2026-03-06

Data Recovery Glossary (Letter S)

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM08 mins

SCA-2
SCA-2 (Single Connector Attach) interface incorporates a grounding contact, blindmate connector, direct plug misalignment tolerance, ESD protection, hot swap capability, and backplane connector options for SCSI devices. SCA-2 is commonly called the 80-pin SCSI connector.

SCSI Configure Automatically (SCAM)
Allows users to attach SCSI devices without worrying about configuration options.

SCSI-1
The Small Computer System Interface (ANSI document X3.131-1986).

SCSI-2
The Small Computer System Interface (ANSI document X3.131-1994).

SCSI-3
The ANSI X3T10 Working Documents (under development).

SCSI device
A host computer adapter, a peripheral controller, or an intelligent peripheral that can be attached to a SCSI bus.

SPC
SCSI Primary Commands.

Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
An interface between a computer and peripheral controllers. Commonly used in enterprise computing and in Apple Macintosh systems. Usually pronounced as “scuzzy.” The equivalent interface system in most personal computers is Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics, usually called EIDE.

Sector
A 512-byte packet of data in EIDE and SCSI hard drives. This is the smallest amount of data that can be read or written to the drive from the host interface. On Macintosh and Unix drives, sectors are usually grouped into blocks or logical blocks that function as the smallest data unit permitted. Since these blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms block and sector are sometimes used interchangeably in this context. (Note: The meaning of the term block in connection with the physical configuration of the disk is different from its meaning at the system level. (See also block and cluster.)

Sector Slipping
A technique used to push-down defective sector sites during a format or reassignment operation to maintain sequential order of the data. Spares are located throughout the disk for this purpose.

Seek
The movement of a set of read/write heads to a desired location. The actuator moves the heads to the cylinder containing the track and sector where the data is stored.

Seek Time
A measure (in milliseconds) of how fast the hard drive can move its read/write heads to a desired location.

Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.)
A technology to assist the user in preventing possible system down time due to hard drive failure by attempting to predict imminent hard drive failure before it occurs.

Sequential Access
The reading or writing of data in a sequential order as opposed to random access. Magnetic tape drives store data in sequential blocks.

Serial Storage Architecture (SAA)
The general name given to a set of standards being developed by an ANSI-approved X3 group. The set of standards defines a new serial interface that provides a flexible addressing scheme.

Server
A computer used primarily to store data, providing access to shared resources. Usually contains a network operating system.

Servo Burst
Provides positioning information to the actuator arm, found at equal intervals on each disk surface (embedded servo) or on an entire surface (dedicated servo).

Single-ended SCSI
The standard electrical interface for SCSI. Single-ended means an interface with one signal and one corresponding ground line for each SCSI signal. Used primarily in applications requiring cable lengths under 19 feet (6 meters).

Slave
The second drive in a dual drive combination.

Soft Error
An error that does not repeat when the same location is re-read.

Soft Sectored
A technique that allows the controller to determine the beginning of a sector by reading the format information from the disk.

Spindle
The center, rod-like axle on which the disks are mounted.

Spindle Motor
The motor that rotates the spindle and ultimately the disks.

Spindle Speed
See RPM.

Spindle Synchronization
A feature that causes SCSI hard drives in multiple-drive systems to rotate to the same address location at the same time.

Storage Capacity
The amount of data that can be stored on a hard drive.

Sub-1000 PC
The series of personal computers being designed for sale at prices at or below $1,000 each.

Subsystem
A secondary or component part of a system, as a hard drive is a subsystem of a personal computer.

Surface
The top or the bottom side of a platter coated with a magnetic material required to record data. A platter may use one or both surfaces to store data.

Synchronous Transmission
Transmission in which the sending and receiving devices operate continuously at the same frequency and are held in a desired phase relationship by a correction device.

System Files
The files needed to run an operating system.

System Integrator
An independent professional who specifies and provides the necessary combinations of hardware and software in response to an end user’s needs.

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A single user does not respond after plugging the Kingston U disk into the computer.

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM01 mins

Case:Kingston U disk is not displayed after inserting into the computer Solution:The detection circuit found that the DATA+responsible for data transmission and exchange was damaged with a component connected to the main control. After the replacement was replaced, the capsule was successfully identified, but the capacity displayed 0 bytes. Use a special device to successfully…

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Hard Drive Platter Replacement & Head Exchange Tool: HD HPE PRO

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM04 mins

hd hpe pro1. What is “HD HPE PRO”?

HD HPE PRO is a Hard Drive Platter Replacement and Disk Head Exchange Tool built to handle Head Stack and DSM issues.

2. Why you need “HD HPE PRO”?

Besides firmware problem and the well-known file system problem, as a data recovery professional, you must have experiences that drives click and drive spin motor got stuck or burnt. For few of you, these kinds of problems can be fixed by replacing the damaged parts manually, but for most of the non-experts who want to lay their hands on this bite of cake, it is better if they work in a stable environment with assistance of industrial designed utilities to prevent further damages or misalign because of incorrect operations to maintain the user data intact.

3. What is the highlights of  “HD HPE PRO”?

* Universal-fit workbench assures you to operate on your HD on a relatively stable table, making your job easier and more reliable.

* Pioneer platter exchanger maintains the original cylinder status by removing and placing each platter of the multiple platters together, so that allows you to change multiple platters without moving the platters out of alignment with each other which otherwise will result in data corruption.

* Special Actuator Remover assures you to perform easy operation (removal, installation) on the upper magnet of the actuator which is very hard to be removed and put back because of its strong magnetism and it’s sensitive and embarrassed position (being very close to both the Head Stack and Media Platter), in case it slips out and touch either of its fragile neighbors during the operations — the consequences will be a disaster.

4. Useful Links

  • Data sheet on the HD HPE PRO
  • HD HPE PRO Demo Video
  • Hard Drive Head Replacement Video
  • Contact to find out more about HD HPE PRO (Such as Price, how to purchase…)

New HPE SP (HPE for HDD with spacers) is to be released in March, 2009

HD HPE PRO will be replaced by HPE SP. This new product, with all the original capabilities of the old version HPE being remained, a newly designed platter exchanger was adapted to replace the old one, which allows users to work on hard drives with spacers between platters.

HD HPE Platter Holder

HPE SP is made of metal alloy and has had the quality and stability improved.

The official version of HPE SP will be available in March, 2009. For old users,  they need only to purchase the new Platter Exchanger (1 for the 3.5″ HDD with spacers or without) to upgrade from HPE PRO to HPE SP.

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Western Digital hard drive computer crashed physical bad sectors recovery successfully

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM02 mins

Case:1T Western Digital Hard Disk, Windows operating system, the file system is NTFS/FAT, computer file loss, crash phenomenon, after testing by the North Asian Data Recovery Center engineers, the hard disk has a large number of bad sectors. Solution:The engineer evaluates the degree of damage to the physical bad sectors of the hard disk.When reading…

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Troubleshoot USB in Windows 98 SE and Windows Me

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM07 mins

USB Troubleshoot There is little that you can do to control or configure USB devices. You can usually isolate most USB problems to one of these conditions.

  • Malfunctioning or incorrectly configured hardware
  • Malfunctioning, incorrectly configured, or missing device driver
  • Mismatched cabling
  • Out-of-date firmware on motherboard or system’s basic input/output system (BIOS)
  • Improperly configured PCI or imbedded USB host adapter

Malfunctioning or Incorrectly Configured Hardware If you plug a malfunctioning or incorrectly configured USB Storage Device into a USB port, the computer may stop responding (hang). Most of the time you need only physically turn off the computer, wait a moment, then back on to reset the bus. If another computer is available that you know is working correctly; plug the Personal Storage Device or PCI card into that computer to see if the problem follows or goes away.

  • If the Maxtor Personal Storage Device is routed through a secondary USB hub, plug the drive directly into the embedded or PCI USB controller.
  • Check Device Manager to be certain the USB hub is functioning correctly. If you see an exclamation point in a yellow circle, confirm system BIOS is assigning an interrupt request (IRQ) to the USB controller. This is required for the device driver to load.Malfunctioning, Incorrectly Configured, or Missing Device Driver
    When you install a USB PCI card or plug in a Personal Storage Device, the computer should load and configure the device and never request a device driver. All the drivers you need are in the Windows CD. If the computer prompts you for a device driver, confirm that PCI/USB card or embedded USB controller is correctly listed in Device Manager.

    Mismatched Cabling There are two types of USB cables, high speed and low speed. Low-speed cables (USB1.0) differ from high-speed cables (USB2) primarily in signal shielding. If you plug a Maxtor USB2 Personal storage device or Maxtor USB2 PCI accessory using a low-speed cable, this can cause signal distortion. Verify the entire USB chain is working correctly. Be certain that a device that requires power from the hub (mouse or keyboard) is not plugged into the chain on the other side of a non-powered hub. If the USB port is powered (PCI or embedded chip-set), verify the computer power supply is working properly.

    Incorrectly Configured Root Hub USB controllers require a dedicated IRQ (system interrupt) assignment. The PCI specification allows the motherboard manufacturer to determine the IRQ assignment for each PCI device. Usually IRQ 9 is assigned. The IRQ line is assigned in the computer’s BIOS. Check with the motherboard / computer manufacturer for the specific PCI configuration details of your system.

    There are several ways to enter the setup depending on your computer make and model. Usually on initial power up there is a message stating Press DEL to enter Setup or similar phrase. If you are not sure how to enter setup, see the system manual or seek assistance from the BIOS or motherboard manufacturer.

    Go to the Integrated Peripherals section and disable both Serial ports if you are not using them. Go to the PnP/PCI section and enable PnP OS, Auto and Reset Configuration Data. This releases the BIOS lock on system resources –allows operating system control. Go to the Power Management section. Disable all power management. This is a common source of intermittent errors.

    Shut down the computer and unplug any USB devices. Re-start the computer and immediately enter Windows Safe Mode (F8 at start-up). DO NOT allow the computer to boot fully to the operating system. If this happens, press ctrl /alt /delete at the same time to restart the computer; re-enter Safe Mode. Go to Add/Remove Programs. Remove all references to USB software. Open Device Manager. Remove the USB root hub and any PCI USB host controllers. Remove all duplicate or erroneous USB drivers. Windows will reinstall genuine device drivers. If you see SB16 emulation drivers (DOS sound support), disable them (do not remove) from this hardware profile. Most don’t need them. While still in Safe Mode, go to System Devices and disable Advanced Power Management support. Remove any drivers for device sharing. Windows should reinstall the drivers automatically. Now you have freed up two or three IRQs and reset Windows IRQ assignments. Reboot the computer and re-install devices.

    If this article does not describe your issue, click here to view the Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows Me Hardware/Device Driver Troubleshooting Resource Center.

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