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View Full Version : When is a hard drive shot???


Jim T
02-28-2001, 12:44 AM
I tried to fdisk an old hard drive and it responds "no disk installed" (or something to that effect}. The drive seemed to be spinning. Does this indicate it is junk?
Thanks!!

Paleo Pete
02-28-2001, 08:44 AM
If the disk is set up in BIOS properly, fdisk should see it. If fdisk does not, try downloading the drive installation software from the manufacturer's website, and see if it can install the drive. If neither fdisk or the installation software can see the drive after it is seen by BIOS, it's a safe bet it's toast.

One more thing to check, make sure the jumpers on the drive are correct. Depending on the setup, it must be set either as Master or Slave by jumpers on the back of the drive, the manufacturer's website should have specs posted. Usually autodetect works best in BIOS.

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Reid
02-28-2001, 03:45 PM
I had the same problem a couple of days ago. It was because the 5V power pin was not making a good connection. I put in a spare power supply rather than try to bend the contact back into shape.

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Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

Paleo Pete
03-01-2001, 07:52 AM
Reid's post reminded me, check the ribbon cable connections on both ends, and make sure they are correctly connected, and not one pin off. You might also try another ribbon cable and a different power plug.

------------------
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

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