HD causes the system not to power on!

Hi all!

I just removed this hard disk (Western Digital 20 GBs) a while ago from an old computer and tried to slave it to my system.
I tried every possible way, (master, slave, with jumpering, with no jumpering)

The situation is strange:
When I connect it and power on the system, the H.D.D LED indicator flashes for a fragment of a second and then nothing happens (as if it was disconnected and no electric current is there)

I even tried on another computer and I get the same situation.
Should I give up software solutions? Is it damaged internally and nothing can be done?

There's nothing important on it my friends, but I'm just curious and want to know your viewpoints.

Thank you!

By the way, the original PC which I removed the HD from wasn't functioning but I don't know if it was the HD because it's really old and it's not mine.

 

I'd say the HD's circuitry is toast and it's finished. But, you do have some options: there's companies that will recover the data buy removing the platters from the drive; or you can try to find an identical drive and swap out the logic/circuit boards yourself. This is NOT for the timid!!! I've never done it myself, but I've seen it done successfully so I know that the home PC person can do it....

hd2k

 

I heard that these procedures are really expensive, is it true?

Sounds really interesting! Would you please suggest a link for a short tutorial or article about this? And it's best to have screen shots!

Thank you very much, hd2k!
:wave

 

Yes, it's true.... platter removal for data recovery is VERY expensive. I researched it once for a guy, and I couldn't find any companies that would do it for less than $1000 US. Most were in the $1500-$2000 range. But, if they can't get the data, you don't pay.
As far as swapping out the circuit boards: I'll poke around the web when I have some time and see what I can find. The guy that I know that did it just kind jumped into it w/o any guide or tutorial. He just attacked it with some screwdrivers and allen wrenches and a pen and a notepad.... then again, this guy is a bit 'off balance' and he's REAL good with electronics and such. Maybe I'll talk to him and he can provide some type of guidance.... anyway, be patient and I'll provide any info that I can. In the meantime, maybe you could do some Googling for some info about swapping out hard drive circuit boards. I'm not really sure what search words to use, but I'm sure persistance will pay off

hd2k

 

Thank you very much my friend.
As for the cost, yes it's too much to pay, of course I'm taking into consideration that I don't have "so much sensitive and important" data on that disk.
So, I think I'll try it myself as a means of research. (But of course after you provide me with more information).

So, I really appreciate anything you could give me and please take your time, I can wait. :wave

Thanks again, hd2k