How to Swap a Hard Drive Controller Circuit

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Remove the hard drive from the computer or device.

   USB).
   
   Try it on another IDE channel ,,,, This is usually "YES".
   
   If so, carry on.
   
   If not, don't bother. , Same model and stepping.
   
   Preferably you already have two identical drives from the same time. , Learn everything about how it is connected, how the ribbon cables are attached. , You don't want to damage connectors.
   
   Do not crimp or damage the ribbon cable(s), either. ,,, no coils in the stepper motor or heads are bad, or an inaccessible analog controller within the casing is not bad), the 'dead' drive will snap to and begin doing its thing, and give you back your data like there was nothing ever wrong with it. , Replace it.
   
   Both drives are still condemned.
   
   All you wanted was the data. , It should still work.
   
   Then re-assemble with the presumed 'bad' board.
   
   If that works, it wasn't the externally accessible board. , After all, if you re-assembled this one wrong, perhaps you re-assembled the 'dead' one wrong, so maybe (just MAYBE) there's still a chance.
   
   Try again. ,, Swap the drive platters.
   
   See related links. , It was either beyond your capabilities, or the hardware was damaged beyond repair.
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   Step 2: Examine it carefully for 'hot spots' or other damage on the external controller board.

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   Step 3: Shake it gently and make sure it makes no 'tinkle' noises.

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   Step 4: In a computer

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   Step 5: if it was slave or 'cable select'

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   Step 6: try making it 'master' and plugging it in alone

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   Step 7: or plugging it into an external drive adapter (i.e.

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   Step 8: If it was SCSI

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   Step 9: try other ids

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    Step 10: and another SCSI controller

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    Step 11: if available.

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    Step 12: If the drive is simply INERT

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    Step 13: here's one more thing to try.

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    Step 14: MAYBE it's just the drive controller board.

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    Step 15: Inspect carefully and see if the board can be removed without exposing the drive internals.

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    Step 16: Buy or find another SACRIFICIAL drive EXACTLY like it.

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    Step 17: Carefully remove the presumed bad board.

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    Step 18: Be gentle.

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    Step 19: Even more carefully remove the good board from the other

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    Step 20: working drive.

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    Step 21: Attach the good board to the 'dead' drive and hook it up again

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    Step 22: try to mount it.

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    Step 23: If you did everything right and are very fortunate (i.e.

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    Step 24: BACK IT UP.

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    Step 25: If that didn't work

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    Step 26: try to re-assemble the sacrificial drive with the working controller board.

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    Step 27: If the sacrificial drive does not work when you re-assemble it with its original part

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    Step 28: perhaps you should find out why?

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    Step 29: If it still doesn't work

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    Step 30: hardware must be more damaged than could be fixed by trivially swapping that outer board.

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    Step 31: Now it’s time to get bold.

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    Step 32: If it still doesn't work

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    Step 33: it was worth a shot.

Detailed Guide

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