Multiple failing Seagate Barracuda ST32000542AS

I have several ST32000542AS's in use and also have a few with reallocated sectors. In my experience as long as the number of sectors does not increase by large numbers of sectors each day and does not exceed 2000 you should be OK. I would note the most current firmware for this drive is CC35 and there are quite a few threads about flashing to this version on the net (and the potential problems associated with the attempt -> http://forums.seagate.com/t5/Barracuda-XT-Barracuda-Barracuda/2-of-7-ST32000542AS-drives-won-t-accept-CC35-firmware/m-p/69322) but even forcing the update seems to work out well -> http://niallbest.com/seagate-2tb-st32000542as-cc35-firmware-upgrade/. As far as refurbished - at least they are packaged well for shipment which is something I cannot say is always the case when buying a hard drive through the mail.

If you want to attempt the FW update on the Win laptop you have a few options depending on the type and model of laptop. You could try a PCMCIA or Expresscard SATA adapter (between $7 and $9 on Amazon - though I have not tried this myself as my laptop has exteneral SATA) or if you have a system that accepts a CD/DVD bay to hard drive caddy you could use a SATA extension cable (http://www.amazon.com/22-pin-Female-Power-Extension-Cable/dp/B00310V8IY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1346176346&sr=8-4) to extend the connection out to the 3.5" HD. This would admittedly be a bit of work and might require cutting the drive caddy.