Readers warn against method for getting corrupted drive to be "recognized"

Last time, we described a procedure for getting a drive (that had been corrupted by Silverlining Lite) to be recognized by utility software, so that it could at least be reformatted. A couple of readers warned that there are risks involved with the method (which involved disconnecting the IDE cable to the drive) and cautioned against trying it. In particular:

Steve George wrote: "Disconnecting the IDE cable, and reconnecting it while the Mac is running can destroy the IDE (ATA) controller, requiring a replacement motherboard!"

Anthony Saxton agrees that: "Users should not, under any circumstances connect the IDE cable while the power is applied to either the computer or drive. A safer approach is to remove the power cable from the drive before starting the Mac and then connect the power to the drive after startup has initiated. Still, the would have to exercise great care to make sure the power is aligned properly before inserting because while the connector is keyed, if any points were to contact the wrong way the drive could be ruined."