I have a problem. Yup, the PCB is fried. One of the legs on the largest chip is black and burned like it was hit by an arc welder. I'm not surprised since this drive came from a MyBook which has no fan. Lasted about 1.5 yrs. I'd really like to get several files off, but life won't end if I don't. That said, I don't want to spend $1k, but I might. Just depends on how much of a challenge I have if I try the DIY route.

Here's what I did. First I bought a brand new AAKS and swapped boards. The old board was recognized by my PC BIOS, but nothing more. The new board wasn't even recognized. I didn't know I had to match the 00TMA0 part of the model number. So now I have a new 500GB that I use for backup and a still-dead 00TMA0. I don't know that I was thinking I could accomplish, but I very, very carefully opened the drive. All looked good and healthy and the pillow is clean. The armature moves, but I didn't move it off of it's plastic parking mechanism.

Now my question. I found another 00TMA0 with a PCB that has a number very, very similar to my dead PCB. How close do the numbers have to match? My dead one is
2061-701477-800 AC XC4D05 0QGY A 0007430 7437. The possible replacement is
2061-701477-800 AC XC4D05 1A69 9 0001370 7371. Does the match have to be perfect, or is there a serial number and/or manufacturing site or date embedded? If I try the replacement, is there a chance it might cause data loss? Is there something with the armature that could be an issue (I forgot to see if there was any circuitry on it)?

That PCB sounds fine for replacement but there is adaptive data that you will need to transfer somehow. That PCB sounds new enough that it would be in the processor rather than having external ROM, and if the processor is burned then

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

FYI.. even if original PCB is beyond hope this drive can still be recovered because ROM contents can be re-built from SA (service area) of disk surface. This requires professional services, however.

As the drive has been opened there may be problems with head alignment. western digital drives seem to have the heads aligned using the screw that goes through the lid. This may have affected your drive as the lid has been removed. You would need a pro to sort that out. Get a free quote to see how nuch they will charge but the cost will prob go up as it has been opened.

Indeed; by opening the drive your $1000 dollar recovery has no been upgraded to a $1500-$2000 recovery. The majority of WD desktop HDD heads become instantly un aligned when you remove the lid screw. This was a relatively ($500-$1000 recovery) turned into a much more difficult situation.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news =(

Idiocy! Blessed Idiocy!

Problem is located (burned chip), yet still take the drive apart? Then move the actuator, I'm guessing without the platters moving? Add "Scratch" to the list of problems too now. Possibly head damage too. Definitely $2000, and huge headache to recovery service.

Hey JChad,

I have the same model, wd5000aaks-00tma0 hard drive and same headache with it. It is dead.
I do not know what it is worng with it. PCB seeems ok but you never know. I am thinking getting same model number HD and starting from swithcihng the first PCB if that does not work I am planning to swap the heads. Have you been able to get any success with yours?
Thanks

David

David, DO NOT OPEN YOUR DRIVE! If you do, you will likely damage it beyond repair. By all means, try a new PCB, probably won't work without modification or professional assistance. Unless the drive is clicking or seized, there is absolutely no reason to open it. If your data is valuable, don't screw with it. Learn from the previous posters errors.

(I hope i'm making my point?!)

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Data Recovery Ireland

I ran over a nail and now have a flat tire. I bought another tire for a Ford, but I guess you need to be more specific, as the tire I got was for a F150 and not for my Escort. Anyway, not having luck with that, I opened up my hood and removed my spark plugs and played with their gaps...they seem okay, so I thought I might want to order in an engine replacement and try swapping it out. The other option is to order a matching tire. Even with the matching tire, I still need the tools to get the old one off the rim and put the new one on, put air in and balance the wheel.

Just as silly as that sounds to everyone, that is how the above diagnosis of a blown Western Digital PCB sounds to a data recovery professional. If your board is damaged, it is usually a $500-$1500 procedure, depending on the company that you use.

I know that most DIY people out there think that even $500 is a rip off. However, when you spend up to $300 and sometimes months trying to source the right donor drive, we have to recoup the costs and make a few bucks to stay afloat.

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Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

Nice analogy! Just hope it makes sense to the starter ofthis topic...