Disconnect white connector on Hitachi Deskstar hard drive logic board

[michaelmalak]

I'm attempting to replace the logic board on a 500GB Hitachi Deskstar hard drive, model HDT725050VLA360 (0A33437BA20290S71). I can't figure out how to disconnect the board from the cable that leads to the inside of the drive. It's a white connector into which four leads (that are soldered to the logic board) enter. I can't figure out if the leads are permanently attached to the connector (meaning I would have to desolder the leads from the logic board) or if that white connector is a socket. It's got tabs of all sorts surrounding it, and if it is a connector, I'm stumped as to what combination of pressure on which tabs would release it. A photo of the connector is at:

http://www.michaelmalak.com/HitachiDeskstarLogicBoardConnector.jpg

 

[gent]

Where the cable enters the connector, there should be a sliding lock, push it (very gently and evenly) in the direction of the cable.
There should be a very small grip on either side.

 

[aziraphale]

It's locked from both sides. Just get a tiny screwdriver to undo it; I just tried it on a disk of mine and it's really easy.

 

[ignatz_maus]

That worked beautifully! Thanks! Now, I just need to locate a new logic board for my Deskstar HDP725050GLA360 Thanks for that.

 

[fzabkar]

A straight board swap probably won't work. You need to transfer the 8-pin NVRAM chip (U5?) from patient to donor.

The reason is that this IC stores unique "adaptive" data. In particular it holds the location of the System Area which is different for each drive.

Here is an article that explains it in more detail:
http://www.datarecoverytools.co.uk/2009/12/11/nvram-and-nvram-repair/

Here is an explanation of the contents of NVRAM:
http://www.datarecoverytools.co.uk/2009/12/25/hitachi-data-recovery-tips-you-must-know/
http://www.salvationdata.com/blog/nvram-data-structure/

If you need help to move the NVRAM, then your local TV/AV reapir shop should be able to do it for you. Otherwise at least one person has reported that the following board supplier provide the service for US$20, even though the PCB was not purchased from him:
http://www.onepcbsolution.com/

Alternatively, if you could explain the problem with the original board, sometimes there is an easy no-cost DIY fix.

 

[nevasha]

I'm attempting to replace the logic board on a 500GB Hitachi Deskstar hard drive, model HDT725050VLA360 (0A33437BA20290S71). I can't figure out how to disconnect the board from the cable that leads to the inside of the drive. It's a white connector into which four leads (that are soldered to the logic board) enter. I can't figure out if the leads are permanently attached to the connector (meaning I would have to desolder the leads from the logic board) or if that white connector is a socket. It's got tabs of all sorts surrounding it, and if it is a connector, I'm stumped as to what combination of pressure on which tabs would release it. A photo of the connector is at:

http://www.michaelmalak.com/HitachiDeskstarLogicBoardConnector.jpg

I assume you figured this out, and if so can you share as I am stumped.

 

[nevasha]

That worked beautifully! Thanks! Now, I just need to locate a new logic board for my Deskstar HDP725050GLA360 Thanks for that.

So do you have any instructions, images etc. on how you disconnected the board from the cable to the platter

 

[nevasha]

Here is waht I am talking about