from Samsung.com

My Samsung HM500LI drive has a part number of 32981E161A1421

Or rather than hunt down a complete donor drive, should I start by finding a replacement circuit board? Where might I find a replacement?

In my original post I mentioned that I tried this already but it was actually the USB controller board not the hard drive board that I replaced.

IMO a reputable shop should not be asking you to find your own parts

You will most likely be unsuccessful, as there are no universal rules for "match this and that on the label and it will definitely work"

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You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

I hear what your saying drc but I told the technician that I had the same drive at home. After I got home I cracked open the same Freecom ToughDrive but unfortunately the drive manufacturer was different. So what you're saying is the chances of me finding a replacement PCM board to test is slim?

I've decided to tackle this job for a variety of reasons and I thought the first step for me would be to replace the PCM.

Is it okay to post all these questions in this forum? I know you guys are pros and have to make a living. I was just laid off and have all the time in the world and cannot afford the $800-$3000 it will take to fix my drive.

I like to think I am capable of tackling this job over the next few weeks. I just don't know where to begin. Is there an online tutorial, youtube or book I should start with?

Can I get your guys help here or would it be impossible to assist through a message board even with hi resolution pictures/ youtube and skype. I'd even be willing to paypal someone if they gave me there time.

A "pro" telling you to look for a donor yourself is a red flag.

May I ask, what was your criteria to deciding to take the drive to this "pro"?

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Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD, SATA, NVMe, etc), USB Flash Drive and RAID Data Recovery Specialist in Massachusetts

As far as asking me for a donor, I mentioned that I have the exact same drive (later realized that I don't) and he said that Samsung's are not as common as some of the other manufacturers. He mentioned that he would be able to diagnose my drive regardless but that it would be easier if I had the same drive.

They are minutes from my house, have been in business for almost 20 years and have excellent reviews on Yahoo.

PCWarehouse http://tinyurl.com/7eg2jhy

Is there any chance my drive could be fixed for under $800? If not I think I will sit on it until I can afford it.

If so, are there any pros here that would be willing to look at my drive? recommendations? preferably someone within a few states?

I can take a look at your drive.

We are 180 miles NE of NYC.

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www.datarecoveryne.com