Thank all whom have posted their input on my issue. I would like to clarify my issue, as some said my last post didnt make sense First off, this is what i am using: RS232/TTL adapter I ordered off ALLDAV as recommended by Gradius2. Computer Power Supply to provide the 3.3v to my TTL adapter. (I took apart the SATA plug and Soldered ground and 3.3v directly to TTL adapter. Also, I used a multimter to verify correct voltage is going to the TTL adapter) A USB to RS232 adapter to plug the RS232/TTL adapter to my laptop's USB port. Soldered the two wires off the TTL adapter's TX/RX output pins to plug into the HDD. A generic Hyperterminal program as my laptop is running Windows 7. Ok, I have no issue with accessing HT and connecting to TTL adapter, but when I do loopback test I get characters in box, even if TX and RX aren't looped to eachther. Is this normal? So next, I plugged the TX off the TTL adapter to the RX of the HDD and vice versa. When I power everything up and hit Ctrl+Z, all I get is a black arrow? I have tried everything! I am so frustrated Questions I have: 1st: Does the HDD ground pin need to be grounded? 2nd: Does the HDD need its own power from the computers PS? 3rd: has anyone used a RS232 to USB adapter for their TTL adapter, so they can use computer USB to connect to the TTL adapter? If so, has anyone had any issues? Any help would be greatly appreciated I am so frustrated by this issue!!!