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Forum nameThe Computer Forum
Topic subjectIDE Disc Drive
Topic URLhttp://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=565877
565877, IDE Disc Drive
Posted by wings515, Thu Feb-21-19 11:49 PM
Again from the same owner. This is a Seagate 250GB IDE HDD.

I have an interface that connects to the multi pin HDD connector on the drive as well as the power input. The output of this adapter is a USB connector. I connect this adapter to my tower through the USB.

Usually I will see a new drive listed under the directories of MY PC when I use this adapter. This does not show at all. I do hear the drive spin up but then stops after a while.

I am considering a purchase of an identical HDD and swapping the control board.

I also tried to use Recuva but since the drive is not listed it would not perform any actions

Any thoughts about this process or should I have a different approach.

I know this is a hardware problem but since there are so many very knowledgeable members, I thought I'd give it a try.

Regards,
565878, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by GreyFalcon, Fri Feb-22-19 03:53 AM
I used to use Puppy Linux with all the tools for recovery work. It will often see things you can't see on a windows based machine. The control board is a good idea but you would be extremely lucky if that was the only thing wrong. Beyond that you have to go into the drive. It is fun if it's your own drive but not something I would like to do for a customer.
565879, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by nightlyreader, Fri Feb-22-19 06:09 AM
I've found different recovery programs are just that, different. I use File Scavenger http://www.quetek.com/prod02.htm
You can download a free demo version which works like the paid version, except it limits recovered file sizes to 64kb. That way you will know if recovery is possible before you pay for a license.
565880, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by therube, Fri Feb-22-19 07:42 PM
Try...


different USB port
2 vs 3, front vs rear

different computer

different OS
XP vs Win7... vs Linux

external adapter vs slaving it in the computer directly, if possible
try to confirm that the external adapter works (with known good drive)
if additional power adapter is available, or 2nd usb, try that too
565881, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by wings515, Fri Feb-22-19 10:21 PM
Here are two additional things I tried:
1) Connected an 80 GB Maxtor drive to my Sabrent interface then to the tower. It was listed on Explorer as Drive "L". So this confirms the interface is operational and the tower can recognize another drive.

2) I installed the Seagate drive in an XP machine. It was not recognized in explorer or Disk Manager.

Before I dis-assemble the replacement Seagate I plan on checking it with the Sabrent interface.


Has anyone removed a control board from an IDE drive. Are there any tips I should know? Do I have to unsolder the three motor leads to remove the board?


Regards,

565882, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by GreyFalcon, Fri Feb-22-19 11:01 PM
I don't have a Seagate IDE drive to look at but the WD 80 gig drive I do have appears to have a plug from the edge of the board to the motor. The controller board is attached as most hard drives with four or five screws. A Seagate 160 Sata drive I have uses pressure contacts and boy are they dirty, discolored by heat. They brighten up nicely with a pencil eraser. That board looked like it was a soldered board so remove the screws and you will know what you have to do. If it is pressure contacts brighten up the motor and controller contacts. That might be the only problem. I know this drive was marginal so when I clean the controller contacts and put it through it's paces I'll see if that made a difference.
565883, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by wings515, Sat Feb-23-19 01:15 PM
Thanks for the insight. The replacement is scheduled to arrive on Monday so I will not start any investigation until I test the new drive.

Good catch on the pressure contacts. The Seagate does have 4 or 5 Torx screws holding the board to the case so it should be easy to see what connections are underneath.

Thanks again,

565899, RE: IDE Disc Drive
Posted by wings515, Fri Mar-01-19 05:21 PM
After receiving a replacement control board and making the swap, the drive still did not get recognized. As a last resort I opened the drive. I found the disc was not able to turn without binding. Either the shaft is bent or there is an internal problem with the drive motor.

I am reluctant to swap platters since it appear there are multiple platters and it could be that the data is written across the multiple platters. If that is the case, then perfect alignment of the platters is critical. I do not want to even attempt to dis-assemble this drive.

I have put together a list of companies that will do data recovery on defective drives and will present this to the owner. It will then be up to him to determine the value of the stored data. I have seen costs going from $199 to $499 for this service.
The last time I inquired about recovery for another person, they would charge a fixed amount and would not guarantee any recovery. Like a boat, just pour money into it and see if it still floats.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Regards,