TheTechGuide Forum

General Category => Tech Clinic => Topic started by: Lilith on November 18, 2006, 11:32:18 PM

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 18, 2006, 11:32:18 PM

My fiance is having issues with his computer. He has a SATA drive in it, windows is installed. Everytime we boot it up, it goes to a black dos-like screen and gives us the prompts to either start in safe mode, normally, etc. No matter what we choose...it goes to the loading screen and reboots itself. Then he rebooted it a minute ago, and when it went through the windows loading screen it gave him a blue screen which we didn't have time to read as it quickly rebooted itself. Any ideas on what could be the issue?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 12:44:02 AM

Also, it won't even let us re-install windows or repair it.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 12:49:27 AM

As the system is rebooting,  before Windows loads
Can you tap the F8 key
You should be in the Windows Advanced Options Menu
There may be an option to Disable Automatic restart
Select it and try restarting again Normally

If you get another error message, see if you can write down the whole message and post it back here

Quote

Also, it won't even let us re-install windows or repair it.

Did you put the CD in the drive
Then go into the bios and switch the booting order to CD first?
You may have to reboot the computer twice after saving the change in the bios

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:01:55 AM

I'll try hitting the F8 key....but as for going into the bios and setting it to boot from cd...already tried that like 5 times today. I'll try the F8 key and tell you what happens.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:05:22 AM

Hitting F8 does nothing.


EDIT: Ok I got it to get into the advanced menu.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:07:43 AM

Can you shut down>>disconnect all periphials you don't need hooked to the computer
Only leave the keyboard, monitor, mouse hooked
Try starting

EDIT>>I didn't see your edit
Choose to Disable Automatic restart>>Also choose Last know good configuration

Is the harddrive detected in the bios?

Quote

already tried that like 5 times today

Is it set that way now?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:12:59 AM

Ok I'll go set it to start at last known good config.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:23:36 AM

It's running excrutiatingly slow. There's a 1gb stick of ram in there, and I think it's only reading it at 256.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:26:33 AM

Does that mean you got into Windows?

Not that it is malware related, but can you do the following for me
Download Hijackthis from my signature below
SAVE it to your desktop

Double click on hijackthis_sfx.exe on desktop
Click the UNZIP button>>OK the prompt
This will self extract to C:\Program Files\HijackThis
Delete hijackthis_sfx.exe from desktop

Go to START>>RUN
Copy>>paste the following to the open field, then hit OK
%systemdrive%\Program Files\HijackThis
This will open the Hijackthis folder
RIGHT CLICK on Hijackthis.exe and select SEND TO>>Desktop (create shortcut)
You can now run Hijackthis.exe from the new shortcut placed on your desktop

Double click to run Hijackthis.exe
Do a "SCAN and Save a Log file"
A log will open in Notepad
Copy and paste the WHOLE contents of the log  here

Can you also Right click on MYComputer icon
Left click Properties
Give me system specs please

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:29:30 AM

I have yet to get to windows. The stupid thing froze.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:30:52 AM

Can you tap F8 key and select SAFE MODE
Can you also make sure you shut down >>disconnect all periphials not needed connected to the machine

Did you Disable Auto Restart on system failure, if that option was available?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:33:00 AM

eah I disabled it....then it gave me the option to reboot with last known config...then ran slower than molasses and froze.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:37:39 AM

Did you disconnect periphials?
Did you try Safe mode?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:43:20 AM

Ok. I went and hit F8, disabled the auto reboot again, then selected boot into safe mode, and it rebooted and I have a blank screen. The only thing in there is a HD, a cd rom the mobo, CPU and a graphics card. The cd rom IS detatched.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:50:00 AM

I take that back...the screen isn't just blue....it's something about windows had an error and all that jazz. the typical blue screen of doom.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 09:59:36 AM

You have to post the exact error message

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 10:21:57 AM

I took a pic of the screen. Let me see if it's a clear enough image, because the error message in long.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 10:26:37 AM

It's clear enough.

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/deaofvotum/Misc/IMAG0032.jpg)

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 10:33:42 AM

How many sticks of Memory do you have in the machine?
Did you just add some?
Make sure the contacts on the memory are clean

Try removing the memory and just stick in one stick at a time
If it won't boot with just one stick in it, remove that one and try another one

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 10:39:05 AM

There's only one in there. heh. It's a 1gb stick...

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 10:40:30 AM

Did you just add this stick?
Can you remove it, ensure it's clean and replace it

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 10:48:16 AM

It's clean, and I stuck it back in....somehow I don't think the ram is really the problem...but who knows. /sad.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':(\' />

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 10:51:54 AM

We could run a Memory test,
It takes awhile
But first, can you ensure that the CD Rom is attached
Enter the bios and set it to first boot device
Put your XP cd into the drive
Save the changes and allow the computer to start up
If it doesn't detect the CD at first start, try restarting again and see if it detects the CD

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 11:01:14 AM

It'll detect the cd....but it won't let me re-install, or repair windows....nor can I get into windows...

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 11:09:11 AM

Is this a full version XP that came with the computer?
What make and model of computer is this?

Have you recently installed new hardware, such as the memory or harddrive?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 11:11:01 AM

It's a custom built machine, I told him how to hook it all up and he built it. He's only had it about a week and yes it's a full version of windows he purchased.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 11:26:01 AM

Motherboard: Intel D945PWM
Processor: Intel Pentium D 840 3.2gGHz DT 800FSB Socket 775
RAM: 1gb DDR2 PC3200
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 5500
Hard Drive: 160gb SATA

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 11:28:51 AM

OIC, that explains it

You can try and clear the CMOS, look at the manual for motherboard for direction
You can try and run Memtest86 and see if the ram is at fault
http://www.memtest86.com/ (http://\"http://www.memtest86.com/\")

Here's a checklist from Hal9000 from another forum

1) Remove EVERYTHING from the case
2) Set the motherboard on a non conductive surface. The motherboard box is perfect for this. .DO NOT PLACE THE MOTHERBOARD ON THE STATIC BAG! It can acually conduct electricity! We are going to try and assemble a running system outside of the case.
3) Install the CPU and heat sink.
4) Install the RAM (only install 1 stick for SDRAM, 2 for RDRAM)
5) Install the video card
6) Connect the monitor to the video card.
7) Connect the power supply to the motherboard.
8) Connect power to the power supply
9) Do NOT connect ANYTHING else. Make sure you have the power connector on the CPU fan connected.
10) Use a small screwdriver to momentarily short the power switch connector on the motherboard.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 11:30:22 AM

I'll try and find out how to clear the CMOS...then post what happens.

His mobo didn't come with a manual... /blink.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':blink:\' />

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 11:40:17 AM

Try pulling the battery out of the motherboard
Leave it out for 15 minutes
Then replace it
Enter the bios>>is the Harddrive detected?

Does this motherboard have onboard video?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 11:42:05 AM

I tried clearing the CMOS by popping out the batt, though I only left it out for like 10 secs like I did when I overclocked mine a  bit too far. I'll try leaving it out for 15 mins then post back with what I find.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 11:56:18 AM

There's no onboard video.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 12:08:57 PM

The HD was recognized before...and now it isn't.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 12:34:53 PM

I don't know what bios version you have
But go here and ensure Sata is enabled
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_sata_second_boot.shtml (http://\"http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_sata_second_boot.shtml\")

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 12:38:46 PM

I have BIOS ver. SN94510J.86A.0057.2005.1206.1043

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 12:46:50 PM

The BIOS looks nothing like the ones depicted on the page you told me to look at...

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 12:54:27 PM

Well, your going have to search around in the bios for settings somewhat identical
I can't do it on my end
I  only gave you a link to that page as a reference

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:00:01 PM

I'll see if I can find it.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:04:47 PM

Ok there is NOTHING like that in the BIOS on this mobo.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:14:48 PM

Which harddrive do you have
Is it set to Master?
I may have to direct you to a hardware forum
They will have more resources to help track your problems

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:15:33 PM

It's a WD SATA drive, and it says there's no jumper setting for Master.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:21:40 PM

That's the only details on the drive?
Model no.?
Did it come with driver setup?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:23:22 PM

Let me check...and I'll get the model no. for you too..

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:26:26 PM

WD1600JS Model no. WD1600J8-00CB1

i don't know if it came with a driver setup....he throws his software everywhere on his desk...I don't think there is though..

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:39:56 PM

Ok i got the BIOS to recognize the HD...he had changed the darn setting for the jumper.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 01:48:33 PM

Set the boot order for CD in bios and try the XP cd again
Make sure the second boot sequence is the SATA drive

See if you can get the XP CD to boot up

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:49:30 PM

ok brb

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:52:37 PM

it's running through the first part of the windows setup....which we had no issues really getting through that. It's when I choose either repair existing windows or install windows that is won't let me.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 01:54:22 PM

I am now at the Windows XP Home Edition Setup.

Set up WinXP or Repair WinXP Installation?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 02:04:15 PM

Have you actually installed Windows on this machine yet?
Is this the only harddrive, so you don't need Raid configuration?

I suggest you may want to try the following
Follow these guides for a complete clean install
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=101068 (http://\"http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=101068\")

After you follow those steps in that link
Follow these steps from step 6 and down
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp (http://\"http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp\")
Format the Partition using the NTFS file system
DON'T use the Quick method regardless of what is mentioned on his site

EDIT>>Didn't see your last post, but carry on

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 02:09:40 PM

Yes he had installed it on the drive already. It worked fine until yesterday. Also it IS the only drive in the machine.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 02:12:14 PM

Ok here is the issue. No matter whether I choose install or repair it reboots the system every time. Then it gives me the blue screen I posted an image of previously.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 02:28:23 PM

You can try and run Memtest86 and see if the ram is at fault
http://www.memtest86.com/ (http://\"http://www.memtest86.com/\")
You can eliminate it from possibilites then

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 02:32:57 PM

ummm....how can I run that if I can't get into windows?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 02:34:17 PM

NM.....they have ISO files...

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 02:43:32 PM

I have the Memtest screen up on the other machine, though I have no idea how to work it, and the site isn't much help in that field. Unless it has an auto start....which I am now thinking it does.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 03:01:45 PM

hm...nothing is happening....weird.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 03:18:58 PM

I don't know what the heck is going on now. I still have it set to boot from cd so I can run the memtest cd....but it's not doing anything at all.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 03:32:59 PM

Are you sure that you don't need third party SATA drivers for your controller
You better check all your manuals and look for all software that came with your components

When loading into windows for a clean install, you should of had a prompt to press F6
As noted by the link I supplied
Check with Intel for drivers

Memtest should run auto
Did you properly burn the ISO
Eg.. I use Burnatonce>>Download the Memtest86.zip file, UNZIP the file so you now have Memtest86.iso extracted
Fire up burnatonce and burn the ISO on a clean CD, I use a CDRW so I can quick erase the disk then burn the file
Reboot with the CD in, it should start automatically

EDIT>>I would also check ALL connections in the computer to ensure they are all seated properly

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 03:36:35 PM

I have Roxio, and it must have burned properly as there is a memtest screen up...but it isn't doing anything. As for installing 3rd party SATA drivers...I don't think I needed to, as I said...it worked properly yesterday morning. I asked him if he had done anything to it...and he said he had stuck his IDE/ATA drive in there....could that have messed something up?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 03:40:59 PM

I went and got burnatonce and burned the ISO again...trying it now.

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 03:44:55 PM

Ok I put the cd in....rebooted and this is what I got, and it doesn't move....just like with the 1st cd...

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/deaofvotum/Misc/IMAG0035.jpg)

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 03:52:50 PM

Look where it says Test 7%
Is it stuck there or what?

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 03:59:07 PM

Yup. That\'s what I mean by it isn\'t doing anything.

I can\'t even hit c to enter the config or anything....

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: guestolo on November 19, 2006, 06:21:42 PM

You can try the diagnostic utility for your harddrive from WD
 http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n (http://\"http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n\")

You can also try the following for Memory test
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp (http://\"http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp\")

If you have a floppy drive, do you?
You can try the following for Memory
Docmem, I haven't used it yet
http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp (http://\"http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp\")
Free if you register

Title: Issue with Hard Drive
Post by: Lilith on November 19, 2006, 06:49:42 PM

I will try all that in a bit. There is no floppy drive on that machine.