It Happened! Seagate HD Firmware Issue, Bricked Drive! UPDATED

1692 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by erock3375, Mar 17, 2009

erock3375

Discussion Starter · Mar 11, 2009

Well, today I restarted my computer and, wouldn't you know it, my Seagate 7200.11, 500gb, couldn't be found anywhere. After clearing CMOS, changing cables and running through Vista start-up repair utility, etc., etc., I finally realized that the firmware issue that plagued Seagate HD's at the beginning of the year finally caught up to me. Why you might ask didn't I update the firmware when it came out. Well, I was going to until the original update started bricking the 500gb drives. Things were running fine at that time and I didn't worry about it too much. Then life got busy and I completely forgot about it. Last time I will do that. I know it's partially my fault, but right now I'm not a very happy camper.

Anyway, I shipped it out today to I365 and am crossing my fingers that they can recover my data, programs, etc. Anyone else have this same issue and have had to send theirs in?

I just needed to rant a bit. Thanks for listening. Any comments or similar experiences that anyone wants to share to help ease my mind?

:swearing:

*UPDATE*

Just a quick update to those who are interested. I received my drive back from Seagate. From the day it happened, to yesterday when I got it back, it took them a total of 6 days. Not too bad in my opinion. They were able to force the new firmware update and unlock the drive. All my data and settings are just like they were before. Props to Seagate on their customer service and speedy turnaround, and it didn't cost me a thing! Anyway, I'm back to my original self again and am very pleased with the outcome. Thanks to those who crossed their fingers for me!

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Bellatrix

· #2 · Mar 11, 2009

Buy a 500GB Samsung, very cheap.

XxBeNigNxX

· #3 · Mar 11, 2009

I recently had it happen to one my my Seagate 7200.11....and for the same reasons I didn't update it either lol....Then I just forgot about it.

Anyways I RMA'd the drive and had a new one back in a week

Thats why I have backups of every kind of hardware (Just in Case)

Awesome service from Seagate, I will continue to use there products.

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gamer11200

· #4 · Mar 11, 2009

I would suggest you get a Western Digital drive. I have owned 3 and never had an issue with them.

MCBrown.CA

· #5 · Mar 11, 2009

I'm glad I flashed both my 7200.11 with the new firmware. They're running just fine...

Hope you get your ones and zeros back!

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TheLegend

· #6 · Mar 11, 2009

Indeed a shame. What is the data recovery going to cost you? They should have no problem getting your data back for you.

erock3375

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 11, 2009

Thanks for the replies. I gotta say that even though I sat on hold waiting for a tech for quite a while, their customer service was great. Within 15 minutes I had a prepaid shipping label and was on my way to the UPS store. They even paid for packing. It will be sent overnight, so I should know what they are able to do in a couple of days, and should have either the drive back or a new one by early next week. As far as cost, as long as they are successful at forcing the firmware update, then all should be ok and I should have my drive back like before. If not, then I'm not sure how much they charge to recover. I do backup onto an external, but haven't done that in a little while, but I shouldn't loose much, it's just the whole process of installing Vista and all my programs and settings again. Gonna have to buy another drive, and learn how to mirror from now on. Oh well, lesson learned. Thanks again!

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jaclipse

· #8 · Mar 11, 2009

They've been getting cheap lately so I bought one despite all the firmware issues. Updated the firmware which was kind of a pain so I cant blame you for putting it off. I had to burn iso to disc then open my computer to unplug my other hard drives and then flashed the drive in some archaic dos program

{core2duo}werd

· #9 · Mar 11, 2009

sorry to hear that. there was a link to a walk through on how to flash the new firmware to a drive that is already having the problem some where here, if it is going to cost alot to get your data back you might want to give it a try.

i have had 10+ seagate drives, and never had a problem with any, i have one 500gb 7200.11 that i waited a little while to see if the newest firmware caused any problems, then when i thought it had been long enough, i flashed it. hopefully i won't have any problems with it.

edit: here's that walk through http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives...ht=7200.11+fix

erock3375

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 11, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by {core2duo}werd

View Post

sorry to hear that. there was a link to a walk through on how to flash the new firmware to a drive that is already having the problem some where here, if it is going to cost alot to get your data back you might want to give it a try.

i have had 10+ seagate drives, and never had a problem with any, i have one 500gb 7200.11 that i waited a little while to see if the newest firmware caused any problems, then when i thought it had been long enough, i flashed it. hopefully i won't have any problems with it.

edit: here's that walk through http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives...ht=7200.11+fix

Thanks, saw that and decided to let the pros handle it. If they want a ton of money to recover, then I'll probably cut my losses, reformat and be happy that I've backed up what I did.

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erock3375

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 17, 2009

Updated in original post for those interested.

{core2duo}werd

· #12 · Mar 17, 2009

sounds great man, i'm glad it all worked out well for you.

Aawa

· #13 · Mar 17, 2009

nice 6 days with all your data intact. I have been a seagate user for a while. I havent had many issues with the seagate drives i have used at work or for personal use. but whenever i have had to deal with their customer service/support they have been very fast, friendly, and get the job done.

Danbeme32

· #14 · Mar 17, 2009

That is one good thing about seagate..They do have a great turn around...I had a drive go bad..(not like your) But it took a week to get it back..

But it was great to get all your info back...

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aryuautku

· #15 · Mar 17, 2009

My 250GB Barracuda died,i could get it after 28 days from the RMA

Turkey.

Sylon

· #16 · Mar 17, 2009

I have a 7200.11 500gb that has alot of bad sectors, but it was bought OEM...you think they'll RMA it? Given what has happened, I think they should...

erock3375

Discussion Starter · #17 · Mar 17, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

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I have a 7200.11 500gb that has alot of bad sectors, but it was bought OEM...you think they'll RMA it? Given what has happened, I think they should...

It's worth a shot. Just give em a call with the serial number of your drive and they will be able to tell you if its one of the affected drives. If so, they should fix it, no questions asked. Good luck!

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