samsungExternalHD-repair

ok so, it came back from Canada, with a cute insert instruction on how to safely insert and boot the circuit board.

after assembly, a first attempt in the portable harddisk reader already showed it recognized the drive with its name.. and transferring the data (1TB) took its time (5 hrs), but all is backed up now. The portable case we got was unfortunately faulty- and had to be returned, but once I got the replacement the portable disk also works.. though I am advised it should not be trusted for regular use.

So, thanks to the handy BIOS swapping service, I didnt have to do much at all and my friend has her data back (including her now newly set up back up drive!).

Thanks for all your help! I learned a lot and it was fun.

After trying to order the correct replacement PCB, I learned that each PCB has a unique identifier in the BIOS/Ram. It is therefore necessary to remove the BIOS from the broken PCB and attach it to the new/replacement PCB.  After much research, I found this nifty company in Canada who offers this service free of charge included in the purchase price of the PCB. I now sent off the broken PCB to meet my order in Canada.