all those firmware updates can update only working firmware. Yours is corrupted, the drive cannot initialize properly.

because you ask them, are you ?

Ontrack has only PC3000
ActionFront rulez :)

Have you tried Ontrack's Remote Data Recovery? There's a firmware case study on this page: http://www.ontrack.com/special/0806rdr.aspx
I think they've upgraded since PC-3000, but they have live chat on their website now, so you can ask them there about firmware http://www.ontrack.com

I can't find anything about disk firmware, could you quote it ?

hi to all...

I have also a Maxtor 6L020J1 and it work pefectly. I try to update it the firmware but surprise also appears the same messages:

"dmc _download_timeout" or "Time out waiting for ready" or "busy time out"

This is the complete procedute to update that the maxtor send me:

1. You will need to extract the drflash.zip file, which will give you a drflash.swf file, you will need to rename this to dload.exe, which you need to double-click, which will ask you for a blank floppy, on which it will create a bootable disk which you will use to boot your system with to a DOS prompt, i.e. A:\>.

2. You will need to extract the Dload.zip, change name of the NewDload.swf file to NewDload.exe & firmware file, i.e. va111630-00.zip or bace1g20-1e.zip, onto a 2nd blank floppy. There will be the firmware file & NewDload.exe files on the 2nd floppy when this stage is complete.

3. Place the first bootable floppy that you created in the floppy drive & turn on your system, if it doesn't boot to this floppy you will need to change the boot sequence in your bios to either floppy or removable, whichever applies to your bios. If you are not familiar with this process you will need to refer to your motherboard documentation or contact the OEM manufacturer of your system.

4. Once you reach a DOS prompt, i.e. A:\>, you will then remove the first bootable floppy from the floppy drive. Then insert the 2nd floppy that you created, at the DOS prompt, you will type "newdload", then press the "Enter" key. This will start the firmware loader.

5. When the loader is done loading you will see the below Main Menu: At the top it will say Power Controller Configuration. Below is the sequence you will need to perform to properly load the firmware update.
a. Select the 2nd option using the Up/down arrow keys: PPT power module

b. The 1st option should already be selected: Automatically use first Maxtor drive, and then press the “Enter” key

c. Select the 2nd option using the Up/down arrow keys: DMC package download single - ******is showing the firmware on the drive here ******, then press the "Enter" key

d. The next screen will display the DMC file to select; it will default to the one that is on the floppy. Press the “Enter” key.

e. The 1st option: Perform the Download Now will already be selected. Press the “Enter” key.

f. You will see the below message displayed on the screen when the firmware update is being loaded:
Downloading DMC file in a single operation. On screen progress display is unavailable

g. When the firmware update is successfully completed, you will receive a success message, and message: “Press “Space Bar” or “C” to continue. Use any other key to exit.

h. Press “Space Bar” or “C” keys, which will return you to the main menu. You will perform the above steps down to Step C. You will then be able to verify if the firmware was properly loaded. If it is then press the “ESC” key several times, this will take you back to a DOS prompt.

i. You can then power down the system, and if you have any other drives to update you can connect them at this time. Then place the first bootable floppy back into the drive and continue from #3 at the top of this document

Just the messages appears during the "f" step.
Now I think that must be an explanation for those messages and therefore doesn't depend of the maxtor HD SATA 500Gb MAXTOR mod. MAXLINE
7H500F0. Is there an operation to do before firware upgrade? I must select a particular jumper configuration? Or depend from ICH5R controller?

excuse but before upgrade firmware I do not must "unlock" the hd?

for information... I make the entire operation of the upgrade firmware from boot usb pen drive and not as floopy? Can depend from it?

??

nobody???

???

Your repeated impatient pushing is really annoying. Anyone who can help you will do it. But if you are so impolite, people may decide no to help you. Think about it.

Regards,
weaker

could someone send me a file dload.exe maxtor one and firmware for the diamond plus 9. thank you

dload would upgrade firmware not repair and firmware curruption .

I still recommend you to send it to DR Company if Data Still very Important for you.. I think Firmware Upgrade tool from maxtor can not help you much. Mostly Maxtor Come with Corrupted F/w. maybe maxtor F/w Upgrade can repair it and you can see your drive detected as well but HOW ABOUT THE DATA INTEGRITY.. if you lost it then it is a big case and hard to get it back.

that is not as easy as you think, Not as easy as flash ROM In Mainboard.

Thanks

Yes, "firmware update" not "firmware repair".

Two completely different things!

To update firmware, it must be working first, not broken like this one is.

Sorry for my reply, but I "really" think that you send the 500 Gb HDD to the Data Recovery Company nearest to your place. Mixing things up with no appropriate tools will just making it more difficult to recover the data. You said the data is important, right ?

Just don't do anything if you don't know what to do. People here wants to help you. They already told you it's firmware problem. And yes, I can assure you that there is no software solution for that....

There is only one solution : Hardware based (and yes : it's expensive....)