WD External hard disk failure...

[Jay]

I have a Western Digital 160 GB External USB 2.0 HDD (Model #
WD1600B008-RNN). It was working well and good and suddenly it stopped
working when I wasnt around. My brother was using it and he says he may
have changed the polarity for the DC input. I had a DC adapter which
can accomodate multiple heads. I changed it to right polarity and
switched it on.

When I switch it on, both the green and red lights are always lit, PC
identifies that there is a USB device connected, but it cannot "see"
the Ext HDD. Windows Drive Information did not list this drive.

I tried with WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows program that lets
the PC to identify the drives but the drive did not show up. I tested
the input power cable and it is working.

I suspect there is a board failure as the DC polarity was mixed up.
Since I dont work much on storage hardware, I suspect that there should
be a control mechanism/fise which may prevent the board/hard drive from
being fried.

So what would be the next logical step for trouble shooting ??

I really appreciate your help on this!

Thanks very much!!

 

[Peter]

I have a Western Digital 160 GB External USB 2.0 HDD (Model #

WD1600B008-RNN). It was working well and good and suddenly it stopped
working when I wasnt around. My brother was using it and he says he may
have changed the polarity for the DC input. I had a DC adapter which
can accomodate multiple heads. I changed it to right polarity and
switched it on.

When I switch it on, both the green and red lights are always lit, PC
identifies that there is a USB device connected, but it cannot "see"
the Ext HDD. Windows Drive Information did not list this drive.

I tried with WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows program that lets
the PC to identify the drives but the drive did not show up. I tested
the input power cable and it is working.

I suspect there is a board failure as the DC polarity was mixed up.
Since I dont work much on storage hardware, I suspect that there should
be a control mechanism/fise which may prevent the board/hard drive from
being fried.

So what would be the next logical step for trouble shooting ??

It is rather impossible to change DC polarity for those devices by mistake.

How valuable was data on that drive?

 

[Jay]

Peter,

The adapter I have can be customized to different input volts and
different outputs with a variety of heads (pins). Like in the sense if
I want to use it to charge my camera, I just need to set the right
input/output combination and change the head of the pin which matches
to the camera input. But everytime you have check the polarity, and
accordingly set it in the adapter head.

The data is valuable to me, lots of my previous work files and I dont
have a backup for all of them.

Its something like this except I have a variety of heads..
http://www.expansys.com/zoompic.asp?type=item&code=117286

 

[Rod Speed]

Is it still under warranty ?

It is rather impossible to change DC polarity for those devices by mistake.

Not with the DC adapters with multiple heads, very easy with most of those.

 

[Dave D]

I have a Western Digital 160 GB External USB 2.0 HDD (Model #
WD1600B008-RNN). It was working well and good and suddenly it stopped
working when I wasnt around. My brother was using it and he says he may
have changed the polarity for the DC input. I had a DC adapter which
can accomodate multiple heads. I changed it to right polarity and
switched it on.

When I switch it on, both the green and red lights are always lit, PC
identifies that there is a USB device connected, but it cannot "see"
the Ext HDD. Windows Drive Information did not list this drive.

I tried with WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows program that lets
the PC to identify the drives but the drive did not show up. I tested
the input power cable and it is working.

I suspect there is a board failure as the DC polarity was mixed up.
Since I dont work much on storage hardware, I suspect that there should
be a control mechanism/fise which may prevent the board/hard drive from
being fried.

So what would be the next logical step for trouble shooting ??

I really appreciate your help on this!

Thanks very much!!

Didn't it come with a dedicated power supply? Unless it is specifically
designed for use on third party power supplies then it shouldn't be used
with one. For example, mine uses a dedicated 12v switchmode adapter, and the
drive enclosure has a regulator to drop the 12v down to 5v for the drive's
logic board. The 12v goes straight to the drive and therefore must be
supplied by a well regulated source. A cheap, multi head adapter will
usually have atrocious regulation.

Anyway- over to your problem. Have you dismantled the enclosure and fitted
the drive to an IDE cable in your computer? (I'm assuming the drive is a
standard IDE type) Maybe the USB interface in the drive housing was damaged
and if you're *very* lucky the drive might be OK.

Dave

 

[Jay]

Nope, I ran out of warranty last year

 

[Jay]

Yes, the next I'm planning to do is to dismantle it and use an IDE-USB
adapter, I will just have my fingers crossed on that one.

Is there anything to watch out before doing that?

 

[Rod Speed]

Nope, I ran out of warranty last year

In that case I'd personally try removing the drive
from the enclosure and see it can be seen as an
internal drive in the system, not in the enclosure.

Not a good idea if its under warranty, but since its not
and the data is important, worth trying because it may
just be the bridge that's got killed and not the drive itself.

If the drive doesnt work in the system, you'll have
to decide if the data is important enough to be
worth the cost of pro recovery. That aint cheap.

 

[Rod Speed]

Yes, the next I'm planning to do is to dismantle it and use an
IDE-USB adapter, I will just have my fingers crossed on that one.

Its a bit easier to try it in the system instead of with an adapter.

Is there anything to watch out before doing that?

Not really, just see if the drive spins up when first plugged in.

 

[Jay]

hmm, can I use the power cable from PC or do I still need to use the
external DC adapter.

I'm planning to get another WD External HDD, check the input/output for
their adapter and use it, incase I cannot use power supply from the PC.

 

[Peter]

The adapter I have can be customized to different input volts and

different outputs with a variety of heads (pins). Like in the sense if
I want to use it to charge my camera, I just need to set the right
input/output combination and change the head of the pin which matches
to the camera input. But everytime you have check the polarity, and
accordingly set it in the adapter head.

The data is valuable to me, lots of my previous work files and I dont
have a backup for all of them.

Seek professional data recovery, or at least find a person experienced in
this type of work.

Its something like this except I have a variety of heads..
http://www.expansys.com/zoompic.asp?type=item&code=117286

Did it come with external disk? Strange...

 

[Dave D]

Yes, the next I'm planning to do is to dismantle it and use an IDE-USB
adapter, I will just have my fingers crossed on that one.

Is there anything to watch out before doing that?

No, but it's much better to just try it inside the PC on the IDE cable. That
way you know the drive will get the proper stabilised 5v and 12v power it
needs to run properly.

Dave

 

[Jay]

Ill try that and let you guys know the result!

BTW, this is my drive...
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1046&p_created=1059756467

 

[James Sweet]

I have a Western Digital 160 GB External USB 2.0 HDD (Model #
WD1600B008-RNN). It was working well and good and suddenly it stopped
working when I wasnt around. My brother was using it and he says he may
have changed the polarity for the DC input. I had a DC adapter which
can accomodate multiple heads. I changed it to right polarity and
switched it on.

When I switch it on, both the green and red lights are always lit, PC
identifies that there is a USB device connected, but it cannot "see"
the Ext HDD. Windows Drive Information did not list this drive.

I tried with WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows program that lets
the PC to identify the drives but the drive did not show up. I tested
the input power cable and it is working.

I suspect there is a board failure as the DC polarity was mixed up.
Since I dont work much on storage hardware, I suspect that there should
be a control mechanism/fise which may prevent the board/hard drive from
being fried.

So what would be the next logical step for trouble shooting ??

I really appreciate your help on this!

Thanks very much!!

Remove the drive from the case and connect it directly to a PC via the
normal IDE interface and see if it works. If you're lucky, you may have
only had the USB adapter get cooked. If the drive is still dead, look
around the circuit board for a diode near the power connector, I've
fixed a couple drives that got plugged in wrong by replacing that.

 

[James Sweet]

Ill try that and let you guys know the result!

BTW, this is my drive...
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1046&p_created=1059756467

Inside is just an ordinary IDE drive, probably the exact same 160GB unit
I have in my own PC.

 

[Arno Wagner]

I have a Western Digital 160 GB External USB 2.0 HDD (Model #
WD1600B008-RNN). It was working well and good and suddenly it stopped
working when I wasnt around. My brother was using it and he says he may
have changed the polarity for the DC input. I had a DC adapter which
can accomodate multiple heads. I changed it to right polarity and
switched it on.

When I switch it on, both the green and red lights are always lit, PC
identifies that there is a USB device connected, but it cannot "see"
the Ext HDD. Windows Drive Information did not list this drive.

I tried with WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows program that lets
the PC to identify the drives but the drive did not show up. I tested
the input power cable and it is working.

I suspect there is a board failure as the DC polarity was mixed up.
Since I dont work much on storage hardware, I suspect that there should
be a control mechanism/fise which may prevent the board/hard drive from
being fried.

There is not. Not for this type of failure, since it is rather hard to
protect semiconductors against it, when you cannot afford a
signifivant voltage level drop (>0.5V) on the power lines. The only
way that works would require power isolation and wide-range inputs on
all logic lines. Possible, but expensive. Nobody does it.
If you can afford that voltage drop, a rectifier diode on 5V and
12V input cpuld be used. The logic input protection would
still be needed, since otherwies the ESD circuitry can fry itself.
Nobody does this either.

So what would be the next logical step for trouble shooting ??

Think about what the data is worth. If it is enough, then contact
a professional recovery service. Otherwise throw the drive away,
there is nothing you can do.

Arno

 

[Arno Wagner]

Peter,

The adapter I have can be customized to different input volts and
different outputs with a variety of heads (pins). Like in the sense if
I want to use it to charge my camera, I just need to set the right
input/output combination and change the head of the pin which matches
to the camera input. But everytime you have check the polarity, and
accordingly set it in the adapter head.

Well, I have to say that not protecting the device physically
is an accident waiting to happen. Likely the drive and the other
circuitry is all fried.

The data is valuable to me, lots of my previous work files and I dont
have a backup for all of them.

I think the only way of salvaging anything here is that you learn
a lesson or two. The data will be very expensive to get back and there
is nothing you can do yourself.

So here:

1) Do backups of all important data.
2) Do not build circuits that can be killed by a simple error
in handling.
3) Do not give things that can be killed by a simple error to
other people.

Sorry, but I think that you got what you deserved for a dangerous
design and careless handling of valuable data.

Arno

 

[Peter]

I have a Western Digital 160 GB External USB 2.0 HDD (Model #

There is not. Not for this type of failure, since it is rather hard to
protect semiconductors against it, when you cannot afford a
signifivant voltage level drop (>0.5V) on the power lines. The only
way that works would require power isolation and wide-range inputs on
all logic lines. Possible, but expensive. Nobody does it.
If you can afford that voltage drop, a rectifier diode on 5V and
12V input cpuld be used. The logic input protection would
still be needed, since otherwies the ESD circuitry can fry itself.
Nobody does this either.

It seems that OP (or his brother) used a diiferent AC adapter then
originally supplied with his external disk.
Accidents happen.....
Most of them create some damage. Life is a learning process.

 

[Andy Cuffe]

Remove the drive from the case and connect it directly to a PC via the
normal IDE interface and see if it works. If you're lucky, you may have
only had the USB adapter get cooked. If the drive is still dead, look
around the circuit board for a diode near the power connector, I've
fixed a couple drives that got plugged in wrong by replacing that.

This is one case that might be fixed by swapping the board from
another identical drive.
Andy Cuffe

(e-mail address removed) <-- Use this address until 12/31/2005

(e-mail address removed) <-- Use this address after 12/31/2005

 

[Folkert Rienstra]

There is not.
Nonsense.

Not for this type of failure, since it is rather hard to
protect semiconductors against it, when you cannot afford
a signifivant voltage level drop

But you can use a diode in parallel that trips a fuse.

(>0.5V) on the power lines.

And there are diodes too that produce less of a drop.

The only way that works would require power isolation and
wide-range inputs on all logic lines.

(Whatever that's supposed to mean)

Or use an unregulated supply and regulate internally in the box.

Possible, but expensive. Nobody does it.

Whatever is was supposed to mean.