I unplugged a backup drive from an IDE cable then plugged it back it and it won't power up. Could I have fried something simply by plugging/plugging (yes, power was off). I have a 200gb maxtor. can i switch the circuit board? Is there a web site that show a user how to test for electronics problems. thanks.
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hard drive won't power up
- Thread starter c3media
- Start date
Unlikely that you fried anything by the unplugging.
Some people have switched circuit boards, but you need one to the same EC level. Success rate is probably around 50%.
No how-to sites.
You might try two of the old fixes, break the platters loose by rotating the drive in the same plane as the heads and stopping the rotation suddenly with the heel of your hand. Or by freezing the drive for an hour or so while wrapped in a plastic bag. Both had success in the old days by resolving problems with drives of those times and some people have had success with later drives.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
Some people have switched circuit boards, but you need one to the same EC level. Success rate is probably around 50%.
No how-to sites.
You might try two of the old fixes, break the platters loose by rotating the drive in the same plane as the heads and stopping the rotation suddenly with the heel of your hand. Or by freezing the drive for an hour or so while wrapped in a plastic bag. Both had success in the old days by resolving problems with drives of those times and some people have had success with later drives.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
- Thread starter
- #3
Terrific detailed suggestions. Now, would appreciate some explanation. What is EC level. If I have a 200GB Maxtor running 7200rpm, would another one do? Is there some info on the box that would hepl me match drives.
I like the freezer idea.
How do you 'break the platters loose. Do I have to physically break open the metal container?
Many thanks.
I like the freezer idea.
How do you 'break the platters loose. Do I have to physically break open the metal container?
Many thanks.
Engineering change. As problems show up during production manufacturers change the board layout, change parts on the board, or add jumpers. Changes are generally reflected in a label on the board. For example "XXXXXX-YYY" with the X being a part number and the Y being a change level.
Breaking the platters loose from the heads was a matter of rotating the entire drive in one hand, on the same plane as the platters, stopping the rotation against the heel of the other hand, and letting the inertial of the platters break the head seal. This was a problem with platter lubricant early on but really shouldn't be a problem with your drive as the heads are lighter with current construction. But you can try the solution. It won't hurt anything.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
Breaking the platters loose from the heads was a matter of rotating the entire drive in one hand, on the same plane as the platters, stopping the rotation against the heel of the other hand, and letting the inertial of the platters break the head seal. This was a problem with platter lubricant early on but really shouldn't be a problem with your drive as the heads are lighter with current construction. But you can try the solution. It won't hurt anything.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
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