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Thread ID: 26942	2002-11-08 23:30:00	Hard Disk Writing Problem	johnjen (2489)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
97278	2002-11-08 23:30:00	My WIN Me PC has developed a problem which is baffling me. It functions fine for a period, then suddenly "hangs", and the HD clicks 8 times at 1 sec. intervals, then "brrr's" for a sec., then repeats this for perhaps 5 mins., then the dreaded blue screen appears with the message "cannot write to Drive C" (or occasionally "E", the disc is 3-partitioned). ScanDisk runs OK on reboot, but a "thorough" scan usually causes the problem to recur. Defrag. will not complete without problem recurring Do I assume that I have a hardware failure, with a consequent replacement and new install? or is there an alternative with less disatrous consequences?	johnjen (2489)
97279	2002-11-08 23:52:00	On the face of it, you are lucky to be given warning of a failing drive . Copy off all your valuable data, as soon as you can . If a thorough Scandisk won't complete, you should not attempt a defrag - you could end up with more corruption . The noises you hear are 'retrys' as the disk recalibrates and re-attempts a failed operation . It's somewhat surprising the battle goes on for 5 minutes before reporting . If you wanted to save a little money, you could try reformatting the faulty partition(s) (full format that checks / marks the bad sectors), then reload your data . My recomendation though, is the drive is on the way out, and risking your data on a faulty drive is more costly than a replacement drive .	wuppo (41)
97280	2002-11-09 02:24:00	Before making a final decision, try unplugging the IDE cable and plugging it in again. It could just be a flakey connection. But it could equally be the drive dying. ;-)	Graham L (2)
97281	2002-11-09 05:05:00	A faulty IDE cable isn't going to cause the problems you've got. Its blatantly a stuffed hard-disk. Run before it blows i say. (is it under warranty?)	roofus (483)
97282	2002-11-09 21:24:00	> A faulty IDE cable isn't going to cause the problems > you've got. Its blatantly a stuffed hard-disk. Run > before it blows i say. > (is it under warranty?) Actually a faulty IDE cable can cause those symptoms. As can a faulty power connector.	BIFF (1)
97283	2002-11-09 21:34:00	Ok BiFF your so sure your right, lets have a look at the problem again. > My WIN Me PC has developed a problem which is > baffling me. It functions fine for a period, then > suddenly "hangs", and the HD clicks 8 times at 1 sec. > intervals, then "brrr's" for a sec., then repeats > this for perhaps 5 mins., then the dreaded blue > screen appears with the message "cannot write to > Drive C" (or occasionally "E", the disc is > 3-partitioned). Yes this could be caused by a loose IDE cable or if its underpowered > ScanDisk runs OK on reboot, but a "thorough" scan > usually causes the problem to recur. Hmmm this is starting to sound like a systematic problem, not a random problem that would occur through a loose cable or power supply > Defrag. will not > complete without problem recurring Yes this makes sense because defrag doesn't go checking the disk for bad-sectors and will run right over it and falling into the hole, scandisk is having a problem. Because it specifically looks for the bad sectors > Do I assume that I have a hardware failure, with a > consequent replacement and new install? or is there > an alternative with less disatrous consequences?	roofus (483)
97284	2002-11-10 00:53:00	Hmmmm. As I feared, there seems to be no solution other than replace the HD. Fortunately I have had enough warning to at least get my data off! (As it happens, I use a shareware programme called Second Copy, which I configured to autocopy all of my data files to another physical HD - so at least I will be able to access it as soon as I get the PC up and running again!) The primary HD has now given up the ghost, tho' I haven't tried Safe Mode yet. Thanks for your help guys.	johnjen (2489)
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