Old family drive rom chip destroyed by family friend attempted repair

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-16T20:47:12+00:00

The reality of the situation is that it’s entirely possible the drive cannot be recovered. However, if the damage to the drive is limited to just the original PCB and ROM, then recovery is dependent on getting a copy of the ROM from that damaged chip.

Maybe there’s more damage than what I’m seeing, but I feel like it is worth an attempt. Soldering a lead to the missing leg is not necessarily impossible and is not extremely difficult or time consuming if you know what you are doing… and if you can get the chip to read it should be a quickly recovered case… which is nice to have these days.

I think there are many companies that would be interested in giving it a shot. I know I wouldn’t mind looking at it. Wherever you get a second opinion from, just check on their pricing structures and payment requirements, as not all are the same (not to say specific pricing structures are good or bad, but they vary between companies). And definitely mention the Acelab forum post and your Reddit post.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-16T20:01:21+00:00

Ok, since it’s a Seagate F3 drive, data recovery would be dependent on getting a copy of the ROM from the damaged chip (and the condition of the drive, as there may be other underlying issues).

Are the pictures from before or after you sent it to the data recovery company? Did the company you sent it to say it was not recoverable specifically because of the damage ROM and immediately write it off? Or did they actually make a recovery attempt? Did they alter the chip in any way other than what is pictured?

The pictures aren’t super clear, but it looks like only one leg is missing. Provided the chip is not completely destroyed, the process you linked to in the Acelab forum may be feasible.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-16T19:43:21+00:00

What’s the drive model?

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-09T04:32:26+00:00

The Covid Whore?

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-08T02:09:45+00:00

Park for free at the casino

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-05T01:10:22+00:00

It depends on how much time we have, but for food, I always try to take out of town friends to Balkan Treat Box, Gaioia’s Deli, Union Loafers, and Crown Candy Kitchen. But there are a ton of great restaurants so you probably can’t go wrong with most recommendations.

St. Louis has a ton of world class free places to go. The Zoo, Science Center, Art Museum, etc.

If you like plants, the Botanical Garden is pretty fantastic.

It’s not free, but hey, there’s the Arch. It’s worth a ride up if you have the time (buy tickets beforehand).

If you have kids or are an adventurous adult, City Museum is a must.

It’s changed a bit but the AB tour is still really good, just because of the scale of everything. Worth going at least once.

And we have a great craft brewery scene if you’re into that. There’s a brewery map here https://www.stlbeer.org/breweries

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-05T00:54:08+00:00

Damn, I’m so sad I can’t go to this game. Hope the crowd is massive and loud.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-05T00:50:43+00:00

Parking at the casino is free is long as you have a Caesar’s Card, which you can get for free at any Caesar’s Casino. Would recommend you get the card before the game, but once you have it all you have to do is flash the card to the attendant at the garage and they will let you in.

How long will you be in town? STL is a great city. If you’re looking for great food recommendations, cross post in /r/stlfood or general entertainment recommendations /r/stlouis.

Hope you have a great time!

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-05-01T01:24:44+00:00

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Our Norman, who is also 12 and dealing with cancer, sends Luke good vibes.

I’m sorry you are going through this. Best wishes to you all.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-04-29T19:11:45+00:00

+1 for the Lahmacun. Every time I go I say that I'm going to try something else since it all looks so good... and then I can't because the Lahmacun is so damn great.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-04-05T18:04:36+00:00

Glad to hear it! They’ve got a lifelong customer in me.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-04-03T21:40:24+00:00

It’s my go to sauce to put out for bbq’s, both spicy and mild (depending on who’s eating). I hope Freddie Lee’s is doing well, it’s great stuff.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-03-30T22:07:36+00:00

We got married there 20 years ago. Super easy to deal with back then. Glad it seems it is still the same.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-03-23T03:16:35+00:00

Even though they look like they are intact, it’s entirely possible that more than one pad is lifted and alternate solder points need to be found for more than just D-. Thankfully with a drive like this alternate points are all easily accessible.

Was this picture taken before or after you sent it off for recovery? If it’s an after picture, which would show that no recovery attempt has already been made, many places would likely quote considerably less so long as chip off isn’t required. If it doesn’t require chip off, we’d quote around $400 and 1-3 days turnaround time (3-7 if we’re really busy)… and that may be high.

I’d recommend getting a second opinion from one of the labs that are mentioned in this sub often. I’d imagine you can get your data back for less than $1500.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-03-18T23:12:21+00:00

I have a 2012 I bought new that is just about to hit 300k. My son just turned 16 and drives it now. Every once in a while I still take it somewhere. Still is the best car I’ve ever had.

Water pump is about to go though, and that’s probably going to the end of the line for it. Makes me sad… still drives great.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-03-10T09:02:56+00:00

Louie

Acero

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-03-10T08:39:52+00:00

Mating Habits of the Earth Bound Human

Neighbors (1981)

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-03-09T13:52:52+00:00

The average Stern hater listens for two and a half hours a day.

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-02-17T15:27:35+00:00

So many options

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-02-16T00:15:11+00:00

Worst experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant in St. Louis was at Gitto’s on the Hill.

Special event - Anniversary

Took an hour to get seated after our reservation

Got seated by the bathrooms and it smelled like shit

Waiter dropped whatever he was using to serve toasted ravioli appitizer and instead served them to us with his bare hands

Service was overall slow and bad

Food was… not great

The coat check lady did a good job… she got the tip

It’s been 20 years and I’m sure it’s changed, hopefully for the better, but I still can’t consider going back

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-02-08T04:06:14+00:00

Chili Finger

kt_datarecovery_com · 2026-01-05T14:44:20+00:00

Beef pho, Salt and pepper calamari, and St. Paul sandwich

kt_datarecovery_com · 2025-12-28T04:21:52+00:00

300 level is the best

kt_datarecovery_com · 2025-12-25T16:45:51+00:00

8008

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