Images:

http://i.imgur.com/SQrmm.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lf04C.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/NlfZC.jpg

Storyline:

Not even a year old yet. 3TB Seagate Expansion that had been removed from enclosure and used internally. Had some good storms come through on Saturday, a couple of power surges, decided to shut down the desktop after the 2nd one. Bring it back up and the 3TB isn't listed. Hear a strange beeping sound (not the Seagate Chirp or Click of Doom). Long story short, put the drive back in its enclosure after cleaning all the contacts on the PCB and it eventually fired up again. Immediately began an online backup - unfortunately, the most important piece on this drive was a 186GB VM image.

Wake up this morning (Tuesday) and notice that the 3TB drive' folders are now missing from my online backup list. Check Windows - sure enough, it's gone. Power down, restart, and hear what isn't really Click of Doom - instead, at boot, drive spins up, then proceeds to seek 11 times (and fail) then spin down. Remove PCB again, give it a more thorough cleaning, no love. Try it in enclosure, still no love.

Start reading up on TVS as I am almost certain it is a PCB problem related to the surge that caused the initial issue. Ohms return 1 (not 1.0.. just 1 infinite at all measurable volumes) one way and -1.0 the other on the 12V and what I suspect is 5V returns 1/infinite 1 way and -1.0 the other. Though when I switch multimeter to 2000K the 5V shows 1158 instead of 1/infinite.. probably interference.

Checked the Ohms on all the SATA power lines, no problems there. Remove PCB from drive entirely and power to it again just to make sure I had good contact. This time, when i go to measure Ohms on 12V TVS I get a quick spark and shut down. I check PCB for damage, don't see anything new, plug back in - no problems from power supply. Put PCB back onto drive and plug in.. now there is no spin up at all.

Check voltage from all SATA leads, fine. Voltage to TVS 5V shows 5V.. voltage to TVS 12V only shows 2.4V?

Is it the PCB or something else entirely? Was the drive seeking and failing indicative of a mechanical problem after all? I can't find this PCB available ANYWHERE (probably because drive is sold as external and OEM only)..

Wondering what to do at this point. Please advise. That VMWare image is about 20 years worth of data..

On the plus side.. I did find the PCB:

http://www.hdd-parts.com/12072701.html

But I'd rather not spend the time and money on it if you think it might be something else. Though I suppose I may have fried the whole thing after the fact.. Please advise! Thanks!

This

indicates there is some mechanical problem with your drive.

This

indicates there is some electrical problem with your drive as well.

To me, surge has caused damage to heads/preamp AND pcb went bad as well so it doesn't look good.
I suggest you consult a pro for this, if my assumption is right then it is definitely not DIY (esp. for these drives). Sorry.

If you want we can suggest valuable members from your area who can help you.

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No comment.



How many dozens do you want? Complete drive or PCB, mint or used... Unfortunately the price is NOT cheap.



And DIY is still an option ?

I figured as much, but figured I'd post as much detail as possible in the event anyone thought a new PCB might be worth a first attempt rather than sending right out to a professional.

If you have recommendations I would definitely appreciate them!

On the positive side, the link I posted has a matched PCB and will do the ROM swap for $50.. but on the downside, it seems the general consensus is there is mechanical failure in addition to the PCB issue.. is that correct?

I am sorry, but those who call themselves Dr Pro do understand. Your post is a summary of omissions in TVS FAQ and in essence anti-FAQ (exploiting any possible omission in the FAQ or other posting on the forum including mine: - all in one post). It is why I assumed it was a troll. Once again I do apologize.

I dont know how far South Carolina from Atlanta is, but I recommend http://www.datasaversllc.com/
Jono can do this for you.

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SandForce SSD Recovery
Ransomware Reverse Engineering - NoMoreRansom! partners

Put it in a waterproof or ziploc bag and throw it into the freezer over night.After you get it out plug it in and use it.Should be good for atleast one read.See if that helps.

And in what way would THAT help?

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Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
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NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!

Ignore this idiot.

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

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

what a nice piece of advice as a 1st. Post...

i guess, we should stop our DR Biz. and buy freezers ... heheh

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The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once. By: Albert Einstein

The freezer myth is hard to die.....

I would NOT be surprised according to what I see on this forum, that a success story about the freezer is going to pop up very soon - eh...uhm, after this post, maybe not...

In any case freezing the drive is at least useless , in the worst case obnoxious.

... then add some garlic, a pinch of salt, put in oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve hot.
Bon Appetit!!

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