LS-CH1.0TL not recognized by computer - I want to swap drives

[billbosh]

   

Hello

I have had a LS-CH1.0TL (firmware 1.0) for about 11 months and rarely used it.  Recently my PC (XP Home edition) failed to recognize the LinkStation.  I spent two hours on phone with tech support, and the tech was very helpful, but reached the conclusion (after numerous efforts and attempts) that my LinkStation was irreparably damaged.  He offered me the option of returning it for a new device, but I would prefer not to do that, as it would entail me losing all my data.

The tech seemed to think that the problem was not related to the LinkStation hard drive (i.e., he seemed to think the hard drive was salvageable).  I suggested getting a new LinkStation and replacing its drive with my old one (yes I know it voids the warranty).  He seemed to think this would work, so long as the products are the same.  Has anybody tried this with success, and if so, can you please offer pointers?

Thanks

Bill

[PCPiranha]

It is possible (but as you said not supported).  There are a few things to be concerned about though.

 

#1.  Firmware.  If the units do not have the same firmware then it can be tricky to get the correct version on both the unit and the drive (see TFTP and/or force firmware)

 

#2 .  There are two different hardware versions of this unit, with no way to tell which is which inside of the box.  If you get two different hardware versions then it probably won't work (or at least will be more headaches).