If a Samsung HDD (Model # HN161GI) with the PCB board (PCB # BF41-00291A) inside has the following failure symptoms, you need to replace and repair the PCB board in order to recover data on it, this article will show you how to buy a matching replacement PCB for Samsung hard disk drive HN161GI and how to replace the PCB board BF41-00291A step by step.
HN161GI hard drive PCB or HN161GI hard disk (disc) drive card is the Printed Circuit Board that is screwed into the back of the hard drive. It was also called HN161GI hard drive controller board (card) or HN161GI hard drive logic board.
Samsung HN161GI Hard Drive PCB Failure Symptoms:
- No power, No Spin, No Sound;
- Burning smell;
- PCB is extremely hot;
- Power surge. Connect the hard drive case to wrong power supply;
- Hard drive makes Clicking sound,never stop (Clicking and stop may not be board issue);
- There is obvious damage on the PCB board;
- The hard drive does not spin up (the hard drive never fell or was shaken),either no sound or can hear a quiet tickling sound;
- If the hard drive simply can’t be detected, or if it is clicking, then it could be a circuit board problem, but it could easily be internal damage as well. It is often a gamble in this case;
Fix PCB board BF41-00291A for Samsung HDD HN161GI
Step 1: Find a replacement PCB
To find a matching replacement PCB for Samsung HDDs, we need to make sure the “Board Number” on the PCB is the same. Board number is begin with “BF41-*** “. Check the board number on your hard drive, make sure it is “BF41-00291A“.
Note: To make sure the PCB board number of your Samsung HDD HN161GI is BF41-00291A, you’d better to unscrew your hard disk and have a look on the board.
Step 2: Order replacement PCB Online
Then search with the board number “BF41-00291A” and/or the HDD model “HN161GI” in the search box on HDDZone.com and order it online. HDDZone.com provide worldwide free shipping (7-20 business days), we also provide expedited shipping (3-7 days) such as DHL & UPS.
For your convenience, you can also directly click on this product link below to purchase directly: Samsung HN161GI PCB Board BF41-00291A
Step 3: Firmware Transfer on PCB boards
In most cases, you need to transfer the “BIOS” chip (HDD firmware are usually stored in the “BIOS” chip) before you swap hard drive PCB, in order to make the donor board compatible with your HDD.
Step 4: Recover and Backup Data
After the firmware transfer is completed, the repair process is finished! Connect your HDD to your PC and restart your computer, you will be able to recover data from your HDD now! Backup! Backup! Backup!
About Hard Drive PCB Components:
BIOS: All of the 8pins (4 pins on each sides) with 25P05VP,25P10VP,25F512,25F1024,25F1024AN,SST25VF512,SST25VF010, etc. are the BIOS. It is easy to be found, because there are not many 8pins chips on the PCB.
Main Controller IC: If there is no matching 8pins BIOS chip on the PCB, it means the BIOS is integrated on the Main Controller IC. It is more complex to exchange the Main Controller IC than exchange the BIOS. If you should do, please do several test on the HDD’s PCBs which don’t have the important data.
About Firmware Transfer Tool & Steps:
HDD PCB Firmware Transfer Tools:
- Hot air rework station;
- T6/T8 Screwdriver(available on HDDZone.com product page);
- Tweezers;
Steps to transfer firmware on the PCB:
- Remove BIOS chip from the original PCB;
- Remove BIOS chip from the donor PCB;
- Solder the original BIOS chip to the donor PCB;
Tips: Most of the TV, phone, electronics repair shop can offer this firmware transfer service for just $5-20.
