Seagate ST3000LM024 Data Recovery

At Zero Alpha Data Recovery, we frequently deal with failed Seagate ST3000LM024 hard drives. These 2.5" 3TB models, part of Seagate’s A1 M11 family, are known for exhibiting a range of serious issues that make data recovery complex and risky without the right expertise.

One of the most common problems is mechanical failure. These drives often present with clicking sounds, which usually indicates failure of the read/write heads. In many cases, the drive will not detect at all, or it may identify with incorrect capacity due to damaged firmware or system area corruption.

Firmware problems are also prevalent. The A1 M11 family drives contain delicate firmware structures, and failures in modules such as the translator can cause the drive to lock up or become unresponsive. Recovery often requires specialized tools to repair firmware on the fly and carefully access user data without triggering further degradation.

Because of these complexities, ST3000LM024 recoveries should only be handled by professionals with experience in A1 M11 family architecture. At Zero Alpha Data Recovery, we use advanced tools, maintain a cleanroom environment, and have access to a large stock of compatible donors to ensure the best possible recovery outcome.

If your ST3000LM024 drive has failed, stop powering it on and contact Zero Alpha Data Recovery immediately to book a free assessment.

ST3000LM024-2AN17R Data Recovery Case Log

23Apr25: Corrupt primary copy of MCMT, LED: 0x000000BD error. Light swap will be required to gain terminal access. Servo firmware 0xD607 required.

07May25: Selected donor for light swap is from the same family (A1 M11). ST4000LM024-2AN17V with matching servo firmware. Prepared donor and performed light swap. Backed up important system files via terminal, checked H0 can write SA, modified SMP and cleared MCMT. Gained access with native PCB.

12May25: Some system files are bad, and format corrupt flag is set. Rewrote from backup. Restored SED config (1D2 from 1D1).

14May25: H4 was weak. Imaged all customer data.

Initial terminal output

Boot 0x80M
MD0044
0001    

SpinUp
TCC:0014


Trans
Tech Unlock Handshake: 0x0F5B39A4
Reply: 
Rst 0x80M
MD0044
0001    

(P) SATA Reset


RAW OFF

 PASSChannel Tracing Offset Value load
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

 MCMainPOR: Start: 

 Media Cache Data Base  015D5B3BD8

 Check MCMT Version: Current

 Secondary is latest! - 00000001

MC051: MainPOR: EXCEPTION: Corrupt PRI copy of MCMT

MC051: MainPOR: EXCEPTION: Corrupt PRI copy of MCMT
MS UDE detect during recon 
  LPCDisc=00 036F8458 0027
MS Read Fails: 1B7C1A88,0000E070

Update Mask - 000000001B7C3660 - 00000001 - 00

Update Mask - 000000001B7C3661 - 00000001 - 00

Update Mask - 000000001B7C3662 - 00000001 - 00

[...]

Update Mask - 000000001B7CDA46 - 00000001 - 00

Update Mask - 000000001B7CDA47 - 00000001 - 00

LED:0x000000BD FAddr:0x00005E43

Rst 0x80M
MD0044
0001    
Op=1001 Resp=0001
Op=0B01 Resp=0001

[...]

Op=0101 Resp=0001 data=00000000
Op=0501 symbol=01E5 Resp=0001
Op=0101 Resp=0001 data=00000005

LED:0x000000BD FAddr:0x00005E43


LED:0x000000BD FAddr:0x00005E43

Intermediate terminal output

Boot 0x80M
MD0044
0001    
 RECOV Servo Op=0100 Resp=0005

SpinUp
TCC:001C
[LBA=0x0000940F]N01010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0[LBA=0x0000940F]NO1111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01111101010C10o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o01

 SIM FileFD=FC00420E ErrorCode=43110081 DiscLBA=000000000000940F Duration=000005B2 ms

Trans
Tech Unlock Handshake: 0x1EED2BB3
Reply: 
Rst 0x80M
MD0044
001    

(P) SATA Reset


(P) SATA Reset

 SIM Error 3005 LBA 000000000002556D FD FC38D093
 RW Error 00000080

 SIM FileFD=FC34F199 ErrorCode=43110081 DiscLBA=000000000000EECC Duration=00000960 ms
(DOS) Table Read FAIL
DOS:0 Scan Unit
 RECOV Servo Op=0295 Resp=0005

DSC PASS
 RECOV Servo Op=0095 Resp=0005

 SIM FileFD=FC3A61D0 ErrorCode=43160080 DiscLBA=000000000000E044 Duration=000009DA ms
No HOST FIS-ReadyStatusFlags 0002A1A1

Final terminal output

Boot 0x80M
MD0044
0001    
 RECOV Servo Op=0100 Resp=0005

SpinUp
TCC:001C


Trans
Tech Unlock Handshake: 0xDDC5B97D
Reply: 
Rst 0x80M
MD0044
001    

(P) SATA Reset


DSC PASS@LBA=0x0156EC51

(S) SATA Reset