BleepingComputer.com: 160 GB SATA HDD NOT SEEN IN BIOS

I have a new computer and had a 160 gb sata hdd and was working fine no problem running Windows 2003 server. I leave it on all the time and has had no issue for last 4 months , then came in one say to find on the screen please insert boot disk hardrive failure. Seemed it rebooted and could not find the hdd. I rebooted and came up fine no issues. Then 5 days ago error on screen again went to reboot but same error. I have tried to see it in Bios but does not see the drive. I moved it to another PC and same issue not seen in bios, I tried another SATA cable also but no luck. I need to get files of this hdd. What can I do and try to get this drive up so I can get my needed files off of this hdd?

Thank you

I would have removed the hard drive when that message first appeared...and attached as a secondary drive to a working system...and moved data files.

If you are not able to do such now...then you can try data-recovery software, of your choice...or, if you are familiar with linux, you can try the same moving technique using a linux distro.

Louis

After data files have been moved, then would be the time to run a manufacturer's hard drive diagnostic (long test) on the drive.

This post has been edited by hamluis: 13 November 2009 - 10:55 AM

Ok, problem is bios will not see the hdd, so when I have it as a slave and get to windows to use software on it to recover data files it will not find the slave hdd.

Can I swap the pcb on it with another hdd I have same make/model and the PCB has the same number as the other hdd.

How do I swap the pcb's? is there a place with step by step instructions? Also what star screw driver /tools will I need?

Thanks

Frankly, if the drive is not recognized in the BIOS of any system...I would say that it's dead.

Louis