BFeely

I just found an answer to the dreaded 12CC4 error! My ST31000340AS bricked while I was installing an SSD in my PC, and I ran into the 12CC4 error when attempting to run the N1 command. Apparently the SX15 drives don't have the overlay to fix the firmware, but I stumbled upon a workaround: Step 1: Download and burn the SD1A firmware update ISO from the Seagate website at http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/support/downloads/firmware/MooseDT-SD1A-3D4D-16-32MB.iso (download from http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/support/downloads/firmware/MooseDT-SD1A-2D-8-16-32MB.iso if you have a 500GB drive). Step 2: Detach the PCB and put card stock under the head contacts. Step 3: Attach the serial to TTL converter to the drive. Step 4: Connect the drive to your PC's power supply. Step 5: Wait for the drive to spin up then come to a complete stop. Step 6: Open a terminal (38400 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control) Step 7: Press CTRL+Z. Step 8: Enter /2 then press Enter. Step 9: Enter Z then press Enter. Step 10: If you get the LED error, disconnect the power and start from step 3. Make sure the motor comes to a complete stop before entering the Z command. If you get "Spin Down Complete" then continue to step 11. Step 11: Remove the card stock from under the head contacts and reattach the circuit board. Step 12: Enter H then press Enter. Step 13: When "Spin Up Complete" appears, attach a SATA cable from your PC to the drive. Step 14: Insert the firmware CD, reboot your PC (make sure the power does NOT cycle) and boot from the CD. Step 15: Follow the instructions to update the firmware. Step 16: Turn your PC off then on again. Step 17: Back up all data from the now recovered drive then don't use the drive for anything important.