HDD platter swap , is it possible?

[datamedicsknight]

Greetings everyone,

I have a Seagate ST500DM002 internal HDD wich was opened, and accidently the platter was scratched.

Therefore i want to swap that platter with another unused one of the same exact model:
- Is it worth a try or would it not work?

-I heard that the controller also have some informations stored in as the Serial number , HDD Type....would it be an issue?

-Is there a way to detect that a platter swap have been done , i.e does the platter hold some informations other than user data? like the ones in the controller concerning specs of the hard (serial number as well....) so that the swap would be detected

If any experienced geek can answer those questions i would be very thankfull , because frankly i'm a newbie in this field.

Thanks.

 

[Jared]

Are you trying to recover the data or fix the drive? Either way, it's 100% doomed to failure, but I'm just curious what you're hoping to accomplish.

 

[Freakazoid]

Im also a newbie.. but what is the point to swap platter? If the old one is scratched? It's easier to bought a new harddrive. :?

 

[pclab]

If it's scratched, it will continue scratched on another chassis.
What's the point of doing a swap?

 

[datamedicsknight]

Thank you for your responses.

So technically it is impossible ,i guess the first question was answered.

Now theorically speaking is there a relationship between the platter and the controller for that exact model?

Nevermind if it'll work or not, i just want to replace that platter with another.

Is there a way to detect a platter swap?

are all platters for that model an exact replica or they hold serial number too? that could be linked to the controller?

Thank you very much.

 

[pclab]

Usually, when you swap platters, you just swap them to a new chassis, keeping the top cover and PCB. So, if it's a good job probably you don't notice the difference.

 

[datamedicsknight]

I heard there is a SYSTEM AREA in the platter wich may contain informations identifying the hdd such as the SN.

 

[Jared]

it contains a whole lot more than just that. Think more like an entire operating system customized to the individual drive's calibration.

 

[datamedicsknight]

Is the S/N also included, if it is the case then i won't replace the old one.

So is there a way to be sure all data in the platter are erased physically , (because i can't wipe it ) also without leaving damage on the platter, i know it's already damaged but i want to be sure all data is erased and can't be recovered.

 

[pclab]

Can you explain better what you want/need to do?
Is it your drive or a client drive?
If you don't want the data to be recovered, just hit it with an hammer and over it.