Being a rookie with so much of this stuff I
still can't figure out this one! No matter
what I try to change or save in setup, or what
hard drive I use I still get a message when
trying to boot a pc that reads "HDD controller
failure" Is this a motherboard problem,or BIOS
or something else?? Or even a bad ribbon cable?
This is a 1993 AMI BIOS,
and the CMOS battery is literally a battery
soldered to the board.Thanks in advance for any ideas

dazed and confused, but very stubborn.

The Hard Drive Controller is a module "within" the circuitry of the motherboard.....it can't be replaced as far as I know and wouldnt be worth it anyway on that old of a board. Time to get a new motherboard.

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Will XP save Me ?

Between the battery being soldered to the motherboard and the fact that your bios dates back to Bill Clinton's early years as prez, stick a fork in it, the motherboard is done. I'm guessing maybe a socket 5 board?

If the battery is soldered to the board, there's also a chance it could be a controller card rather than one built into the board. Trace the IDE cable and see where it goes. If it goes to a card plugged into the board, the controller can be replaced. Some computer shops still have them, and possibly retail sources. Check the cable(s) too, try different cable(s).

If the IDE cable goes to the board, trying a different cable is at least worth a try on the off-chance it could be a bad cable. If it's not the cable it sounds like the onboard controller is gone.

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So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

DMC --- If ya narrow it down to the point that it is the controller card LMK. I'll GIVE ya one.

Hey,

Check the IDE ribbon cable connections. Sometimes, you can get that error message if they are not fully seated into their respective connections. Check the orientation of the cable. Make sure pin 1, usually a red or blue stripe, on the IDE cable is connected correctly to pin 1 of the controller board and harddrive.

Also, check the jumper on the HDD. If it's the only drive on the cable, it should be set to MA for Master. If it's a fairly new harddrive, removing the jumper altogether may work, again if it's the only drive on the cable.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66


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The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability that you'll get it wrong.