How to Replace Hard Disk Plates to Recover Data

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

In this article we will see how to replace the hard disk platters. This procedure is not for the incompetent or the faint of heart. The following procedure is not guaranteed and in fact voids any existing warranties. It would be best to try replacing the controller board before attempting to replace the platters. The latter process is less destructive, and you will still need another hard drive anyway.

Steps

Step 1. Know that this method should only be used as a last resort, after having tried any other solution without success, if your data is not extremely important and your budget does not allow you to turn to a professional service

Step 2. Prepare a clean work environment

You can't create an aseptic work environment at home, but with a little common sense, you can get decent results. Keep air circulation to the minimum possible.

Step 3. Assemble and configure your tools

Step 4. Use powder-free latex gloves

Step 5. Discharge static electricity

See the Warnings section of this article.

Step 6. Remove the bezel from the broken hard drive

If the bezel doesn't come off on its own, look for screws. The screws are usually located underneath the labels.

Step 7. Once the bezel is removed, inspect the dishes

If they are scratched, chipped, crooked or otherwise damaged, stop - there's nothing more you can do.

Step 8. Reassemble the bezel - if the platters are physically damaged you will most likely not be able to recover any data

If you want, you can always try.

Step 9. Purchase a new HDD with the same model number and firmware version

Step 10. Test the new HDD

Make sure you can write and read data from the new hard drive before using it.

Step 11. Remove the bezel from the new hard drive

Step 12. Remove the platters from the new hard drive

This way you will have a chance to see how they are assembled. However, if you misalign or damage parts, you will need to get another hard drive. NOTE: if you are dealing with multiple plates, they cannot be removed without having the appropriate equipment, because misalignment of the data would cause destruction and the impossibility of recovering them. You will need to get a dish remover tool.

The following steps are for single platter hard drive owners only.

Step 13. Remove the platter from the malfunctioning hard drive

Step 14. Assemble the new HDD, with the platters of the old hard drive (make sure the platters are aligned the same way they were aligned in the old drive)

Step 15. Mount the new hard drive

Step 16. Quickly make a backup copy of your files

You may only be able to read the files once or twice. The hard drive could make horrible sounds.

Step 17. Unmount the hard drive and throw it away

Continued use of this hard disk is absolutely not recommended.

Advice

You may need to remove the head to remove the cymbals.
She studies. See pictures of disassembled hard drives before opening one.
Use the right tools.
When replacing the cymbals pay close attention to the head! Make sure the head is parked before trying to remove the platters.
This procedure is not for logically deleted data. This procedure is for recovering intact data from physically inoperable hard drives.
HDD = Hard Disk Drive.
Before attempting to remove the platters, try freezing the hard drive (in a vacuum container) and try to create a disk image using a tool like DD_Rescue (https://www.gnu.org/software/ddrescue/ddrescue.html). Sometimes, freezing the hard disk can contract the bearings enough for you to read the hard disk data one last time, but it can cause condensation on the platters, which can be damaged by the heads when the hard disk is turned on.
Hard drive PCB online store: https://www. HDDZone.com (Seagate, Maxtor, Samsung, western digital and IBM / Hitachi pcb cards.)

Warnings

Disassemble the computer only after disconnecting the plug and discharging the electricity by wearing an antistatic bracelet or touching a metal part of the case. Otherwise, you risk an electric shock or damage to computer components.
Hard drives are assembled in clean, hermetically sealed rooms that are free from dust particles. A single particle of foreign material resting on a plate will cause the destruction of the hard disk. Try a can of compressed air to remove any dust particles, but don't use chemicals or scrub.
The hard disk warranty will be void.
In most cases, performing this operation will also void the warranty on the ENTIRE computer. Read the terms of the warranty very carefully.

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