Seagate Hard Drive Firmware issue

Rik · Jan 22, 2009, 11:08:06

I see you've started breathing again, Ray.

Ray · Jan 22, 2009, 11:09:30

Quote from: Rik on Jan 22, 2009, 11:08:06
I see you've started breathing again, Ray.

Yes, Rik, I had to go and make a cup of coffee while it was updating though.

Steve · Jan 22, 2009, 11:13:51

I think the Coffee is the key

Rik · Jan 22, 2009, 11:15:00

Easier to type than a Windows key.

Ray · Jan 22, 2009, 11:27:34

Quote from: stevethegas on Jan 22, 2009, 11:13:51
I think the Coffee is the key

It's an essential part of the process, Steve.

Ray · Jan 22, 2009, 15:15:06

I've now successfully updated the firmware on my Home Server system disk

which leaves one ST3500620AS to be done.

I'm not sure whether this one needs doing as the firmware on it is not one of the suspect ones listed, I think I'll seek clarification from Seagate before I touch this one.

Rik · Jan 22, 2009, 15:24:27

Sounds wise, Ray. I'm glad you've had relatively little pain so far.

Steve · Jan 22, 2009, 15:47:28

Well the WHS disk was the brave one with no possible backup. My server has 2 ST3500630AS which I think are cuda 10's(jargon

) and safe at the moment

Seagate $400 million 2nd quarter losses.34% reduction in sales prior to this event.

Sebby · Jan 22, 2009, 18:34:36

I can't wait to see future results.

Ray · Jan 24, 2009, 08:47:29

This is the reply that I've just received from Seagate in response to myquery as to whether my drives required the firmware updating they don't seem to see it as a major problem, I hope they're correct as I am not going to bother updating my ST3500620AS, it's been running since early June last year with no problems.

Thank you for contacting Seagate Support.

A firmware issue has been identified that affects a small number of Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 hard drive models which may result in data becoming inaccessible after a power-off/on operation. The affected products are Barracuda 7200.11, Barracuda ES.2 SATA, and DiamondMax 22.
Based on the low risk as determined by an analysis of actual field return data, Seagate believes that the affected drives can be used as is.
However, as part of our commitment to customer satisfaction, Seagate is offering a free firmware upgrade.

Please follow this link
(http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=207931)
to enter the Knowledge Base article(s) detailing the steps to update your drive.

In the unlikely event your drive is affected and you cannot access your data, the data still resides on the drive and there is no data loss associated with this issue. If your drive is no longer accessible, contact us directly for further assistance at http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/about/contact_us/.

NOTE: If you have contacted Seagate Support regarding a separate issue or about another product, please visit http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/about/contact_us/ to submit an email.
Thank you.

Seagate Support

Rik · Jan 24, 2009, 08:53:03

If it ain't broke, eh.

Ray · Jan 24, 2009, 09:10:16

Quote from: Rik on Jan 24, 2009, 08:53:03
If it ain't broke, eh.

Often the best course I think, Rik.

Rik · Jan 24, 2009, 09:12:37

I'm more of a 'usually the best course' type, Ray.

Steve · Jan 24, 2009, 09:32:51

That response from Seagate if I am correct covers all affected drives including the ST3500320AS which we sweated over. The original problem arose over the 1.5TB Cudas'. Its difficult, I agree if it ain't broke don't fix it and since you say that particular drive is not on the list of affected firmwares, probably best left be.Presumably the vast majority of users are blissfully unaware anyway.