Disk Drive Failed: Recourse?

[(PeteCresswell)]

One of my 2-TB Barracudas went belly-up the other day.

First clue was XP's splash screen taking forever (are we on-topic
now?).

I doped out which drive it must be, pulled it, stuck it in one of
those toaster-style USB wrappers and tried to fire it up.

The thing just kept clicking and clicking as in

.

Windows never got to see it and Seagate's "SeaTest" utility can't
find it either.

Went to Seagate's warranty page, typed in the SN and Model#, and
Seagate said it was an "OEM" drive and I should take it up with
whoever I bought it from (NewEgg?). Pfffft! So much for
Seagate's warranties.....

Seagate's warranty page also asserts that no warranty return can
be made without a fault code from SeaTest. Seems like a
Catch-22 to me.... since SeaTest can't even see the drive.

No reply from NewEgg yet about confirming the SN on my
purchase...

To cut to the chase: is this thing dead meat? Or is there
something that might save it? I'm thinking maybe a firmware
flash or something.

Or is it time to dig out yet another hard drive super-magnet for
hanging tools in the garage? .... -)

 

[Paul]

One of my 2-TB Barracudas went belly-up the other day.

First clue was XP's splash screen taking forever (are we on-topic
now?).

I doped out which drive it must be, pulled it, stuck it in one of
those toaster-style USB wrappers and tried to fire it up.

The thing just kept clicking and clicking as in

.

Windows never got to see it and Seagate's "SeaTest" utility can't
find it either.

Went to Seagate's warranty page, typed in the SN and Model#, and
Seagate said it was an "OEM" drive and I should take it up with
whoever I bought it from (NewEgg?). Pfffft! So much for
Seagate's warranties.....

Seagate's warranty page also asserts that no warranty return can
be made without a fault code from SeaTest. Seems like a
Catch-22 to me.... since SeaTest can't even see the drive.

No reply from NewEgg yet about confirming the SN on my
purchase...

To cut to the chase: is this thing dead meat? Or is there
something that might save it? I'm thinking maybe a firmware
flash or something.

Or is it time to dig out yet another hard drive super-magnet for
hanging tools in the garage? .... -)

Run the model number.

See if it's one of the designs that had bad firmware. Seagate
did that a couple times, and the drive just dies all of a sudden
and cannot be detected. It's a firmware bug, rather than a
head/actuator/platter problem.

There is a recovery procedure for one of those, that involves
connecting to a serial (TTL level) interface on the controller
board. I'd try it, just for the fun aspect of it. But
to dig that up, you'll need to run the model number,
and see if it's one of those kinda drives.

That repair method is about as obscure, as repairing Nvidia
video cards by baking them in a toaster oven to "fix" the solder
Aren't computers fun ?

Paul

 

[Paul]

Run the model number.

See if it's one of the designs that had bad firmware. Seagate
did that a couple times, and the drive just dies all of a sudden
and cannot be detected. It's a firmware bug, rather than a
head/actuator/platter problem.

There is a recovery procedure for one of those, that involves
connecting to a serial (TTL level) interface on the controller
board. I'd try it, just for the fun aspect of it. But
to dig that up, you'll need to run the model number,
and see if it's one of those kinda drives.

That repair method is about as obscure, as repairing Nvidia
video cards by baking them in a toaster oven to "fix" the solder
Aren't computers fun ?

Paul

It's also possible it's a real, physical failure. And if
you read the reviews on Newegg for that model, if there are
too many unhappy users, you have your answer.

Paul

 

[Paul]

On another note concerning SeaGate...

Some years ago the organization I was contracted to was providing a
worldwide solution to internal customers that included a PC that hosted
our software (a Computer-aided LifeCycle Support application that
provided technical manuals and performed workflow. A cradle to grave
product management solution). Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) was our
prime contractor on the project and they built these computers which had
2.2GB SeaGate hard disks. Since we were the Program Manger (I was the
PM's network administrator) we used these computers for Automation Data
Processing Equipment (ADPE) as well.

I started to see a large number of drive failures. Percentage wise it
was too great to be normal. I contacted Seagate. Even though my
organization had much clout and influence, SeaGate wouldn't talk to me
since we didn't directly purchase the drives, CSC did. I had lengthy
discussions with the CSC Program Manager's personnel and put them in
touch with SeaGate and they held discussions with CSC.

In short, I was correct. There was a systemic problem with that model
disk drive. It seems that the SeaGate manufacturing facility in Asia (I
think it was Malaysia) had not QC'd the drives properly and it was
discerned that foreign matter got into the drives during the
manufacturing process. SeaGate would honour their warranty (with CSC) on
every drive (failed or not) which, if I remember correctly, was
something like 20,000 hard disks.

That's not a problem. Those 20,000 drives will be offered as warranty
refurbs, to their trusting customers No need to toss them in the
scrap heap. That's what I like about their warranty system, it's
so "green". No bad drive need be thrown out. (/sarcasm)

Paul

 

[VanguardLH]

One of my 2-TB Barracudas went belly-up the other day.

So where are your backups?

First clue was XP's splash screen taking forever (are we on-topic
now?).

Not really since your description shows the problem is a hardware
failure and not Windows XP running some program to bounce the heads
back and forth from stop to stop. However, you'll probably still get
some respondents willing to help with hardware issues in this OS
newsgroup.

I doped out which drive it must be, pulled it, stuck it in one of
those toaster-style USB wrappers and tried to fire it up.

The thing just kept clicking and clicking as in

.

Ddid that HDD go clicking away when it was still inside the system
case?

Windows never got to see it and Seagate's "SeaTest" utility can't find
it either.

Did the BIOS ever see it (when was *in* the computer and not in some
external drive case)?

Went to Seagate's warranty page, typed in the SN and Model#, and
Seagate said it was an "OEM" drive and I should take it up with
whoever I bought it from (NewEgg?). Pfffft! So much for Seagate's
warranties.....

Newegg *may* take an exchange but it'll be according to THEIR sales
warranty. You never mentioned how long it's been since your purchase
with them. I don't think they've ever taken more than 3 days to get
back to me.

http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx

As far as Seagate is concerned, *you* are the OEM. You expect support
that you didn't pay for?

To cut to the chase: is this thing dead meat? Or is there something
that might save it? I'm thinking maybe a firmware flash or
something.

Click of death videos:

So just how valuable is the data on the HDD? Is it worth $1500 to send
it to a recovery lab to hope they can recover some files off of it?

 

[Robert Macy]

So where are your backups?


Not really since your description shows the problem is a hardware
failure and not Windows XP running some program to bounce the heads
back and forth from stop to stop.  However, you'll probably still get
some respondents willing to help with hardware issues in this OS
newsgroup.



Ddid that HDD go clicking away when it was still inside the system
case?


Did the BIOS ever see it (when was *in* the computer and not in some
external drive case)?


Newegg *may* take an exchange but it'll be according to THEIR sales
warranty.  You never mentioned how long it's been since your purchase
with them.  I don't think they've ever taken more than 3 days to get
back to me.

http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx

As far as Seagate is concerned, *you* are the OEM.  You expect support
that you didn't pay for?


Click of death videos:

So just how valuable is the data on the HDD?  Is it worth $1500 to send
it to a recovery lab to hope they can recover some files off of it?

I've used them, they're very good, ethical people.

Data Recovery 800 475 0143
Santa Clara Lab
Seagate Recovery Services
3333 Bowers Avenue
Suite 235
Santa Clara CA
95054 USA

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Paul:

That's not a problem. Those 20,000 drives will be offered as warranty
refurbs, to their trusting customers No need to toss them in the
scrap heap. That's what I like about their warranty system, it's
so "green". No bad drive need be thrown out. (/sarcasm)

Now I'm looking at the fine print on this drive's label.

Right up top, under "Seagate" are the words "Certified Repaired
HDD".

Sounds ominous to me..... -)

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per VanguardLH:

So where are your backups?

On a half-dozen 1-TB drives that I rotate here-and-there - except
for Recorded TV which I regard as disposable and only back up to
an old WSH box.

Data loss is not an issue - I'm covered. But I'm too cheap to
just throw this thing away without exploring alternatives.

I haven't been keeping new, empty drives on hand bco the falling
prices/improving technology and ease of acquisition (all I had to
do was ride down to the local Micro Center to get a replacement
for $125...)

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per VanguardLH:

Click of death videos:

Those were great videos. Now I know something that I did not know
before.

Mine sounds qualitatively different in terms of timing/rhythm.

I didn't want to pull all the hard drives out of my "real" PC
just to attempt the firmware flash, but now I've found an unused
box that I can do that with... so I'm going to give it a try,
albeit with minimal expectations.

 

[VanguardLH]

VanguardLH:


Those were great videos. Now I know something that I did not know
before.

Mine sounds qualitatively different in terms of timing/rhythm.

Sounded the same to me. There is the loud bumps heard as the actuator
moves the head to the extremes (from one stop to the across across the
entire platter). The software bumps or clicking in between is probably
momentary stutters in movement. Just because the heads move back and
forth doesn't mean they do so with no intervening halts or hesitations.

I didn't want to pull all the hard drives out of my "real" PC
just to attempt the firmware flash, but now I've found an unused
box that I can do that with... so I'm going to give it a try,
albeit with minimal expectations.

Good luck. Before you putz with the thing, why not find out from Newegg
if it is still covered under their sales policies. Better to return a
defective or DOA item then try to flash it (which, if Newegg found out,
might obviate their sales warranty). You don't say how old is this
item. It is over 30 days since you bought it from Newegg?

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per VanguardLH:

Ddid that HDD go clicking away when it was still inside the system
case?

No - based on putting it in another PC where I am trying to apply
the firmware flash to CC35. It still makes the same noise when
connected directly to the mobo's SATA header.

 

[VanguardLH]

Per Paul:

Now I'm looking at the fine print on this drive's label.

Right up top, under "Seagate" are the words "Certified Repaired
HDD".

Sounds ominous to me..... -)

"Certified Repaired HDD"

They know consumers back away from items marked "Refurbished" so they
come up with other terminology to hide that the item was repaired.
Also, refurbished only means that the unit passed some minimal good-bad
testing and maybe had some cosmetic changes (like a badly scratched
plate got replaced or they put a label over it).

When MSG became something bad in your food, and a cause for obesity
because of the addictive effect of the excitotoxin, the processed food
manufacturers came up with about 30 new names for MSG ("natural
flavoring" is a favorite) to hide that they are still adding the flavor
enhancer to your food. Even products that claim to be MSG free have
"hyrolyzed <whatever>" in them which is just another name for MSG.
(http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html)

We no longer buy used cars anymore. Now they're pre-owned vehicles.
Uh huh, just more marketing crap to sell you crap with a prettier name.

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per David H. Lipman:

Yes, it was refurbished.

Did you buy it as a refurbished product or as a new drive ?

At the time of purchase were made aware that it was a refurbished drive ?

"How is your memory in old age?"

"My memory has been getting better and better with time.
Now it's become so good that I am able to remember things that
never even happened."

I'm pretty sure I got it from NewEgg - but I never would have
bought a refurb drive, so my "pretty sure" immediately becomes
suspect.

I've got an eMail in to NewEgg's support with an order number and
the drive's SN. Hopefully their system supports an answer.

Otherwise, assuming the firmware flash fails, it's time for a new
magnet on my tool bench.... -)

 

[VanguardLH]

Sounded the same to me. There is the loud bumps heard as the actuator
moves the head to the extremes (from one stop to the across across the
entire platter). The software bumps or clicking in between

Grrr, that was supposed to be "softer" bumps.

 

[Paul]

Per David H. Lipman:

"How is your memory in old age?"

"My memory has been getting better and better with time.
Now it's become so good that I am able to remember things that
never even happened."

I'm pretty sure I got it from NewEgg - but I never would have
bought a refurb drive, so my "pretty sure" immediately becomes
suspect.

I've got an eMail in to NewEgg's support with an order number and
the drive's SN. Hopefully their system supports an answer.

Otherwise, assuming the firmware flash fails, it's time for a new
magnet on my tool bench.... -)

If you do a review of the hard drive content on Newegg, the
refurb section right now, is larger than it used to be. That's
how they were able to offer product, after the flooding. Yes,
you get a better price on the refurbs... But not much else.

Paul

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per VanguardLH:

When MSG became something bad in your food, and a cause for obesity
because of the addictive effect of the excitotoxin, the processed food
manufacturers came up with about 30 new names for MSG ("natural
flavoring" is a favorite) to hide that they are still adding the flavor
enhancer to your food. Even products that claim to be MSG free have
"hyrolyzed <whatever>" in them which is just another name for MSG.
(http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html)

And, of course, the FDA lets them slide.

"The best government that money can pay for."

 

[Yousuf Khan]

So where are your backups?


Not really since your description shows the problem is a hardware
failure and not Windows XP running some program to bounce the heads
back and forth from stop to stop. However, you'll probably still get
some respondents willing to help with hardware issues in this OS
newsgroup.

There is a microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware newsgroup, BTW.

Yousuf Khan

 

[Yousuf Khan]

One of my 2-TB Barracudas went belly-up the other day.

First clue was XP's splash screen taking forever (are we on-topic
now?).

I doped out which drive it must be, pulled it, stuck it in one of
those toaster-style USB wrappers and tried to fire it up.

The thing just kept clicking and clicking as in

.

As a preventative, I run Hard Disk Sentinel on all of my systems. I have
a registered version, but nag-ware version works fine as well, it never
expires, but does nag. Usually it'll spot a problem with a drive long
before you get any visual or "audible" indication of it.

http://www.hdsentinel.com/

Yousuf Khan

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Yousuf Khan:

As a preventative, I run Hard Disk Sentinel on all of my systems. I have
a registered version, but nag-ware version works fine as well

That's what I have been doing for a couple of years, but I was
too clueless to set the email notification feature. Guy who
developed the app probably spent *weeks* perfecting that feature
and it went right over my head.

Now it's set..... -)

 

[VanguardLH]

Did you know that Accent is MSG? I thought that decades ago, it was a
"meat tenderizer." When my wife sent me to the store to be get MSG a
couple of years ago, the Walmart associate led me to the Accent.

Ingredients:
Monosodium Glutamate (primary ingredient)
Salt
Chili Pepper
Tricalcium Phosphate (anticaking agent)
Spice (Cumin, Oregano)
Paprika Extractives(color)
Garlic Extractives
Onion Extractives
Yellow No.6 Lake
Yellow No.5 Lake

Some variants also list hydrolyzed protein, another name for MSG. From
the list above, I didn't see that anything that popped out as
softenening or breaking down tissue to make the meat easier to chew.
Powdered meat tenderizers have enzymes to to break the tissue fibers but
I don't see any enzymes listed above (e.g., bromelain). There's no
vinegar, wine, or citric or other juice listed to break down the fibers.
There is salt which can be used in a brine but hydrates the cells to
counter dehydration during cooking; i.e., the meat stays juicier. Then
I remember that glutamate acid is a protease. They're hoping you just
read the product name on the label and not the ingredients list. That
way, like you did, you think it's some kind of tenderizer only and not
realize it is a flavor enhancer (a neurotoxin to excite your tongue).

You can't mine glutamate like table salt. Glutamate is manufactured
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/HowIsItManufactured.html). It's like 20
times more expensive. The average American gets over 3400 to 4700 mg of
salt each day. The salt is already in their processed food but they
sprinkle on more. The maximum recommended is 2300 mg. That's a
*maximum*. The recommended level is 1500 mg. So you're getting more
than twice what you need. Everywhere I go they ruin the taste of food
by dousing it in salt or MSG, or they're masking low-grade food with
this stuff.

All this desire to have more saltiness in your food has been well
researched. As you get older, you crave more salt. Reminds me of some
old Star Trek episode (the original TV series) where there was some
shape-changing monster that craved salt and would suck it out of you;
see a short clip at

. Now
picture all those buyers in the grocery stores with puckered lips making
sucking smacking noises while wandering the aisles. My aunt got taken
over by one: if it says low-salt then she doesn't touch the box. You'll
need special sunglasses from "They Live" to otherwise notice the aliens:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgAwdixodjw, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp_K8prLfso
(I love the "chew bubblegum" phrase). Just don't let them know that
you've spotted them.