WD20EARX Loader 11.rpm doesn't write to RAM

[Platterpuss]

I apologize if this post is seen on other forums. Sometimes I get no replies...

The failed drive is WD20EARX-00PASB0 (Sadle G6). It spins up, then stops and becomes ready to enter utility in Kernel Mode. I'm following procedure in PC3K manual exactly. LDR loading from file finds 11.rpm and 5C.rpm. 5C loads okay, but 11 fails after many tries/re-powers/start overs.

Can anyone help me with getting past this?

Thanks!
-PP

[DataMedics]

Have you tried blocking SA access in ROM? Sometimes the SA is getting half loaded and it's making it stop responding.

[Platterpuss]

Hey Medics, yes we did. That's actually the first step in attempting this,
in the PC3000 manual (page 57 of WD-Marvel pdf)

I just need to handle the next step,...this drive actually imaged the
first 46% on Deespar imager, now this condition started.

Thanks...

[DataMedics]

I've seen a few cases where I had to actually use a totally different version ROM along with its ldr to get stable access to the SA.

However, given that you were able to image before, I'd guess your issue now is related to failed/failing read/write heads. I hope you made an SA backup before you started imaging.

[Platterpuss]

Thanks, yes I did.

[JGAN]

Have you tried changing the head map in RAM?

[DR Tech]

Hi Platterpuss did you mange to resolve this problem? I have the same problem.

[Platterpuss]

Hi. No I did not solve the problem. We tried heads map change,
but finally decided, prior to heads changed, we'll try hot-swap.

-PP

[Maxim_TS]

Since the drive worked before but then suddenly stopped to work, the issue can be in weak heads.
It's unsafe to continue the work with current heads because they can damage the drive.

It's better to open the Hda and check if platters still good and there is no dust inside.
Then change the heads.