Dog ripped off wire copper on hard-drive, possible to still get some files off it?

dillybob92 · Jun 10, 2015

Here is the photo of the best explanation I can give (The wire copper part is ripped off)

I stored some gameserver files for my web-based rpg game and it's literally only 1 folder that needs to be saved. It's over 100KB's in size (a lot of game code is in there) and I don't want to re-write code. My fault for not making a backup for it, I know. Just wondering if it's still possible to get this file off it. Yes, the harddrive still worked fine before this accident. It's just this copper wire got ripped off. How much money am I looking to spend if I go to the local shop? What's a good fair price without them trying to rip me off?

Someone Somewhere · Jun 10, 2015

It should be possible to do this yourself with a soldering iron and some cable...

I can't really say how much someone else will charge you.

bryanl · Jun 10, 2015

Local TV can fix this easily, but it is highly unlikely that anybody at the vast majority of computer shops is competent for this repair.

thor220 · Jun 10, 2015

Someone Somewhere :

Yeah that's the quickest route but it will void the warranty. There's gotta be one person around where you live and soldering work usually doesn't costs much.

The other option is to send it in to samsung for repair. They'll likely charge you much more than a soldering but it'll still be covered under warranty.

dillybob92 · Jun 10, 2015

Here is the real drive that I took. I threw the ribbon part away earlier because it was all torn up (from my dog

)

Don't know if this helps or not:

Not sure who to call now, no way I can do this as I'll prob ruin it even more

thor220 · Jun 11, 2015

If don't have anyone who can do it around your area, just call samsung. They'll fix it for a price but It'll get done.

I don't know many people who would have intricate knowledge on how to do this repair and could guide you.

dillybob92 · Jun 11, 2015

thor220 :

Hey, the problem is my first photo was just an example off the internet to showcase u the copper wire ribbon cable

It's actually a Hitatch Deskstar drive.

I called 8 shops yesterday and half of the computer shops have no idea what a ribbon cable were.. lol No idea what to do now

Most of them said they do not do 'Physical Hard Drive Repair'

Someone Somewhere · Jun 11, 2015

TV or radio repair shops is the answer, I expect. Computer shops tend not to do much beyond software or plug-and-play hardware.

Call them up and say you'd like to get them to replace a missing ribbon cable.

Also, find the exact model of the drive and get some good pictures of the cable.

dillybob92 · Jun 11, 2015

Someone Somewhere :

Hey, someone here said it's 30 AGW Wire: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/383937-dog-ripped-off-wire-copper-on-hard-drive-possible-to-still-get-some-files-off-it/?p=5183576

"They just need four lengths of 30 AWG wire and solder it. It's a easy fix. I personally would do it for free because it's an easy job for me. Probably less than $15."

@Someone Somewhere, the model is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145082

Hitachi GST Deskstar 7K80 HDS728080PLA380

Aww, I found it:

That gold ribbon cable!! omg there it is!

Should I call up TV / Radio Repair places and ask them then? Screw the computer shops basically?

Someone Somewhere · Jun 11, 2015

30AWG should I think work fine as a replacement - pretty much anything will. It's not a data connection, just the motor.

Yup, ask them. Maybe email them with pictures.

I wouldn't continue using the drive for anything important after getting your data off, though. Too risky.

dillybob92 · Jun 11, 2015

Someone Somewhere :

Sweet. I'll give these a call in about 7 hours ~

3:00 Am, give them some type to wake up lol.

Oh yeah, definitely. I just want the data off. It's literally 1 V8 Javascript file written in nodeJS. It's for my web-based game. It's 100KB and once it's xfered off, im throwing this shit away!

Think these shops are ok? Pretty much 'TV Repair' google search right?

What do you think the price should be? 15-100$?

dillybob92 · Jun 11, 2015

Hey guys, here is a video I made for another question specifically for tomshardware / linustechtips.

It's about soldering the wire, can I do it behind the white controller (4 silver things there) or does it have to be inside of the socket?

Here is my video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBszO1tCxpQ

(if it had to be inside of it, there is no way I can get in there without some type of microscope... soldering thing)

dillybob92 · Jun 12, 2015

Just to let you all know I appreciate your help and everything... Unfortunately it still is not receiving power. and 99.99% my soldering skills were at fault (first time ever). Hell, I had to drive BACK to home Depot because I didn't even know I needed a resin core based electronic solder. I just thought I could solder the wire ontop to the silver slabs and be done with it....

The problem is, I think I put too much solder on it... but it's whatever. I didn't want to give up without trying.. Here are the finished results. I know for a fact, the eletric power is coming from the circular inputs at the top they have to be. I stuffed those with a TON of copper coiled wire, they have to be touching in there... If only somehow I can get this thing powered on for 20-30 seconds... I think it's over though...

Edit: After the first solder.. that thing took way too much space and covered up the second silver lining next to it... That's when I kinda new.. it was over. Blah...

Now that I look back.. I should of just used tape and taped the 4 copper wires on each lining and then just soldered it...

Anyway to start over or take off the resin solder and try to re-solder them? (Just off the white control board) I know for a fact I got electricity going into the circular motor inputs but I just don't think each wire is making contact with those silver linings because the huge resin after my first one got in the way. Hmm

Can I buy the same model hd, and then take off it's ribbon cable and plug it in on the white controller board, then solder its end to my circular wire coppers sticking out?

Someone Somewhere · Jun 12, 2015

You can get what's called solder wick... but seriously, take this to someone who really knows how to do it. Getting the excess solder off the main PCB is going to be fun.

Just FYI, what you're calling a 'white controller board' is just a socket.

dillybob92 · Jun 12, 2015

Someone Somewhere :

This is a good video on how to use a solder wick, in your opinion? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htrcZuK_ZsY

I know think I will try the wick and remove all that solder, then carefully use VERY THIN tape and tape each copper wire on each thin silver layer behind the white socket and then once they're all connected, hell I could just try to plug it in lol. (Then, I will solder it on). That sounds like a good plan?

I already got the circular inputs connected very good, I know those are making contact. I just don't think the wires are all making contact at the white socket.. Hmmm

How would you do it? Share

Edit: Also, I need some type of REALLY, REALLY thin tape to hold that copper wire down so I can solder it too. It's so hard with only my 2 hands, I need 1 extra.

Someone Somewhere · Jun 12, 2015

A good trick for small joints like this is to load your soldering iron up with a tiny blob of solder, then use that, rather than using the actual solder directly. Also, get the wire coated in solder before soldering it to the board.

It's usually recommended to use stranded wire rather than solid.

But please find someone who knows how to use a soldering iron.

dillybob92 · Jun 12, 2015

Someone Somewhere :

That sounds like a plan to me. Will use the wicks tomorrow and do what you said.

Problem is, I have called over 12 computer, and about 4 tv repair shops. They all said they don't do hard drive stuff soldering, so I'm just trying to get it done myself. Trust me, Im not giving up I'll try your way tomorrow!

Dog ripped off wire copper on hard-drive, possible to still get some files off it?

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