View original (French)

Western Digital Hard Drive Connection, broken micro-usb port

Jak -  
 consoles78.28 -
Hello,

I have an external hard drive Western Digital My Passport 320 GB (model WD3200BMVU - 11A04S0) which, after being dropped, stopped working. I opened it up and found that the female micro-USB connector was unsoldered.

Here are the photos of the disassembled hard drive:
http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/8374/4lef.jpg
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/457/tobg.jpg

I tried to connect the hard drive to the computer while holding it “by hand”, it powers on (the LED lights up and I can hear the drive's motor) but it is not recognized by the computer (Windows or Ubuntu). I then realized that the middle pin of the connector was broken (see photo 2), which is likely the cause of the computer not recognizing it. I tried to rig something up, but nothing worked.

I wanted to try connecting my hard drive in another way, but there is no SATA connector or anything else, just the pins whose purpose I don't know. After searching online, I found nothing useful. So I am asking if you have any idea of a way to connect my drive to a computer and thus retrieve my data.

Thank you in advance for your responses,

Jak

Configuration: Windows 7 / Chrome 27.0.1453.110

2 answers

  1.
    booster31 Posted messages 127 Status Member 93
     
    Hello,

    Just so you know: this hard drive was made solely for external use, so there are no SATA ports like there usually are.

    The only solutions in my eyes are either to find someone who could resolder the mini B connector (I think 20 to 30€ by a professional), or to contact a data recovery company (400 to 500€).

    --
    It's just a drop of luck in a sea of misfortune ...
    5
    1. Jak
       
      Good evening,

      Thank you for your response. It's really a shame to have completely neglected the other connection methods for this hard drive... :/
      Otherwise, I’m going to see a professional to resolder the mini USB port; I hope that works ^^.
      0
    2. lk
       
      Hello, I am facing the same problem.
      I would like to know if you managed to recover your data and how you proceeded, as well as the cost involved?

      Best regards,

      L.K
      0
    3. JAL
       
      Yes, there is a solution. You need to find another hard drive of the same brand, even if it's broken, and dismantle it to recover the broken part. You can change everything.
      0
    4. Sannin_WD Posted messages 4316 Status Member 758
       
      Hello everyone,

      @JAL's message has bumped up @Jak's topic on the Forum and for that reason I'm intervening in the discussion... Normally, we do not recommend performing mechanical interventions on a hard drive. On one hand, this voids the warranty, and on the other hand, such manipulations can further damage a hard drive.

      Removing the external casing could prove to be a possible solution; however, this destroys the warranty of the hard drive (if it is still valid). Moreover, some ready-made external hard drives contain (inside the casing) a SATA interface, making it possible to connect directly to the motherboard, for example. However, this would depend on the specific model of the external hard drive (the internal interface could be different). On the other hand, some external hard drives have a particular hardware feature, and any disassembly risks damaging the internal hard drive, thus making data recovery impossible even for professionals.

      The same goes for changing the PCB on a hard drive. The numerous firmware changes for each hard drive model make it very difficult to find a printed circuit board with the same firmware as the failing drive.

      In the case of such damage, and depending on the importance of the contents the hard drive holds, it is recommended to entrust it to the expertise of data recovery professionals who could intervene on-site.

      I hope this could be helpful.
      See you later!
      0
    5. consoles78.28 > Sannin_WD Posted messages 4316 Status Member
       
      Hello

      Sannin_WD: According to a website, you are: "Official WD Member" ..WD: Western Digital, hard drive manufacturer since 1988.... Neutral comments..lol

      Like any device, opening it voids the warranty.

      1) External enclosures using a SATA drive with a SATA/USB interface are easy to repair if your USB connector is faulty. Carefully disassemble the enclosure. Remove the hard drive from the enclosure and the interface. If your hard drive is standard, use another enclosure; otherwise, a SATA/USB adapter. This way you can use it or at least recover your data.

      2) The electronic board (PCB) of your hard drive has the USB connector soldered. It is possible to change it or even repair any torn traces... Depending on the condition!.. This operation must be performed by an electronics expert or someone who really knows what they're doing.

      3) Still for the same case, USB connector on the board.. It is possible to swap the boards with a functional hard drive... But it must be the same model!

      I've done all three cases!

      If you do it yourself: be meticulous, and if things go wrong, stop everything and ask for information.. As I used to say on forums for repairing DS: "some have tried and had problems."

      Good luck
      0
  2. DavTech
     
    Good evening

    Here is one of the connectors used on W.Digital:

    http://www.davtech.fr/index.php?id_product=1029&controller=product

    If needed, feel free to reach out.

    Best regards
    DavTech
    2