Phil Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 I've got a WD 160GB SATA HD, and the plastic part of the data connection has broken off inside the cable. I got most of the data off before it no longer worked, and the drive itself tests OK. I have an identical drive, so my question is has anyone ever changed the header on a drive to get access to the data again? It looks like it's an L shaped piece screwed to the back of the drive with torx screws. Any help to prevent me from ending up with 2 unusable drives will be appreciated, CQTMS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigball1 Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 How close are the 2 drive made to each other, like the mfd date, firmware. Because if they are really close you might have a good chance of swapping the controller board and it working. That way you could retrieve the data then trash the drive. You wont hurt the board any if it does not work so no worries on that part. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braegnok Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 (edited) You can buy a Serial ATA drive repair kit from Digi-Key, for under twenty dollars that has several header connectors in kit, or buy just a single replacement header. I have replaced lot's of them on WD Ice Packs, takes a few min. Or if you have identical matching drive, swapping controler boards works also. Edited May 18, 2013 by Braegnok Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 I didn't know about Digi-Key, thanks. I do in fact have an identical drive, so I may try that first and take a chance the firmware will work. I'm not worried about a short, AFAIK there's nothing wrong with the old drive but the broken plastic piece. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wevsspot Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 Phil, Swapping out the controller board is the easiest way to accomplish this task. I'd recommend that over trying to jack with the drive repair kit. Just my two cents worth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted May 11, 2013 Posted May 11, 2013 I swapped the board and the operation was a success. Thanks for the replies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccokeman Posted May 11, 2013 Posted May 11, 2013 Good to know it worked out for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewr05 Posted May 11, 2013 Posted May 11, 2013 I swapped the board and the operation was a success. So, you're making a note here, huge success!? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted May 12, 2013 Posted May 12, 2013 I think I spoke too soon. It works great as a slave, but won't boot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineBCW Posted May 12, 2013 Posted May 12, 2013 We have a handful of these "SATA Combo Cables" that we use when encountering this. The "other side" usually keeps the connection solid enough to be functional for data-extracting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted May 12, 2013 Posted May 12, 2013 That's a good idea, I think I even have one of those. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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