Hard Drive Problem

jamieh

Hey all,

I was trying to install xp on a machine. When I tried to format the drive before the installation it got to around 80% and then said the drive could not be formatted beacause it is damaged.

I got a new hard drive, put it in the machine, but I'm getting the very same error!! It HD is detected in the BIOS. It gets some of the way there with the format and then it fails.

What could be wrong?? Would a new PCI IDE controller help??

jtiernan

Did you try the hard-disk in another port? Try fdisk and format under dos booted from a floppy? there may also be more comprehensive scandisk programs on the web if you google about! Hope this helps

8T8

Try changing the IDE cable for the hard drive.

Run Memtest+ on the systems RAM for a while, copy errors can sometimes be attributed to faulty RAM.

Most HD manufacturers offer some diagnostic tools on their website which would be worth a go as well.

gamer

set hd as master,drive 0, you can use win98 boot disk, to format,and fdisk it.ie format c: from dos prompt mode.

jamieh

Hey all,

I did an fdisk on the hd and then formatted it but still the same problem.

I put it into another machine, installed xp on it (which went fine).

Put it back into the original machine, but just before the OS boots up a flashing cursor appears and won't even go to the Windows xp startup screen.

The HD is detected in the BIOS.

I tried another brand new hd but had the same prob.

Ruu_Old

Have you tried a different IDE cable?

MunsterCycling

Is the 2nd drive you tried the same brand?

TBH this looks like a motherboard issue as the HDs work in other machines OK so the only factor left is the MB

Snowbat

How old is the machine? You may be running into a BIOS limitation. A newer BIOS may be available that overcomes the limitation.
http://forums.driverguide.com/showthread.php?t=2161

Alternatively, installing a new PCI IDE controller and connecting your drive to it will likely fix the problem. I put a Highpoint Rocket and a 160GB Maxtor in an ancient P166 box and set it up as a Linux fileserver.

gamer

if pc is more than 4 years old,it may not read hds over 60gig size,it depends on bios, settings.is this ide or sata hd you are using,what is bios version, set bios, AUTODETECT ALL DRIVES,DRIVE,O,1, 2 ETC.

jamieh

Hey all,

The pc is 3 years old.

The original HD was 20gig. The new one I tried is 80gig. It's IDE not SATA.

I didn't do anything to the pc....I literally turned it on one morning and it wouldn't work!!

gamer

sounds like the motherboard battery has run out,bios has gone back to default settings, buy a new battery,3euro approx, make sure voltage,and size is identical to the one you have now.when battery died biosmay have lost drive hd settings .take antistatic precautions.

jamieh

Hey gamer,

Cheers....I'll try that!!

layke

May not hurt to check for a Mobo bios upgrade also.

I did that with My IC7-Max3 and I got the extra 60GB that apperently wasn't there.

jamieh

I tried a new battery but to no avail.

Tried a bios upgrade - no joy.

Mobo must be shagged....I think i'll just have to give up and bin it

gamer

if you have ,net connection, you cud try updating the bios firmware, save file to 3/half inch floppy, get update from the motherboard maker site. If mobo uses VIA 4IN 1 drivers, download the drivers for that mobo,install em. Try that first.Set bios to autodetect all hardrives.L OOK AT www.viaarena.com for 4in1 drivers mobo name etc.Some mobos have drivers that need to be installed ,before windows is fully installed.Or get new mobo with pci express interface, if you are a gamer.Most new graphics cards are no longer made in agp interface standard.