Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
From: Milciades Marrocchi
One thing I did successfully was to replace the HD electronics. The complete board is
sometimes standard in many models of the same brand. If the problem is there, then chances
are that you will get it to work. Replacing the external electronics of a HD is simple. Another
one I had was a disk that would not start spinning. We fixed it (and don't ask me why) by
giving it some hits with the tips of our fingers (while powered on). At one point, it started
spinning and we could
get out its data.
From: Lawrence Taylor-Duncan
1. Look up manufacturer, model number etc. on drive. At same time, check jumper settings on
drive correctly set to MASTER. If there's a slave drive check its settings, too.
2. Search for model in the Microhouse Technical Library using your trusty laptop (call yourself
a tech? OF COURSE you have a copy of this in your arsenal...).
3. Write down manual settings from Microhouse database (# cylinders, etc.). If you need
jumper settings above, they're there too! If no Microhouse Library available, try manufacturer's
Web site, (this all assuming this setup data is not stamped on drive).
4. Enter data in CMOS
5. Save and re-boot. Time to completio-n—10-15 minutes. IF NO SUCCESS
6. Check CMOS to insure on-board controller not disabled. Disconnect slave. Check ribbon
cable is not bad. Check ribbon cable is in correct IDE slot. Check that IRQ 14 has not been
used for manually setting another peripheral (if so, reclaim IRQ for controller). IF NO SUCCESS
7. Controller may be bad. Install drive in alternate computer with good controller to test, or try
2
nd
controller slot using IRQ 15. IF NO SUCCESS
8. Boot sector or partition table possibly bad in drive. Could use
Norton Utility
to debug if you
like living dangerously. Other alternatives include sending drive to a data recovery firm for
data recovery (expensive), or re- FDISK and start all over (free, but data gone).
From: Curtis Coons
Run Norton's recovery disks. This is done from DOS.
From: Mike Metcalfe
The process of restoring a drive is fairly straightforward. It relies on just a few facts:
1. The drive data is in BIOS correctly.
2. The data cable is in good condition.
3. The IDE port on the main board is functioning.
4. The drive powers on, i.e. you can hear it spin up.
Having been a field engineer for a number of years, this is one of the worst situations we face.
The customer is frantic about the possibility of losing some or all of his data. He never thought
that this would (or could) happen to him. He has made no effort to back up his data but now
wants you to perform some magic that will save the day (and his data). Onsite retrieval of data
is at best a risk that poses undesirable consequences for both the customer and the technician.
Your first action is to be as honest with the customer as you can be. Tell him in no uncertain
