hard-drive-recovery-example-031308a.htm
Configuration: Single Seagate ST3500830AS desktop drive.
OS: Windows XP Professional service pack 3
Failure: Spindle motor bearing failure (seized)
Hard Drive Recovery Solution
- step 1: Locate a similar drive with an identical spindle motor (similar model number is sufficient) drives with different capacities usually have the same spindle motor, the number of platters might change.
- NOTE: All following steps must be performed in a Class 100 Clean Room environment.
- step 2: Remove all internal components of both drives except for the platters (magnet, head stack, stoppers, etc...), do not damage anything, you will reuse these parts to rebuild the drive for later operation.
- step 3: To prevent the alignment of the platters to be lost, I use 2 or 3 pieces of scotch tape (1/2 inch wide by 2 inches long), apply the tape to the outside edges of the platters around 120 degrees(1/3) gently pressing the tape with a q-tip. Leave a little tape above the platters for transport purposes.
- step 4: Remove all mounting screws for the platter assembly and position the destination case next to the failed drive for the shortest distance to transfer the platters.
- step 5: Remove the 2 extra mounting screws for the balancing bracket, theses will lift out with the platters, do not remove them separately, they are an integral part of the platter assembly (they smooth the turbulent air flow between the platters).
- step 6: Gently lift the platter assembly using the scotch tape as handles and transfer the entire assembly to the good spindle motor, keep everything level as to not move any loose parts.
- step 7: Return the original heads and associated hardware.
- step 8: You are now ready to duplicate the drive. We use COPYHD.exe duplication software from Data Recovery, inc.
- Final: if you have any bad sectors, you may have to use some data recovery software such as GetDataBack to extract your data, otherwise you should be able to continue operation as of before the failure.
for further assistance: contact Data Recovery, inc.
