Data Recovery from a Dead Hard Drive
I’m on a mission from G-d.
12 days ago I killed this drive when I accidentally plugged in the power backwards.
Click here for closeup.
Yes I know the molex plug is keyed, but I still managed to do it and pfffft! killed the drive’s logic board.
Here are it’s stats:
Western Digital 80 GB Caviar IDE Drive
Model: WD800JB-00FMA0
Man Date: 23 April 2004
DCM: HSBHNTJCH
On this drive there are about 3 gigs of the Wife’s photos SHHHH! Don’t say a word!
And a poem that (I kid you not) I have been composing for 16 years, adding one verse on the same day every year.
So far I scored one drive off Ebay with the same model number, but the DCM was different and swapping the logic board didn’t boot it.
If anyone has this drive laying around, let me know.
Sandi:
Scott, I have a WD800JB-00ETA0. Unfortunately it is in use, and also a year older and probably not compatible anyway.
However even if you find one that is near the same date chances are good that the firmware version is different. Reason: WD drives are manufactured in many places around the world, and from what I’ve gleaned from this data recovery company’s forum, the firmware differs.
Also I noticed on mine that there is a little chip (look like black tar dot) between the controler board and the motor that may have been fried causing speed or phase problems.
Anyway check out that link above, two guys have posted with the same problem you have. One has a WD800 and the other a WD1200. Retired and living alone I had plenty of time to research some on it.
1 October 2006, 3:01 pmSandi:
BTW one reason reason the firmware is critical is because controler firmware has to match firmware that is on your HD platters.
1 October 2006, 3:05 pmScott Kirwin:
Sandi
1 October 2006, 6:51 pmThanks for the helpful info.
I’m really at sea with this problem and I appreciate your help.
john pittman hey:
ONtrack can recover it. They regularly open the drives, extract the platters, replace the logic boards, etc. I’ve had excellent disaster recovery services from them in the p[ast.
1 October 2006, 7:33 pmAdministrator:
John
Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve read that when it comes to recovery, they are the best. Unfortunately they are also the most expensive, and there’s no way that I could hide $1,000 expense from the Wife.
I don’t mean to sound like a pussy, but this is a complete stealth operation. If she heard her Africa photos were inaccessible… She’s stressed out enough as it is with working 90 hours a week as an intern. I can’t risk pushing her over the edge.
So I’ve got a balancing act: time vs. cost. The longer I wait, the more likely she will ask to see her photos. However the longer I wait the more likely I am to come up with a cheaper solution.
I’m not expecting to do this for free. Quite the contrary. I’m willing to pay good coin – but coin that I can write off as expenses for my “hobbies”.
2 October 2006, 5:43 amchad:
Damn, maybe we can go for a two-fer. I’m in MD visiting the family and my sister’s HD just died, and it has all her college graduation pics on it. You’re pretty right about the 1k$ cost though… sounds like you need to pick up a side job real fast. Want to learn VB.net and work a project with us? It’s dealing with the Indians though!
2 October 2006, 8:26 amSandi:
The most expensive isn’t necessarily always the best. If I were you I would call Action Front’s 800 number (they run the forum I linked above) and talk to them about ideas and prices.
2 October 2006, 5:34 pmKen:
We have extensive experience with HD data recovery. This isnt the most difficult one. If you want to send it to us for evaluation we are at Computrs Inc 322 Wanaque Ave Pompton Lakes NJ 07442. There is no charge for the evaluation. Data recovery will be determined after we evaluate the drive.
Ken Freedman
5 October 2006, 1:18 pmIT Manager
Ken:
I forgot our Phone Number 973-248-9500×212
5 October 2006, 1:18 pmAdministrator:
Ken
5 October 2006, 6:18 pmThanks. I will be contacting you in the next week or two.
David:
Scott, I was researching just recently and noticed that you have/had the same issue I have… A dead WD800. You may however, be in luck. If you haven’t already sent in your drive for recovery, send me an e-mail, I’ll send you my logic board. I have an WD800JB-00FMA0, 06 FEB 2004. Oh BTW, why contradict yourself with the first line. You’re an antheist, right? He answered though, if you’re interested.
Happy trails
27 December 2007, 10:28 pm;>)
Scott Kirwin:
David
Thanks for the offer. However WD ended up sending it to a professional data receover facility on their dime, but the drive was toast. Oh well…
Atheists can still enjoy the Blues Brothers, can’t they? 😛
28 December 2007, 8:46 amAndy:
David, I am looking for that exact logic board you have to repair a hard drive for my brother with critical data on it. Is it still available and are you interested in passing it on or selling it? If so, pls contact me at ackofspak at gmail.com. Thanks Andy
17 January 2008, 7:51 pmThe Razor » Blog Archive » Buying Components and Building Your Own PC:
[...] photos, MP3’s, videos and personal documents that will disappear if the harddrive dies. And harddrives die. The cost of data recovery is about as expensive as in-hospital medical care for the uninsured. [...]
18 March 2008, 7:06 pmjames:
David, or Andy…..
I’m looking for the save exact controler board… DW800JB-00FMA0 Date: 20 APR 2004
!
If anyone can help, this sucker has about 8 years of photos websites, and all my business invoicing software
DAMNIT
Please help
12 May 2008, 3:37 pm239-337-5556
Hani:
Hi guys,
I am looking for the same hard drive David has. David if you still have it, i am interested to buy. Anyone else, please ( please ! ) if you have it or can tell me where to find one, I appreciate all the help I can get. Here are the drive details :
Western Digital Caviar WD800
Capacity : 80GB
Drive Parameters : 156301488
Model : WD800JB - 00FMA0
Date : 04 Feb 2004
DCM : DSBHCTJAH
P/N : WD800JB - 00FMA0
29 May 2008, 12:05 pmHani:
more details on my problem : my mother board got fried along with some cards and this WD800. I took it to a hard drive repair guy and he told me I have to get the exact same drive to be able to extract the info.
You can contact me at
hanster73 at gmail dot com
thanks !
29 May 2008, 12:07 pmPypas:
Hi
I also have , with burned out motor controler chip.
Model : WD800JB - 00FMA0
DCM : DSBACTJAH – only one letter differs from Hani 😉
24 June 2009, 11:28 amMandy:
Hi guys… I know its been years, but if by any chance anyone still needs one, I am selling one
Let me know please 
13 July 2011, 3:23 pm