I really, really need some help - particularly from someone who knows about hard drives

[cchen]

Basically, I bought a cpu from someone on this board. The cpu is defective. It caused some sort of power surge in my system when I tried to install it. As a result, my main hard drive won't turn on now. I think some sort of short occurred.

I'm not going to place the blame on anyone right now. Whats most important is that I get my data back - its very sensitive, has to deal with some of my research, my college stuff, and my ongoing work. Stupidly, I do not have a backup of the data...

Now, I need to know how (if I can do it myself) the data can possibly be recovered (I have access to the electrical and computer engineering labs), or if I can get a third party to do it. Unfortuneately, I don't have a lot of money, I can only spare about $200 if I have to pay for it.

If anyone could help me or give me any useful information I would very much appreciate it. I am very worried right now....

 

[Ionizer86]

There are data recovery places that charge slightly less than $200 to recover your data. That's pretty much a last resort though.

So your hard drive doesn't spin at all? I heard that if it's the PCB, you can buy an identical drive, switch PCB's and get the old drive spinning.

 

[cchen]

Nope, it won't spin at all. I tried multiple computers and theres no sound coming from the hard drive....

 

[bobbyjosh]

What's the HD not doin... does it get power, spin... etc

 

[cchen]

it basically doesn't do anything... no power... no nothing...

the hd is a 120gb wd special edition...
i just read about replacing the pcb, but all i have is a 200gb se... would that work???

 

[BigFatCow]

Originally posted by: cchen
it basically doesn't do anything... no power... no nothing...

the hd is a 120gb wd special edition...
i just read about replacing the pcb, but all i have is a 200gb se... would that work???

i wouldnt try it.

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: BigFatCow

Originally posted by: cchen
it basically doesn't do anything... no power... no nothing...

the hd is a 120gb wd special edition...
i just read about replacing the pcb, but all i have is a 200gb se... would that work???

i wouldnt try it.

Well what options do I have?

 

[orion7144]

Buy a new one/used one and swap the board. Did you happen to check your PSU?

 

[cchen]

yea, the psu is fine i think. none of the other components were affected and the computer can POST

 

[sharkeeper]

Call WDC and have them do an advanced RMA. They will overnight you a disk with an identical PCB. Do the swap, (try) to get your data back, swap the pcb back to the other disk and send the bad one back. (or follow their directions if different to avoid a charge on your CC)

Cheers!