Hi guys,

Having some problems with a drive I have in.

- User reported it just 'stopped working'
- Drive spins, no irregular noises
- Data Compass cannot read the drive, displays 4040s
- Cannot perform Defect Scan in HD Doctor. (Throws up an error)

I first thought it was a firmware issue but i feel it may be something more than that. Bad heads perhaps?

Any suggestions what next to try?

Many thanks,
DR

Could try MHDD to see if the drive goes ready? + it will tell you if it has a BIOS password.
Also in MHDD you could check if it gets model, serial & LBA?

Loki

Plugged the drive into windows and it managed to recognise the disk. Looking at device manager it shows the drive is not initialised but throws an error (1/0 Device error).

The computer displays the Hard drive model as 'Maxtor 3()3()()()()()' (Obviously not correct)... So i'm still thinking this could be a firmware problem.

Is firmware corruption a common problem in this family of drives?

Many thanks,
DR

If you have HD DR then you need to read FW and do a FW diagnostic on this HDD. It does not sound like you have check this one at all. Read your Plist and Glist and check errors on your SMART. Report back what you have found out on this one. Just becasue DC report 4040 non read sectors does not mean your heads are bad. To test heads go to FW Download and read the FW mod. Take a non important mod and open it. Try to direct write to the mod. Then save it. After this open the mod again and see if changes are made. Maxtor has a head test on this tool. You can use this too.

_________________
Iorana Haraharaini

Sounds like fw to me

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PC Image Data Recovery
http://www.pcimage.co.uk

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Sounds like you need more practice before you start working on live cases. Your failing to complete basic diagnostics. If it sounds ok then.its firmware.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear in my original post.

When put into HD Doctor, I am unable to load HDD Resources, no error is displayed. Subsequently trying to read from firmware displays an error message : "Index out of bounds"

Bad sectors in the firmware perhaps? May need firmware flash (my 2 cents)

Check your IDE pins and cable/s.

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www.datarecoveryne.com

Thanks for the reply.

Interface pins and power connection look fine

OK, so you get ready in DC, then sector view fails?

You can't load the drive in management resources on HD doctor for Maxtor ?

I'm leaning towards maybe a failed head?

I'm thinking you need better understanding and equipment.

With respect, if this is a "live" clients drive then you seriously should consider outsourcing until you have the necessary equipment and experience.

No offence meant, we all have to start somewhere but need to know our limitations!

SD DR can be a dangerous tool if you click the wrong button, and can kill a drive in instant.

_________________
PC Image Data Recovery
http://www.pcimage.co.uk

New!! HDD-PCB.COM for all your PCB and donor HDD requirements!