Hi guys,

I have got a WD hd (wdbabv5000abk) which is kinda old.
The problem is that I hear the hd spins but it does not work while it is connected to my pc.

Note: previously I was able to hold the usb cable in a certain direction and have the hd works. but it does not work anymore.

QS: is there anyway I connect the hd via a SATA cable (I see some pin near the usb socket but I do not know what it is)

appreciate your help

If the USB port is built right on the drive (Passport models & newer Elements models) the only way to get a SATA connection is to set up a new PCB board from a compatable SATA model and transfer the ROM chip. (U12). The pins can only gain Terminal access which won't be much use for recovering data.

This thread has the numbers to match between USB and SATA boards: http://www.data-medics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13

However you should know that the data is almost certainly encrypted so it may not do any good unless you have a tool like PC-3000 that can decrypt it.

Your best bet may be to seek professional data recovery.

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If I'm not mistaken, WDBABV5000ABK is an Elements drive, therefore it shouldn't be encrypted. But I could be wrong. I have seen this model on older Elements SE drives, which didn't have the USB bridge embedded on the PCB. They were SATA drives with USB adaptor in their case. USB 2.0 drives.

OP can clarify.

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Looks like its the USB port thats causing the problem from what you have said. Just take the drive out of the case and take it to a electric repair shop and have the re-solder the USB connection. It should work again if there is nothing else wrong with it. That job should be very cheep... or you can do it yourself if you have soldering skills.

Shane

I found today that the original model number is "WD5000BMVV"

I am not still sure that whether there are any connector to SATA for the 12 pins near the usb cable or not.
any idea how to fix the usb port myself?

thanks again for your kind help guys. you rock

There is a slight possibility your USB connection might have some issues, but not likely.
You have to find compatible SATA board for your drive, modify it, image the drive and then decrypt it. Those drives could be very painful, if there is some other issues involved besides connection.
Good luck.

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Thanks
Any idea about how to modify it? I guess it would be hard to do it for me who has not ever done any professional soldering...

any easier solution? (other than taking to a specialist ) )

Any easier suggestion?

Thanks in advance

In the unlikely event that you have a PCB fault, find a PCB supplier who will transfer the "ROM" (aka "BIOS") for you:

http://www.hdd-parts.com/13032620.html

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Unfortunately, that board does not match mine. (since it seems board number should exactly match)
lets see if I can find any specialist in Houston