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| Thread ID: 49431 | 2004-09-19 01:36:00 | Detecting IDE Drives Error | Dennis101 (6174) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 273650 | 2004-09-19 01:36:00 | Operating System: Windows Me, single Maxtor HD. I have a continuing intermittent problem with a system hang up during start up. After the RAM check, the start up program then "Detects IDE Drives". If it fails to detect the HD after about 20 seconds, start up aborts and screen asks for a System Disk. The way out is to turn the power off and try a re-start. Sometimes several restarts are necessary before the IDE Drives are detected and the system boots normally. Other than this start up issue, no abnormal operation of the HD occurs during computer use. |
Dennis101 (6174) | ||
| 273651 | 2004-09-19 02:09:00 | How old is everything? | drb1 (4492) | ||
| 273652 | 2004-09-19 02:17:00 | Is the hard drive set to AUTO in the BIOS and configured as the boot drive?? That maybe one reason why the system is asking for a sysem disk. If this has already been done. I would either reformat and install Windows. Or buy another hard drive, as the one u have maybe failing. And you'll lose everything on it sooner or later. |
Spacemannz (808) | ||
| 273653 | 2004-09-19 02:49:00 | Back up all important data now . Do this before trying to fix anything or reinstall windows especially because, if this is a failing hardrive reinstallation of windows may be the final straw for it . Are you getting anything other than the normal POST beep (single beep at first boot splash or text screen? Are you getting any errors/problems while in windows, eg, reboots with scandisk firing up? Have you scanned the disk and defraged, if so are there bad sectors/clusters reported . Check the cables and power connections to the drive . As per previous what are the BIOS settings? although this should not change from boot to boot unless something is wrong . Possablities are: Bad BIOS, corrupt partition, corrupt MBR (Master Boot Record) or boot sector, boot virus, failing drive, dodgy motherboard, loose cable . To name a few . The net or my connection to it seems to be a bit wobbly at the mo, can't get to some HDD links I want to post . I'll get back . Cheers Murray P |
Murray P (44) | ||
| 273654 | 2004-09-20 10:57:00 | PC was purchased in June 2001 and has been used only for home use. Compared to a business pc, it hasn't clocked a lot of hours | Dennis101 (6174) | ||
| 273655 | 2004-09-20 11:12:00 | Thanks for advice. RE data backup - yes I will. Re AUTO in BIOS I assume it is as it normally boots from HD without asking for a system disk. The boot sequence is (from text on screen): 1. Video card info 2. Identification of main processor 3. RAM check 4. Detecting IDE drives. To get to step 4 takes about 2 seconds from start-up and if start up goes normally the HD is detected almost instantly and the remaining start up sequence goes normally. I don't have any unusually system crashes that causes a re-boot with scan disk firing up. Occassionally get programs that lock up which can't be shut down via Task Mgr & requires a hard reset. I haven't defragged recently but will do that. Previous defrags have not reported any bad sectors. Virus check on most recent defns didn't find any. Don't know how to check for corrupt partitions, MBR etc. but I can open up the case and disconnect & reconnect all the connectors. I'll back up first in case there is a dodgy connector which fails completely. Dennis |
Dennis101 (6174) | ||
| 273656 | 2004-09-20 11:16:00 | I would replace the ide cable for the cds and/or hdd to see if that solves the prob. Or connect another spare molex 4 pin connector to the hdd, see if makes any diff. It could be either the power is zapped to the hdd or the ide cable is starting to die or something. | Spacemannz (808) | ||
| 273657 | 2004-09-20 11:18:00 | Defrag's dont pick up bad sectors - you have to run ScanDisk with the Thorough option. Depending on the size of your drive it could take anything from 1/2 an hour to several, so it may be best to leave it to run overnight. | wintertide (1306) | ||
| 273658 | 2004-09-20 22:12:00 | download maxtors diagnostic tools and run it. that will tell you if the harddrive is on its way out. | tweak'e (174) | ||
| 273659 | 2004-09-22 10:29:00 | Ran Maxtors Diagnostic Program (this is a good little utility!) which includes a full surface scan and HD got a pass on all tests. I have purchased a new cable to fit between motherboard and HD - will see if that fixes problem. | Dennis101 (6174) | ||
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