possible HD failure

[applesplatter]

Ok, here's the problem. I have a Maxtor HD(not sure of model #, but 40 GB)and it locks up or "freezes" at various times during computer operation. Sometimes it freezes during POST, sometimes during the booting of the OS, and sometimes while I'm just running a program. I run two OS's and the same thing happens in each one, so i don't think its software problems. I ran the diagnostic utility from Maxtor and of course it says that the drive is completely fine. Oh yeah, btw i have AMD 1Ghz and KT7?? motherboard if that helps. (Also, computer has ran fine up until resently when this problem arised.)
I guess the question is, is it time for a new HD or does anyone know of a fix??

Thank you

[YODA74]

Welcome to PC Guide applesplatter, do you ever get a message"verify DMI poole data" ?? sounds like BIOS prob. Have you added any thing new latley.

What are the two OS's?

[This message has been edited by YODA74 (edited 09-06-2001).]

[applesplatter]

Thanks for the reply....

and yes, i think i have seen a message saying "verifying DMI pool data" during boot (not near my computer, so i can't tell you for sure right now) ... if this is the case, what do you suggest i do?
BTW, what does that message mean??

[applesplatter]

What are the two OS's?

Windows ME and Linux Mandrake 8.0 ... oh, i haven't added anything lately except possibly a Palm serial interface ... but i think my problems started a little while after i installed that.

[YODA74]

Go to this site see if this helps "hope i get this right"

http://www.maxtor.com/products/DiamondMax/techsupport/InformationBulletins/15007.ht...


Hope this helps i have this info but a long type if you can't get to the site let me know. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[applesplatter]

ok thanks ... i'll try these fixes tonight!

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

I really doubt if this is a harddrive issue. Sounds more like bad memory. Excessive heat can be ruled out since it even does it during boot. Or can it? Have you checked to make sure the CPU fan is running properly?

If the CPU fan is OK, try to borrrow some known good RAM and try that.

If the CPU fan is acting funky, get a new one immediately and do not try to use the computer until you do. Athalons will fry in 10 seconds without proper cooling.

When you installed your Palm serial interface (not personally experienced with them), were you inside the case for any reason? If so, you may have disturbed something.

Post back with your progress.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


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"Right turn Clyde!"

[applesplatter]

I tried switching out the memory, but my CPU still froze ... I also tried the fixes from maxtor (i even updated my BIOS), still didn't work ... now my computer won't even get to boot the OS, it dies just before or during ... but i notice if i keep the power off for a long time (like a couple of hours) the CPU will boot fine (i don't think it overheating either because all the fans are working and the case is open) ... what do you guys think?

[Paleo Pete]

HEAT...

As mentioned above, Athlons can be fried in 10 seconds. They can also overheat and shut down in 10 seconds. Power supply can also cause similar symptoms. Check the AMD site ans make sure the power supply is on their Reccomended or Approved (whichever) list, and place a small fan where it can blow into the case to help cool it. If that works, look into some better cooling options...a secondary case fan, better heatsink/fan for the CPU.

Running it with the case cover off, by the way, defeats the fan that's in the power supply. It's designed to pull air through the case, but without the case cover on it does not circulate air through the entire machine. IF you remove the cover, especially with a high speed AMD, put a small fan where it can assist in cooling.

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[applesplatter]

when i bought the power supply i was told that it was AMD approve, but the sales guy could have been mistaken ... i'll check tonight to see if its on AMD's list ...
Paleo Pete, is there a specific brand of power supply and heatsink/fan that you recommend for AMD Athlon??