In comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage Erica Eshoo wrote:
On Mon, 5 Nov 2007 06:12:24 +1100, Rod Speed wrote:
but the video implies that the power supply "pushes" the current
Just a clumsy description.

I think I get what Rod Speed is saying.
When I start my blender, the lights dim for a second in my California
kitchen. Then everything is fine.

I think what Rod Speed is saying is, if the hard disk drive motor is
drawing too much current for the original power supply to handle, then
adding a larger capacity (more current) power supply, will allow it to draw
more current than the original power supply could handle.

That, in an emergency situation such as mine, might be the way to free a
"stuck" drive.

No. While the idea is sound, the numbers and other facts are not.
One problem is that PSUs (unless dying ones) supply far, far more
power than a HDD needs to start.

As noted, my drive isn't stuck - it's just clicking and spinning until the
clicking gives up ... so I think I'll give up on the larger power supply.
Plus, I'm using the Vantec IDE-to-USB adapter which comes with its own
power supply.

Thet is the next problem. Historically HDDs used to have heads stick
to surfaces. With better coating this has not been an issue for a
decade or two.

Funny thing, the hard drives I tested STILL WORK on the Vantec IDE-to-USB
adapter even without plugging in the external power supply. I guess they
get power from the USB - but I'll use the external power supply also to
power the naked laptop hard disk drive.

Standard, although it overloads the USB port on drive startup.
Typically not a problem.

The good thing is we're learning - the bad thing is that we probably
can't use any freeware on earth to resurrect this drive ... or can
we?

I don't think you can. From a certain point one, hardware defects
cannot be corrected or worked around with software anymore.

Arno