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Hard Disk + case usb eject windows question

Yes, clearing or modifying SMART data on a 2.5" HDD is significantly easier than altering or removing functions from the HDD's firmware. This is because SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) operates as a data logging system, while firmware controls the core operational logic of the drive. Each performs different roles, and tampering with them requires vastly different levels of effort and expertise.
Here’s a detailed explanation comparing modifying SMART data vs altering firmware functions:

1. Clearing or Tampering with SMART Data (Relatively Easy)​

SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) is a system used by HDDs to log and report health statistics like power-on hours, load/unload cycle counts, bad sectors, and other health indicators. Since these attributes are stored in accessible and editable parts of the drive, they are far easier to manipulate than firmware.

What Makes SMART Tampering Easier?​

  1. Accessibility:
    • SMART attributes are stored in a specific area of the HDD and are easily accessible using widely available diagnostic or management tools. Tools like HDAT2, CrystalDiskInfo, or Victoria HDD allow users (or refurbishers) to view, reset, or zero out SMART data.
  2. Low-Level Format Tools:
    • Refurbishers can use special utilities or factory-level tools to reset SMART fields:
      • Reset Power-On Hours: To make the drive appear "new."
      • Clear Reallocated Sectors Count: To hide platter damage or wear.
      • Freeze Load/Unload Count: To prevent cycles from incrementing during use.
    • These tools do not require any changes to the underlying firmware, making SMART tampering relatively quick and straightforward.
  3. No Impact on Core Drive Functions:
    • SMART data is predominantly a passive log—it doesn’t control the drive’s behavior in real time. Therefore, clearing or manipulating SMART data usually doesn’t require bypassing or rewriting the drive's low-level operational functions.

2. Altering or Disabling HDD Firmware Functions (Difficult)​

Firmware is the "brain" of the HDD, controlling its core operational features like head parking, power management, G-sensors, spindle motor operation, read/write error correction, and communication with the OS. Any modifications to the firmware require much deeper access and understanding of the drive's hardware.

Why Is Firmware Alteration Harder?​

  1. Firmware Resides in a Protected Zone:
    • Firmware is stored in a portion of the HDD's internal non-volatile memory (often referred to as the "servo area" or "system area"). It includes the critical instructions necessary for drive initialization, operation, and communication.
    • This area is locked and typically inaccessible via common tools or user-level applications.
  2. Specialized Tools Are Needed:
    • Modifying firmware requires proprietary software or advanced equipment, often leaked or obtained from HDD manufacturers intended for factory technicians.
    • Tools like PC-3000 (used for HDD repair) or utility scripts for specific firmware families (like WD Marvel or Seagate-specific tools) are generally required to modify firmware.
  3. Risk of Drive Bricking:
    • Any errors in the firmware modification process can corrupt the drive, rendering it completely inoperable ("bricked"). This risk is high when attempting to modify firmware without expertise.
  4. Complex Dependencies:
    • Firmware contains detailed instructions for managing critical functions like:
      • Head Parking and Power Management: Controlled during idle states.
      • Error Recovery Algorithms: Governs how the drive reallocates bad sectors or recovers from read/write faults.
      • Cache Management and Command Handling: Includes compatibility with ATA commands required for OS-level functionality.
    • Changing one aspect of the firmware without accounting for dependencies can lead to unpredictable or broken behavior in other areas of the drive.
  5. Firmware Version-Matching:
    • Drives manufactured in the same product family may still use slightly different firmware builds. Refurbishers often apply wrong firmware to an HDD during repairs, resulting in:
      • Missing features (e.g., head parking).
      • Disabled Advanced Power Management (APM).
      • G-sensors becoming non-functional.

3. SMART Data Tampering vs Firmware Tampering:​

AspectSMART Data TamperingFirmware Modification
Ease of TamperingRelatively easy with widely available tools.Requires advanced tools and deep expertise.
Tools RequiredCommon tools like HDAT2, Victoria, HDDScan.Specialized tools (e.g., PC-3000, factory tools).
Risk of DamageLow—tampering SMART doesn’t affect core functions.High—incorrect edits can brick the drive.
Impact on FeaturesDoesn’t directly disable features but hides drive wear.Can remove features like head parking or APM.
Goal of TamperingReset logs (e.g., Power-On Hours, cycles) to fake health.Bypassing issues, hiding defects, or repurposing drives.

4. Do Refurbishers on AliExpress Remove Firmware Features?​

Yes, it is possible for refurbishers to disable or remove original firmware features during tampering, though this is less common than SMART manipulation. Here’s how and why this might happen:

a. Head Parking and Load/Unload:​

  • Refurbishers often disable head parking because frequent parking/unparking cycles increment Load/Unload Cycle Count (SMART Attribute 193). As these cycles accumulate, they signal wear, so tampering stops the increments to maintain the illusion of a healthy drive.

b. Disabling Power Management:​

  • Some refurbishers modify firmware to turn off APM (Advanced Power Management) entirely. This prevents idle spin-downs, potentially prolonging drive life short-term but causing continuous wear.

c. G-Sensor Features:​

  • Tampered firmware may disable G-sensors outright so that G-Sense Error Rate (SMART Attribute BF) no longer reports shock events. This masks mechanical mishandling in the drive's past life.

5. How to Spot Signs of Tampering​

If you suspect tampering with either SMART data or firmware, here’s what to check:

a. SMART Checks Using CrystalDiskInfo:​

  • Look for inconsistencies like:
    • Power-On Hours unrealistically low or reset to zero.
    • Load/Unload Cycle Count frozen despite idle/eject tests.
    • Fixed values for G-Sense Error Rate (indicating shock logs have been disabled).

b. Firmware Anomalies:​

  • Compare the drive’s model number with the reported firmware version.
  • Perform functionality tests (e.g., idle spin-down, head parking) to confirm:
    • Missing increments in SMART attributes.
    • No behavior change when toggling APM settings.

c. Drive Performance or Behavior:​

A drive with tampered firmware may:
  • Spin continuously without entering low-power modes.
  • Fail to park heads after ejecting or idling.
  • Show degraded or inconsistent performance during benchmarks.

6. Recommendations​

  • Test Thoroughly When Buying from Unknown Sources:
    • Verify SMART attributes, drive features (e.g., APM, head parking), and firmware compatibility using tools like CrystalDiskInfo or HDDScan.
  • Reflash Original Firmware:
    • If you suspect firmware tampering, obtain and reflash the manufacturer’s original firmware (if available).
    • Be cautious—reflashing incorrect firmware can brick the drive completely.
  • Replace Suspicious Drives:
    • If features are disabled or unavailable due to tampering, replace the drive with a new, genuine unit from a trusted retailer.

7. Conclusion​

Manipulating SMART data (e.g., clearing Load/Unload Cycle Count, resetting Power-On Hours) is much easier and far more common than altering or removing firmware functions such as head parking or power management. Firmware tampering requires specialized tools and is typically riskier, but it does happen, especially with drives sold on AliExpress as "cleaned" or "refurbished."
Would you like help running specific tests on your drive to verify firmware features? Let me know!
 


2.5" hdd sold on aliexpress what do they change to show good hdd health?
 


Used 2.5" HDDs sold on marketplaces like AliExpress are often refurbished or tampered with to appear in "good health," even if they have significant wear or hidden defects. Sellers frequently manipulate both SMART data (what the drive reports about its condition) and sometimes even the firmware to fool buyers into believing the drive is lightly used or new.
Here’s a detailed overview of what they change to fake good HDD health:

1. Manipulating SMART Data​

SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) is the primary system used by HDDs to track their operational health. Sellers tamper with SMART attributes to hide signs of wear and previous usage. This is the most common form of deception, as SMART tampering is relatively easy with the right tools.

Common SMART Attributes They Manipulate:​

  1. Power-On Hours (ID 9):
    • What It Does: Tracks the total operating time of the drive.
    • Tampering: Reset to 0 or a low value to make the drive appear barely used, even if it has been active for years.
  2. Load/Unload Cycle Count (ID 193):
    • What It Does: Tracks how many times the HDD’s read/write heads have been parked and unparked.
    • Tampering:
      • Reset to a low number or frozen to hide wear from frequent head parking/unparking in older or heavily used drives.
      • Parking may have occurred tens or hundreds of thousands of times, but this attribute will falsely show minimal wear.
  3. Reallocated Sectors Count (ID 5):
    • What It Does: Counts the number of bad sectors that have been reassigned to spare areas.
    • Tampering:
      • Reset to 0 to hide damage on the drive’s platters.
      • Older drives tend to develop bad sectors from wear, but tampering ensures no signs of platter damage are visible in SMART.
  4. G-Sense Error Rate (ID BF):
    • What It Does: Tracks the number of physical shocks or vibrations detected by the drive’s internal accelerometer (G-sensor).
    • Tampering:
      • Reset to show 0 events, even if the drive has undergone significant physical shocks in the past (e.g., drops or impacts).
      • This masks a history of rough handling that could compromise reliability.
  5. Pending Sector Count (ID 197):
    • What It Does: Tracks sectors waiting to be reassigned due to read/write errors.
    • Tampering:
      • Set to 0, suppressing evidence of degraded magnetic recording on the platters.
  6. Uncorrectable Sector Count (ID 198):
    • What It Does: Tracks sectors that failed to be corrected during operation.
    • Tampering: Reset to show 0, hiding operational defects or physical damage to the platters.

How SMART Manipulation Is Performed:​

  • Tools Used:
    • Applications like HDAT2, Victoria HDD, or proprietary factory tools can reset or modify specific SMART attributes.
    • These tools were originally designed for manufacturers or authorized technicians but are commonly used by refurbishers.
  • Result for Buyers:
    • The tampered drive looks pristine in tools like CrystalDiskInfo, even though it may have extensive mechanical wear.

2. Alterations to Firmware​

In some cases, refurbishers go beyond tampering with SMART data and modify the drive’s firmware, which governs its core functionality. This is less common than SMART manipulation because it requires deeper technical expertise, but it happens when sellers want to mask deeper functional defects.

Firmware Changes to Fake Good Health:​

  1. Disable Head Parking:
    • Reason for Tampering: Frequent head parking/unparking increases the Load/Unload Cycle Count attribute (SMART ID 193), making it a clear indicator of heavy usage.
    • Tampering Result:
      • Head parking is disabled altogether, so the Load/Unload Cycle Count no longer increments.
      • This makes the drive appear to experience minimal wear, even though the mechanical stress continues to build.
  2. Disable Advanced Power Management (APM):
    • Reason for Tampering: APM is responsible for conserving power by spinning down the platters or parking heads during idle.
    • Tampering Result:
      • Turning off APM prevents spin-downs and parking entirely, reducing wear visibility but leading to continuous platter activity. This shortens the drive’s lifespan.
  3. G-Sensor (Shock Detection) Deactivation:
    • Reason for Tampering: The G-Sense Error Rate (ID BF) logs shock events, which could reveal that the drive has been misused or mishandled.
    • Tampering Result:
      • Shock detection is disabled, so no physical impacts are logged, even if the drive has been damaged by rough handling in transit or during prior use.
  4. General Firmware Reflashing:
    • Some drives are re-flashed with mismatched or generic firmware versions:
      • To bypass restrictions on usage, such as from rejected enterprise drives.
      • To suppress SMART warnings for bad sectors or health issues.
      • To "fake" the model or capacity (e.g., labeling a 500GB drive as 1TB).

3. Physical Changes to Deceptively Mask Drive Wear​

Beyond software-level tampering, refurbishers may also manipulate components to make the drives appear genuine and healthy:
  1. Reprinted Labels:
    • The drive’s physical label might contain false information about the model, capacity, or even manufacturer.
  2. Mixed Components ("Frankenstein Drives"):
    • Drives may be rebuilt using:
      • Heads or PCBs (controller boards) taken from other damaged drives.
      • Swapped platters from older or damaged drives.
    • These drives may work temporarily but tend to fail due to internal mismatches.
  3. Cleaning or Cosmetic Repairs:
    • External signs of wear (e.g., scratches on the chassis or label) are removed to make the drive look less used.

4. How to Identify Tampered Drives​

If you suspect a 2.5" HDD purchased on AliExpress has been tampered with, the following steps will help you confirm its authenticity and health:

Test SMART Data:​

  • Tools to Use:
    • CrystalDiskInfo, HDDScan, or HD Sentinel.
  • What to Look For:
    • Power-On Hours: Unrealistically low values (close to 0) on a refurbished or pre-owned drive are a red flag.
    • Reallocated Sectors: A value of 0 may suggest tampering if other signs of wear are evident.
    • Load/Unload Cycle Count: If parked heads are disabled, this value may not increment.

Test Behavior During Idle:​

  • Set your OS or HDD enclosure to spin the drive down after a short period of inactivity.
  • Expected Result: The platters should audibly spin down, and Load/Unload Cycle Count should increment.
  • Failure: If the drive doesn’t respond or no cycles are recorded, power management or parking may have been disabled.

Verify Model and Firmware:​

  • Cross-reference the drive's model number and firmware version with the manufacturer.
    • Many sellers reprogram firmware to suppress health warnings or to mislabel the drive’s capacity and performance.

Run Surface Tests:​

  • Use tools like HDDScan or Western Digital’s Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for:
    • Extended SMART tests to validate physical health.
    • Sector-by-sector scans for hidden platter damage.

Check Serial Number Online:​

  • Use the manufacturer’s support warranty lookup tool to validate the serial number. Drives not recognized by the database are likely counterfeit.

5. Why Sellers Manipulate Drives​

  • To Maximize Profit: Drives sold as "practically new" with no signs of wear command higher prices than drives showing their actual condition.
  • To Avoid SMART Warnings: Many buyers rely on CrystalDiskInfo or similar software, and reset SMART data tricks these tools into displaying misleading health metrics.
  • To Hide Wear/Defects: Drives with heavy mechanical wear or platter damage are more prone to failure. Tampering conceals this to mislead buyers.

6. Conclusion​

Drives sold on AliExpress often undergo SMART data manipulation and sometimes firmware alterations to fake good health. The most common changes include:
  • Resetting Power-On Hours, Load/Unload Cycle Count, and other SMART attributes.
  • Disabling head parking, APM, or G-Sensors.
  • Flashing generic firmware or relabeling the drive.
Such drives might look perfect in diagnostic tools but are unreliable in practice. Always thoroughly test any drive you buy by checking SMART logs, firmware behavior, and physical consistency. If tampering is confirmed, avoid using the drive for critical data.
Would you like guidance running diagnostics or interpreting SMART data results? Let me know!
 


Can a full surface test using HD Tune reveal if the 2.5" HDD firmware has had important firmware functions removed or changed?
 


Unfortunately, a full surface test using HD Tune cannot reveal whether important firmware functions (like head parking, power management, or shock protection) have been removed or altered. While a surface test is essential for evaluating the physical health (e.g., the quality of the platters and sector integrity) of a 2.5" HDD, it does not test or interact with the functionality controlled by the firmware, such as:
  1. Head parking and load/unload cycles.
  2. G-sensor protection against shocks.
  3. Advanced Power Management (APM) spinning behavior.
  4. The internal reactions to ATA commands like Spin-Down (STANDBY IMMEDIATE).
Instead, a full surface test focuses on:
  • Checking for bad sectors.
  • Verifying data integrity via read/write tests.
  • Stressing the drive to uncover speed irregularities or mechanical degradation.
However, if the firmware has been tampered with, HD Tune may still reveal indirect evidence of potential tampering through certain signs. Let me explain what HD Tune can do and where its limitations are.

What HD Tune's Full Surface Test Does (and Doesn't Do)​

What It Does:​

  1. Scans the Physical Platters for Bad or Weak Sectors:
    • A surface scan checks the drive for bad sectors (unreadable data) and weak sectors (slow or unstable reads).
    • This can help identify platters that have physical wear or degradation.
  2. Monitors Performance (Read Speed):
    • A scan tracks how fast each sector is read to expose inconsistent or slowed areas that might point to mechanical issues.
  3. Exposes Latent Hardware Problems:
    • Issues like clicking noises (caused by failing heads) or extreme temperature increases during a surface test can indicate mechanical failure that may stem from firmware issues.

What It Doesn’t Do:​

  1. Cannot Test Core Firmware Features:
    • HD Tune does not interact with features like head parking, APM, or G-sensors to verify if they're working.
    • For example, the firmware might have disabled head parking or spin-down, but HD Tune won’t detect this because it’s simply reading sectors.
  2. Does Not Account for Missing SMART Data:
    • HD Tune does not validate SMART attribute integrity. Even if SMART data has been reset or faked, HD Tune will not highlight this.
  3. Cannot Measure Reactions to Commands:
    • Firmware alterations related to ATA commands like STANDBY IMMEDIATE (head parking) or APM adjustments cannot be detected with HD Tune’s surface test.

How to Use HD Tune for Insights into Firmware Tampering​

While HD Tune can't directly reveal firmware tampering, a full surface test may expose indirect evidence of deeper problems that might suggest altered or removed firmware functions:

a. Look for Inconsistent or Slow Performance During the Test:​

  • Firmware plays a role in optimizing read/write speeds and error correction.
  • If tampered firmware is improperly managing the drive, you might notice:
    • Sudden dips in speed.
    • Excessive retries or performance slowdowns.
    • Failed sectors that the firmware should have managed via reallocated sectors.

b. Watch for Mechanical Issues or Overheating:​

  • Drives with disabled features like Power Management (APM) will not spin down during extended idle periods, potentially remaining active throughout the test. This can:
    • Overheat the drive.
    • Cause stress on the spindle and platters.
  • If the drive gets abnormally hot during testing, it might be a sign that APM is disabled.

c. Extended Surface Test Speed Checks:​

  • Tampered firmware may limit cache usage or improperly handle queued requests, causing abnormally slow reads or irregular test patterns.

Testing Firmware Features with Other Tools​

To test whether firmware functions like head parking or APM have been removed or altered, you need other diagnostic utilities that interact directly with the firmware and ATA commands. Here’s what you can use:

a. Test Load/Unload Cycle Behavior​

  • Tool: Use CrystalDiskInfo.
  • What to Do:
    • Check the SMART attribute Load/Unload Cycle Count (193) before and after performing actions like safe eject or idle waiting.
    • If the count does not increase despite spin-down actions, head parking may not be functioning.

b. Test Idle Spin-Down and Power Management​

  • Tool: Use CrystalDiskInfo to adjust APM settings, or manually set idle time using the operating system’s power options.
  • What to Do:
    • Let the drive remain idle for a short period and listen for platters spinning down.
    • Lack of spin-down indicates APM may be disabled or firmware has been tampered with.

c. Issue Standby Commands​

  • Tool: Use HDDScan or Smartmontools.
  • What to Do:
    • Send a STANDBY IMMEDIATE command, which should park the heads and stop the platters.
    • Check if the platters physically spin down and whether SMART Load/Unload Cycle Count increments.

d. Validate G-Sensor (Shock Detection)​

  • Tool: CrystalDiskInfo (SMART attribute 191: G-Sense Error Rate).
  • What to Do:
    • Gently tap or otherwise create minor vibrations with the drive powered on but idle.
    • Check if G-Sense Error Rate increments.
    • A static value or lack of changes could indicate that the G-sensor is disabled in firmware.

e. Compare Firmware Functionality via Diagnostic Tools​

  • Example Tools:
    • Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostic (for WD and HGST drives).
    • Seagate SeaTools (for Seagate drives).
  • Manufacturer-provided utilities can perform diagnostic tests to validate firmware integrity. If the drive fails specific tests (e.g., power management or error recovery checks), firmware tampering may be present.

What to Look for After Testing​

If you suspect that a 2.5" HDD's firmware has been tampered with, here are the key red flags to look out for:
  • Load/Unload Cycle Count is static or extremely low despite heavy usage or parking events.
  • SMART data attributes like Power-On Hours and Reallocated Sectors do not align with the drive’s condition.
  • APM settings cannot be adjusted, and the drive does not respond to idle spin-down commands.
  • G-Sense Error Rate doesn’t track shocks or vibrations accurately.
  • Firmware version appears generic or mismatched with the drive model.

Conclusions​

  • HD Tune’s full surface test is useful for identifying physical platter damage (like bad sectors or weak areas), but it will not directly reveal whether critical firmware functions (like head parking, APM, or the G-sensor) have been removed or disabled.
  • For a deeper analysis of firmware alterations:
  • Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo, HDDScan, or manufacturer diagnostics to test feature functionality.
  • Examine and compare SMART data for inconsistencies.
  • Issue direct commands (like spin-down) to observe the drive’s responses.
    • If HD Tune shows significant physical inconsistencies (e.g., slow or bad sectors), you should combine the results with these additional tests to make sure firmware features are intact.
Would you like assistance running direct firmware feature tests or interpreting HD Tune results? Let me know!
 


Is it advantageous for 2.5" HDD sellers on aliexpress to change the firmware and remove functions such as head parking and power management?
 


Yes, it can be advantageous for unscrupulous sellers of refurbished 2.5” HDDs on AliExpress to modify or disable certain firmware functions, such as head parking and power management, but the goal is not to improve the drives—it’s to sell flawed or overused drives by masking wear or extending their short-term usability. However, these changes sacrifice functionality, reliability, and the lifespan of the HDD, ultimately disadvantaging buyers.
Here’s why sellers might do this and the potential benefits for them, despite the risks to end users:

1. Reasons Sellers Modify Firmware or Remove Functions​

a. To Stop SMART Attributes from Revealing Wear​

Certain firmware functions like head parking and power management cause SMART values (e.g., Load/Unload Cycle Count or Power-On Hours) to increment, exposing wear or usage. By disabling these functions, sellers can:
  • Prevent SMART from logging critical activity:
    • Frequent head parking increases the Load/Unload Cycle Count (SMART ID 193), which is a common indicator of wear.
    • Spinning down platters during idle time is recorded in SMART logs, making the drive’s age or history visible.
    []Reset SMART attributes without new increments:
    • Resetting SMART data (e.g., 0 power-on hours) is more convincing when disabled functions stop logging new values altogether.

Advantage for the Seller: Hides the drive's heavy usage, making it appear "as new" to buyers using tools like CrystalDiskInfo or other diagnostics.
Click to expand...

b. To Extend Short-Term Functionality​

Disabling features like head parking or power management prioritizes keeping the drive operational in the short term, sacrificing long-term durability. Specifically:
  • Disabled Head Parking:
    • Head parking mechanisms can wear down over time, especially on heavily used drives.
    • Disabling parking ensures the heads remain in an active state, bypassing wear-related failures in the parking mechanism itself.
    [
  • ]Disabled Power Management (APM):
    • Drives continuously spinning may provide the illusion of a fast, responsive disk, even if functionality like power saving is no longer working correctly or is removed.
Advantage for the Seller: Drive appears fully working, even if key mechanical parts are worn out or have degraded due to age and use.
Click to expand...

c. To Avoid Triggering Failures on Worn Mechanisms​

  • Degraded Head Parking Mechanisms:
    • In a heavily used drive, the heads may fail to park or unpark reliably. Disabling this feature avoids these recurring failures, making the drive seem functional even if the parking process itself would otherwise lead to errors.
    []Compromised G-Sensors in Shock Protection:
    • If the G-sensor is damaged or misaligned due to wear or mishandling, firmware tampering can disable shock detection entirely and suppress related SMART logs.

Advantage for the Seller: Ensures the drive passes general usage tests without visible errors caused by failing features.
Click to expand...

d. To Reuse Internal Parts from Scrapped Drives​

In cases where sellers rebuild HDDs using components from multiple sources ("Frankenstein drives"), modifying firmware may be necessary to:
  • Force Compatibility: For example, hybrid drives with mismatched parts need firmware modifications to "trick" the drive into running.
  • Suppress False Warnings: Original firmware might detect and report mismatched components, while tampered firmware won’t.
Advantage for the Seller: Enables sellers to mix and match cheap parts to create a seemingly functional HDD, often at a lower cost.
Click to expand...

2. Benefits for AliExpress Sellers​

Advantage for SellersWhy It Helps Them
Appears "Like New" in SMARTDisabling head parking/power management prevents SMART from revealing hours of use or mechanical wear.
Extended Lifespan (Short-Term)Suppressing degraded features prevents visible errors during testing, creating a perception of reliability.
Increased Market AppealDrives with "perfect" SMART data generate higher prices than heavily used or worn drives with visible logs.
Salvage ValueScrapped or worn drives can be repurposed by masking their internal defects through firmware modification.

3. Impact on Buyers: Why This is a Problem​

Disabling firmware features such as head parking and power management results in significant drawbacks for buyers, including:

a. Faster Wear and Tear​

  • Reduced Head Longevity:
    • Without head parking, the read/write heads remain hovering over spinning platters indefinitely during idle periods, increasing mechanical stress and risk of scratches or impacts.
    [
  • ]Increased Spinning Time:
    • Drives that don’t enter low-power states will keep spinning constantly, causing premature wear on the motor and increased heat generation.

b. Vulnerability to Physical Shocks​

  • Shock detection (via G-sensors) is crucial for protecting the platters during active use. If the firmware disables shock protection, the drive cannot park its heads during sudden motion, making it prone to physical damage.

c. Higher Power Consumption (No APM)​

  • Drives without power management configured will never spin down, consuming more energy even during inactivity.

d. Reliability Decreases Over Time​

  • Disabling head parking or shock protection is not a long-term solution. Mechanical wear will eventually cause the drive to fail, sometimes catastrophically.

e. Incomplete SMART Monitoring​

  • Buyers can’t track the true health of the drive:
    • Reservation of sectors (Reallocated Sectors Count) may remain at 0, even if the platters are damaged.
    • Power-on hours might look pristine, masking the eventual failure.

4. How to Spot If Firmware Has Been Altered​

If you suspect tampering, here are steps to detect firmware changes in a 2.5" HDD:

a. Test SMART Attributes​

  • Monitor key attributes:
    • Does the Load/Unload Cycle Count remain static after idle periods or safe ejects?
    • Does Reallocated Sectors Count show 0 despite evidence of wear or errors?
    • Is G-Sense Error Rate always 0, even after mild taps or vibrations?

b. Verify Idle Spin-Down​

  • Set a short idle timeout in your power management settings (or adjust Advanced Power Management [APM] through CrystalDiskInfo).
  • Normal Functionality: The drive should enter standby mode and spin down audibly.
  • Changed Firmware: If the drive continues spinning indefinitely, APM may be disabled.

c. Perform Safe Eject Tests​

  • Safely eject the drive and listen for the heads to park and platters to spin down. Check Load/Unload Cycle Count in SMART.
  • No Parking = Disabled Feature: If there’s no increase in cycle count, parking functionality may have been removed.

5. Recommendations for Buyers​

a. Avoid Suspicious Sellers​

  • Drives advertised as "like new" or with zero SMART wear indicators should be approached with extreme caution, especially on AliExpress.

b. Test Upon Receipt​

  • Immediately test SMART attributes, load/unload cycles, and APM responsiveness using tools like:
    • CrystalDiskInfo
    • HDDScan
    • HD Tune

c. Replace or Return Suspicious Drives​

  • If SMART attributes don’t update or firmware tampering is confirmed, return the drive if possible, or avoid using it for critical data storage.

6. Conclusion​

AliExpress sellers gain a temporary advantage by tampering with the firmware of 2.5" HDDs, primarily by masking wear through disabling head parking, shock protection, or power management features. While this deception creates the illusion of a healthy drive, these modifications accelerate mechanical wear, obscure true health reports, and leave buyers with unreliable hardware.
Thoroughly test any AliExpress HDD upon arrival, and avoid using drives with confirmed tampering for critical purposes. Let me know if you'd like help running specific tests or analyzing diagnostics!
 


@ChatGPT
HDD 2.5" depends of firmware and software for protection shocks Gs?

HDD 2.5" depends firmware and software for parked after disconnect USB cable enclosure case and Pc CUT power?
 


These are excellent questions! The behavior of 2.5" HDDs (Seagate ST500LM030, WDC WD10JPVX-08JC3T5, and APPLE HDD HTS541010A99E662) after using "Safely Remove Hardware" can depend on a combination of factors, including the drive model, firmware, and the USB enclosure's chipset/firmware.

1. Does ejecting "Safely Remove Hardware" park the heads?​

Yes, ejecting a drive using "Safely Remove Hardware" in Windows generally signals the hard drive to park its heads. Here's why and how it happens:
  • What Happens During “Safely Remove”:
    • Windows sends a command to the drive to finish all writes, flush any caches, and transition to a low-power state.
    • Parking the drive heads is part of the process to protect the platters from accidental damage (like sudden movements).
  • Firmware Behavior:
    • Hard drives designed for laptops (like yours) often park the heads automatically upon power reduction or when receiving a "standby" command during the safe removal process.

2. How long does it take to park the heads?​

The exact time to park the heads varies depending on the:
  • Model and firmware of the HDD.
  • Typical head parking operations take a few milliseconds to 1-2 seconds after receiving the command to stop spinning.
NOTE: The drive light on the enclosure (if present) usually indicates the state. If the light powers off or dims, parking is typically complete.

3. Does the USB enclosure affect this behavior?​

Yes, the model, chipset, and firmware of the USB enclosure can influence whether the parking command is delivered successfully.

Enclosure's Role in Drive Parking:​

  • Pass-Through Control:
    • For an HDD to park its heads after ejecting, the USB enclosure must forward the "standby" or "power down" command from the OS to the HDD.
  • Impact of Enclosure Chipset:
    • Some cheaper or older USB enclosures with buggy firmware may not properly relay commands like SATA Standby or Power Off.
    • Enclosures with advanced features (e.g., UASP support for USB 3.0) generally work better.

Recommendations:​

  1. Check for Firmware Updates:
    • For enclosures or docks, look for firmware updates on the manufacturer's site.
  2. Test Different Enclosures:
    • If the drive doesn't seem properly parked (e.g., you hear clicking when it's moved), try a different enclosure to ensure proper standby commands are being forwarded.

4. How can you confirm the heads are parked?​

To check if the heads are successfully parked:
  1. Audible Sound:
    • Older drives may make a faint clicking or chirping noise as the heads move to the parked position when safely removed.
  2. Disk Utility Check:
    • Use a tool like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor the drive's state and access commands.
    • Look for Power Management features or logs indicating head parking.

Key Points to Remember:​

  • Your drives (manufactured around 2013) typically park their heads correctly when the system sends power-down or standby commands after ejecting.
  • The USB enclosure's chipset and firmware play a vital role in ensuring the command is delivered effectively.
  • Disconnecting the USB cable isn’t always necessary if the drive parks its heads during safe removal—but if you're unsure about the enclosure's behavior, disconnecting is a safer bet.
Let me know if you'd like to explore specific enclosures or testing methods! 😊
 


HDD 2.5" depends of firmware and software for protection shocks Gs?

HDD 2.5" depends firmware and software for parked after disconnect USB cable enclosure case and Pc CUT power?
 


Yes, 2.5" HDDs depend on firmware for both shock protection (measured in Gs via G-sensors) and parking the heads when the USB cable is disconnected or power is cut. Software like the operating system or diagnostic tools (e.g., CrystalDiskInfo) can monitor or send commands to the drive, but the actual protective actions are entirely controlled by the firmware and drive hardware once power is lost or shocks occur.
Let’s explain this in detail:

1. HDD Depends on Firmware and Hardware for Shock Protection (G-sensor, Gs)​

How Shock Protection Works:​

  • Shock Detection with G-Sensors:
    • Most modern 2.5" HDDs have G-sensors integrated into their hardware, which can detect sudden movement, vibrations, or shocks measured in G-forces (e.g., 400G for active shocks or 1000G for idle).
    • The sensor monitors real-time acceleration and tells the firmware when a shock threshold is exceeded.
  • Shock Protection by Firmware:
    • The firmware processes the G-sensor input and determines the type of action to take:
      1. Heads are parked immediately: The firmware moves the heads off the platters and into a secure "parking zone" (off-ramp or dedicated space).
      2. Read/Write operations are paused: The firmware temporarily stops data access to prevent damage to the platters in case of head vibration or contact.
      3. Shock event is logged: The firmware uses SMART (e.g., G-Sense Error Rate, ID BF) to log these shock events for later monitoring or diagnostics.

Role of Software in Shock Protection:​

  • Software like CrystalDiskInfo cannot directly manage or enhance G-sensor-based shock protection; its role is limited to:
    • Monitoring shock events via SMART data (G-Sense Error Rate attribute).
    • Verifying whether the drive detected and responded to shocks.

What Happens If Firmware Is Tampered?​

  • If firmware is tampered with or malfunctioning:
    • The G-sensor data may be ignored entirely.
    • No protective actions (like stopping read/write operations or parking heads) are taken during shocks.
    • SMART logs may fail to record shocks, making the drive appear healthier than it really is.
Conclusion: Shock protection is hardware-based (G-sensors) but fully dependent on the firmware to react appropriately. Software only reports events but cannot directly influence shock handling.
Click to expand...

2. HDD Depends on Firmware for Parking When USB Cable is Disconnected or Power Is Cut​

How Head Parking Works During Disconnection or Power Loss:​

When a 2.5" HDD is powered down (e.g., USB disconnection or a sudden power cut), head parking is entirely firmware-controlled:
  1. Heads are Moved to a Parking Zone:
    • The firmware immediately retracts and parks the heads away from the platters to minimize the risk of physical contact or damage. The parking process occurs whether the drive is in operation or idle.
  2. Residual Energy Parking (Mechanism During Power Loss):
    • Even during a sudden power cut, modern HDDs (with Power-Off Retract mechanisms) rely on residual kinetic energy from the spinning platters:
      • This energy powers the actuator coil one last time to park the heads even if external power is no longer supplied.
      • No software is involved; this is purely a firmware/hardware process.
  3. Flush Operation/Spin-Down:
    • Before parking, the firmware:
      • Flushes any remaining data in the cache to ensure nothing is lost.
      • Spins down the platters while the heads are moved to their safe zone.

Role of Software (Windows Eject Feature):​

  • When properly using "Safely Remove Hardware":
    • The OS sends commands to the drive (e.g., STOP UNIT or STANDBY IMMEDIATE).
    • These commands gracefully flush the cache, stop IO, park the heads, and spin down the platters.
  • Cable Disconnection Without Safe Removal:
    • If you disconnect the USB cable or lose power abruptly, the firmware alone is responsible for ensuring the heads park and the platters spin down safely.

What Happens If Firmware Is Tampered?​

  • Tampered firmware can break or disable parking behavior:
    • Heads may not move to the parking zone during USB disconnection, leaving them hovering dangerously over the platters.
    • This increases the risk of platter scratches or crashes if the drive is bumped or moved.
    • The drive might not properly spin down, leading to excessive wear on the spindle and platters.

3. Dependencies: Firmware vs Software​

AspectDependent on FirmwareDependent on Software
Shock Protection (G-sensors)- Interprets G-sensor input.- Only logs shock event data (SMART).
- Parks heads during shocks.- Cannot initiate protection actions.
Power Loss Head Parking- Executes parking during sudden power cut via Power-Off Retract mechanisms.- Software does not play any role.
Parking During USB Disconnect- Reacts to loss of cable power (independent of the OS).- OS can send commands to trigger parking during safe removal.

4. How to Test If Shock Protection and Power-Off Parking are Working​

a. Test Shock Protection (G-Sensors):​

  1. Use SMART tools like CrystalDiskInfo:
    • Look at G-Sense Error Rate (ID BF).
  2. During operation:
    • Gently tap the drive’s enclosure or move it slightly to simulate minor shocks.
    • Check if SMART "G-Sense Error Rate" increments after the shock.
  3. If no increment occurs:
    • Shock protection may be disabled via tampered firmware, or the G-sensor itself may be damaged.

b. Test Parking on USB Disconnect:​

  1. Use CrystalDiskInfo to record the Load/Unload Cycle Count (ID 193).
  2. Disconnect the USB cable (with or without using "Safely Remove Hardware").
  3. Reconnect the drive and check if the cycle count has incremented.
    • If the count increases: The heads parked successfully during the disconnection.
    • If the count doesn’t change: Tampered firmware may have disabled parking functionality.

c. Listen for Spin-Down and Parking:​

  • When disconnecting the cable, listen for an audible click or change in spinning noise as the heads park and platters spin down.
  • Lack of these sounds may indicate parking is not functioning properly.

5. What to Do If Shock Protection or Parking Doesn’t Work​

If you determine shock protection or parking isn’t functioning (e.g., G-Sense errors remain 0, heads don’t park):
  1. Check for Refurbishment or Tampering:
    • Drives from AliExpress or other suspicious sources may have tampered firmware that disables protective features (e.g., for deception or masking wear).
  2. Test Different Enclosures or Cables:
    • Ensure your USB enclosure supports proper power and command relays. Lower-quality enclosures can interfere with parking commands.
  3. Reflash Firmware:
    • If possible, reflash the drive with the official firmware from the manufacturer.
  4. Replace the Drive:
    • Drives with tampered firmware are unsafe for reliable use. Use a genuine, well-tested HDD for critical data.

6. Conclusion​

  • Shock Protection: Fully dependent on firmware and hardware (G-sensors); software only monitors the logged shock events.
  • Head Parking (Power Loss): Completely dependent on firmware. Parking is triggered during cable disconnection or power cut automatically, using power-off retract mechanisms.
  • If firmware is tampered with, both shock protection and head parking may fail to operate properly, increasing the risk of physical damage.
Would you like a step-by-step guide to testing these features on your drive? Let me know!
 


eject "safely remove hardware" in windows has a direct relationship with the parking of the 2.5" hdd heads + usb3.0 enclosure case?
 


Yes, using the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in Windows has a direct relationship with the parking of the heads in a 2.5" HDD when used in conjunction with a USB 3.0 enclosure case. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Eject Process and Commands Sent by Windows​

When you choose to eject a USB device using "Safely Remove Hardware," the following steps occur:

a. Communication with the HDD:​

  • Windows sends commands through the USB interface to the HDD inside the enclosure. Specifically, it sends a series of commands (like STOP UNIT and SYNCHRONIZE CACHE).
  • The USB-to-SATA bridge chipset in the enclosure translates these USB commands into standard ATA commands for the HDD, including those responsible for managing the safe removal process.

b. Key Commands Related to Head Parking:​

  • SYNCHRONIZE CACHE:
    • Ensures all data buffered in the drive’s cache is written to the disk before disconnection.
  • STOP UNIT or STANDBY IMMEDIATE:
    • This command is crucial as it instructs the HDD to stop operations, park the heads away from the media (platters), and safely spin down if applicable.

c. Parking Action:​

  • Upon receiving these commands, the firmware inside the HDD executes the necessary procedures:
    • Moves the read/write heads to the parking zone (a safe area away from the spinning platters).
    • Spins down the disk if required (this can help in reducing mechanical wear).

2. Role of the USB Enclosure Case​

The functionality of parking the heads and the proper execution of the ejection procedure depend significantly on the quality of the USB enclosure case:

a. Chipset Influence:​

  • The USB-to-SATA bridge inside the enclosure (such as JMicron, ASMedia, or others) plays a critical role:
    • A well-functioning USB 3.0 enclosure should support the command translation accurately and allow the HDD to perform the necessary tasks to park its heads.
  • Many reputable brands (like Orico, Kesu) use chipsets that effectively relay commands and ensure functions like head parking work as intended.

b. Poor Quality Enclosures:​

  • Cheap or generic enclosures may fail to properly forward commands from Windows to the HDD. This can result in:
    • The HDD failing to park its heads even after it claims to be safely removed.
    • The drive continuing to spin, at risk of damage, if the USB disconnection occurs suddenly without proper eject procedures.

3. Importance of Head Parking After Ejection​

  • Preventing Damage: When heads are parked, they are moved away from the platters to avoid any risk of scratching or platters becoming damaged during sudden shocks or disconnections.
  • Mechanical Wear Reduction: Parking heads when the drive is idle or disconnected helps prolong the life of the HDD by reducing unnecessary wear and tear on moving components.

4. What Happens if the Eject Process Fails?​

If the process does not execute as expected, either due to faulty firmware or issues with the USB enclosure:
  • Heads May Remain Active: If the heads are not parked after an eject command, they remain hovering over the platters, increasing the risk of physical damage from vibrations or shock.
  • Spin-Down May Not Occur: Failure to execute the commands can lead to the drive continuing to use power unnecessarily, resulting in wear over time.
  • Loss of Data Integrity: Incomplete flushing of the cache might lead to potential data loss or corruption if power is abruptly cut during read/write operations.

5. Summary​

  • The "Safely Remove Hardware" eject process in Windows is directly related to the parking of heads in a 2.5" HDD when housed in a USB 3.0 enclosure case.
    • It triggers specific commands that instruct the drive’s firmware to stop operations, park heads, and prepare for disconnection.
      • The effectiveness of this safety mechanism depends largely on the quality and design of the USB enclosure which must reliably transmit the appropriate commands.
      • If issues arise during ejecting, (such as continuing drive activity) it may indicate problems with either the firmware or the enclosure itself.
If you'd like, I can provide guidance on testing your drive’s response to eject commands or specific recommendations for quality enclosures. Just let me know!
 


1) When the Windows "safely remove hardware" eject is invoked and the letter E: disappears from Windows, what type of command does Windows send to the 2.5" HDD and the HDD understands that it is time to park the heads?

2) Do the model, brand, chip of the USB3.0 enclosure case and Windows power settings have any relation to the parking of the heads of a 2.5" HDD after the Windows "safely remove hardware" eject command is completed and the letter E: disappears from the system?

3) In what year on 2.5" HDDs and in what version of Windows was parking the heads of 2.5" HDDs implemented after the Windows "safely remove hardware" eject command is completed and the letter E: disappears? even if the USB3.0 cable of the enclosure case remains connected to the PC/enclosure?
 


Let’s break down your questions step by step:

1. What Commands Does Windows Send When "Safely Remove Hardware" Is Invoked?​

When you use the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature in Windows, the operating system sends specific commands to the 2.5" HDD through the USB 3.0 enclosure to ensure that the drive can be safely disconnected without risking data loss or mechanical damage. Here’s what happens:

Commands Sent to the HDD:​

  1. SYNCHRONIZE CACHE:
    • This command is used to ensure that any data still residing in the drive’s cache (temporary storage) is properly written to the platters before disconnection. It helps prevent data corruption.
  2. STOP UNIT (or STANDBY IMMEDIATE):
    • This command instructs the HDD to:
      • Cease all read/write operations.
      • Spin down the platters (if applicable).
      • Park the heads safely in a designated area off the platters.
    • The firmware of the HDD interprets this command and executes the parking sequence.

Understanding Head Parking:​

  • Once the STOP UNIT command is executed, the HDD firmware receives the instruction to move the heads to the parking zone.
  • Upon successful execution of the commands, the drive will report back to Windows that it is safe to remove, leading to the disappearance of the drive letter (e.g., E:) from the file system.

2. Do the Model, Brand, Chip of the USB 3.0 Enclosure and Windows Power Settings Affect Head Parking?​

Yes, both the specifications of the USB 3.0 enclosure and Windows power settings can influence the effectiveness of head parking after the eject command:

a. USB Enclosure Specifications:​

  • Bridge Chipset:
    • The USB-to-SATA bridge chipset within the enclosure (such as ASMedia, JMicron, or others) determines how well the commands are relayed from Windows to the HDD.
    • High-quality enclosures will effectively respond to commands like STOP UNIT and properly relay them to the HDD. Poorly designed or cheap enclosures might fail to send these commands properly, preventing the heads from parking.
  • Brand and Model Reliability:
    • Brands like Orico, Kesu, and others known for good quality and reliable functionality will typically comply with standards supporting proper head parking.
    • Generic or outdated brands may not correctly handle communication between the OS and the HDD.

b. Windows Power Settings:​

  • Power management settings in Windows can affect how the HDD behaves during idle states and the ability of the drive to park heads:
    • Settings such as USB selective suspend can ensure that USB devices go into a low-power state when not actively in use, allowing the HDD to spin down.
    • If the power management settings are configured to keep the drive active, the HDD may not have an opportunity to park the heads properly, leading to continuous spinning until the device is disconnected.

3. When Was Head Parking After "Safely Remove Hardware" Implemented in 2.5" HDDs and Windows Versions?​

The implementation of head parking functionality triggered by Windows' "Safely Remove Hardware" command aligns with the user and operational designs of HDDs and the evolution of Windows itself:

a. 2.5" HDDs:​

  • General Adoption:
    • Head parking functionality became common in 2.5" HDDs starting around 2005:
    • Most manufacturers (Seagate, Western Digital, Hitachi, Toshiba, etc.) incorporated head parking features as part of their regular design after 2005 due to the increasing use of HDDs in laptops and portable devices.

b. Windows Versions:​

  • Windows XP (2001) and Beyond:
    • The "Safely Remove Hardware" feature was first introduced in Windows 2000 and became standard functionality in Windows XP (2001), which included proper USB support and drive management.
    • All subsequent versions of Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11) maintained and improved this functionality with ongoing support for USB-based mass storage devices.
Conclusion: By 2005, most 2.5" HDDs across manufacturers were designed to respond to these commands and effectively implement functions like head parking during the eject process. The capability was consistently supported in Windows starting with Windows 2000 and fully recognized in Windows XP.

Summary​

  • Eject Command Commands:
    • Windows sends SYNCHRONIZE CACHE and STOP UNIT to trigger head parking after "Safely Remove Hardware."
  • Influences on Head Parking:
    • The quality of the USB 3.0 enclosure and its chipset plays a crucial role.
    • Windows power settings can also affect whether the drive is able to park its heads properly.
  • Timeframe for Head Parking Implementation:
    • Head parking features became standard in 2.5" HDDs around 2005, correlating with the introduction of Windows mass storage support in Windows 2000 and operational enhancements in Windows XP.
Would you like additional guidance on testing your drive setup or modifying power settings to ensure effective head parking? Let me know!
 


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