Hard Drive Data Recovery

[Merkur]

One of my computers suffered a power problem which took out 2 hard drives, the motherboard, video card etc. We have rebuilt it but the hard drive is dead - it won't even spin up.

The data is important but not critical. My thought is to buy an identical drive and transfer the circuit board without opening the platter compartment.

Does anyone have any experience with this? The way I see it, it's a $100 gable.

Paul

 

[roamer1]

Hi Merkur,

you might get away with it- I would go through the HDD manfacturer's support to obtain your replacement as they will know the serial ranges that will work with your old HDD.

 

[hotfusion]

I don't want to put you off doing what you propose, but how experienced are you with a soldering iron? I've been designing and building PCBs for years, and this isn't something I would like to undertake!
The board you refer to has many surface-mount devices and multiple connections to deal with - ensure you know what you're dealing with before you begin, as there may be another as yet un-thought of solution out there - and do take precautions against static charges and mains leakage through the iron's bit.
Good luck, let us know the outcome. My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.