Friday
May 09, 2008

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Booting Microcode. Translator Module. Some reasons why hard drive may not be identifiable by BIOS.

Hard disk drive (HDD), like a computer, has its own "operating system" known as a booting microcode. The microcode should correctly "boot" when power is applied to the HDD during the computer start up. Otherwise, the computer wouldn't be able to identify the HDD and load up the system.

Parts constituting the booting microcode

Figure 1 shows parts constituting the booting microcode (in brown). The microcode consists of three parts. First part, commonly known as a "Firmware Code", is located on the disk printed circuit board. The second part, commonly known as a "Hardware Microcode", is located in service zone on the spinning part of the disk. The third part, known as a "Translator Module", which is also located in service zone, links physical and logical sector addresses. All drive data may be accessed only through the logical addressing system.

BIOS can't identify / operate HDD when there is damage to either part of the booting microcode.

Some drive models, especially Fujitsu, keep specific "adaptive" information in flash memory ("Firmware microcode"). If the flash memory chip is damaged or if it was not flashed properly, those "adaptives" can be lost. As there are thousands of "adaptive" combinations, it may be hard to find the needed one. Normally, corrupted adaptive is a cause of the clicking sound.

Identification of booting microcode and translator module related problems is not a straightforward process. Only properly equipped professional can identify them. Fortunately, these problems constitute only a small percentage (5 to 8%) of all drive damages and failures.

We've maintained a fair approach in data recovery price policy. Flat rate policy is applied to most data recovery or drive repair services. Please look up the chart for the cost of data recovery. If you cannot locate a price for the service you seek in the chart, we will provide you with free professional evaluation in regard to the condition of the data structure and determine how much of the data is salvageable with no obligation for you.

When the evaluation process is completed, we will contact you with the results of the evaluation and tell you exactly where in the original price range your recovery will fall. We will need your approval to proceed from this point. Last but not least, you pay only when the recovery is completed.

From customer's correspondence

Art T.
Deerfield, IL USA

IBM DK23EA-30 30 GB laptop

From Customer's order

The drive will not mount.

 

After recovery:

Many thanks for your service.
Sincerely,
Art


Craig A./Karen J.
Intuit
Mountain View, CA USA

Hitachi HTS726060M9AT00 60 GB laptop

From Customer's order

Recovery attempts : OnTrack software used, tried to slave drive and can't see data.

 

After recovery:

Many, many, thanks for recovering my data
Sincerely,
Craig A.


Gilbert T.
Tampa, FL USA

Hitachi HTS726060M9AT00 60 GB laptop

From Customer's order

Cause of failure - Water spilled on the laptop while running. Shorted the HDD circuitry & motor. Drive dose not power-on or spin.

 

After recovery:

Thanks for your hard work and especially the option of the disc re-image. That could prove to be the life saver.


 
 

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