HDD not powering on, burnt PCB maybe?

[Sketchy0]

So, i've got an HDD that's not working. It's not even turning on. I've tried using an external HDD connector to connect it to my laptop but that's not working either. It just doesn't turn on, no clicks no beeps.

So that's why I thought it could be a PCB problem. So I took the PCB off with a torx screwdriver and I checked the connector that connects the PCB and the HDD. The pins looked a little burnt (on the PCB) so that's why I thought it may be a dead PCB? I don't really know what to do. Should I actually bring it to a store that's specialized in this or should I order the same PCB? It's the Seagate 100617465 PCB.

Anyone know what it may have been?

 

[tomatthe]

If you absolutely must have the data back I would contact a data recovery center. If you google you will find lots of them although you will likely end up mailing it somewhere vs finding a local one depending on where you live. It will likely be expensive, but that is your best option if you really need the data. I'm sure someone somewhere at least once has been successful in replacing a pcb and that actually fixing the drive, but I've yet to see the case.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

It depends on the value of the data on the hdd and how good the backups you have.

There are a small number of companies supplying replacement PCB boards and will transfer the firmware from a chip on the old PCB card to the new PCB
Without this firmware transfer the new PCB is unlikely to work

Example Canadian company
http://www.hdd-parts.com/

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[Sketchy0]

Hi

It depends on the value of the data on the hdd and how good the backups you have.

There are a small number of companies supplying replacement PCI boards and will transfer the firmware from a chip on the old PCB card to the new PCB
Without this firmware transfer the new PCB is unlikely to work

Example Canadian company
http://www.hdd-parts.com/

Regards
Mike Barnes

Yeah thing is I don't have any backups because it worked just fine an hour ago. I really need the data of this hard drive but I can't afford professional help.

So even if I buy a new PCB with the same model number, It wouldn't work?

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Model number is not close enough , you needed same batch number
But for recent hdd you need the firmware to be transferred

Look up the prices on the above website about 40 $ ( U.S. Or Canadian?)

First put the old board back on
Connect to sata port of a desktop and see if bios ( uefi bios) recognised the hdd
Is connected and its make model and size

If it is not seen by bios either PCB card dead or not re fitted correctly or cables not connected correctly or connected to a disabled sata port / controller

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[Sketchy0]

Any way to actually diagnose?

 

[tomatthe]

Search these forums for similar situations, and you may come across something, but to diagnose you would need to take it to a data recovery center as I had mentioned. The option mbarnes86 mentioned for $40 is certainly worth a look as well.

Personally I would try to consider the value of the data, and either look at paying the $1,000+ to get it recovered or move on and accept it as a loss. I understand that isn't what you want to hear, but generally it is the case in these situations. I'm certainly hoping you get another solution suggested but feel it to be unlikely.