WARNING: This information is intended for experts only. Please read the instructions at http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/128807- ... 0011-hdds/ before attempting this procedure.
This fix is also posted at http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/128807- ... nt=1049995
I just found an answer to the dreaded 12CC4 error! My ST31000340AS bricked while I was installing an SSD in my PC, and I ran into the 12CC4 error when attempting to run the N1 command. Apparently the SX15 drives don't have the overlay to fix the firmware, but I stumbled upon a workaround:
Step 1: Download and burn the SD1A firmware update ISO from the Seagate website at http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/supp ... 6-32MB.iso (download from http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/supp ... 6-32MB.iso if you have a 500GB drive).
Step 2: Detach the PCB and put card stock under the head contacts.
Step 3: Attach the serial to TTL converter to the drive.
Step 4: Connect the drive to your PC's power supply.
Step 5: Wait for the drive to spin up then come to a complete stop.
Step 6: Open a terminal (38400 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control)
Step 7: Press CTRL+Z.
Step 8: Enter
/2 then press Enter.Step 9: Enter
Z then press Enter.Step 10: If you get the LED error, disconnect the power and start from step 3. Make sure the motor comes to a complete stop before entering the Z command. If you get "Spin Down Complete" then continue to step 11.
Step 11: Remove the card stock from under the head contacts and reattach the circuit board.
Step 12: Enter
H then press Enter.Step 13: When "Spin Up Complete" appears, attach a SATA cable from your PC to the drive.
Step 14: Insert the firmware CD, reboot your PC (make sure the power does NOT cycle) and boot from the CD.
Step 15: Follow the instructions to update the firmware.
Step 16: Turn your PC off then on again.
Step 17: Back up all data from the now recovered drive then don't use the drive for anything important.
With this fix, I was able to recover all the information that was on the hard drive.