Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
From: FS296
If the drive just does not boot to C and it appear that it is spinning and responds to C prompt
commands, I would slave it to another drive and drop and drag files to safe location, i.e.
external hard drive, Zip drive.
From: Norton Seron
1. Disconnect CD-ROM drive and/or 2nd HDD.
2. Remove HDD and read label regarding "jumper" position for master (without slave) if
necessary.
3. Check power cable plugged into HDD properly.
4. Check data cable plugged in properly on HDD and Motherboard.
5. Reboot PC and verify that problem is still present.
6. Replace HDD data cable.
7. Change power lead for another lead (test for voltage with multimeter).
8. See 5.
9. Connect different HDD to PC and see if bios can pick it up.
10. See 5.
11. Check CMOS chip is plugged in firmly.
12. If any of the above result in function, then boot onto system floppy and "fdisk/mbr" to fix
master boot record and then fdisk to check partition, followed by DOS scandisk and surface
scan to check for bad sectors on HDD. If bad sectors are found, then back up needed data and
replace and reinstall HDD and OS and APPS.
From: Gilbert Betancourt
Here's one solution I am using out in the field. I see many brands out there. The most popular
in my area are Quantum Big foot, Western Digital, and Seagate . I carry about 2 logic boards
of each brand (popular in my area) and when I see init problems not relating to crashed heads,
or burnt motors… I just replace the board and backup the data for the customer. In many
occasions, I sell them the logic board by itself… send board back to factory to get exchanged
for a reasonable price....Out of all my customer hard drive problems, 70 percent are taken care
of this way. Hope this might get some techs out there thinking about implementing something
similar.
From: Dave Rutherford
You need to first figure what is not (or is) happening. If the drives are just not spinning, you
might be in luck. Otherwise, you had better be carrying the 'toolkit' (mostly software these
days). Drives not spinning? Open the box, and check the cards and cables. Does the floppy
”seek.” If it should and should not, check the power +12v is required mostly for motors...
Nothing loose, then pull and reseat everything—esp. the memory. Watch it, make sure you are
Grounded ... you left the system plugged in right? No plug, no ground. Still nothing? Here's
one Seagate tech support told me in the early 80's… it still works like a charm. Pull the hard
disk from the chassis and plug the power and data back in. Then holding the drive in the left,
with the CABLE end towards you, BUMP IT with the HEEL of your right hand. ONCE medium
hard (this will unseat magnetics, release brake mechanisms, and even pull heads stuck in soft
