Interesting drive failure...

[Fred Cisin]

> at any rate.  I wonder, though, if perhaps running the drive in a different 
> orientation (it's currently on its side) might have an effect on the wayward 
> heads.  Probably not, but it's worth a shot.  I may try that tomorrow...

On many drives, orientation certainly can have an effect.  What 
orientation was it previously used in?

Also thermal - have you tried chilling and heating the drive?