computers on crack, and I'm paying....

[DVD_NDN]

IVe got a really simple problem, that I am apperently too 'challenged' to repair.

I am running windows XP-home, kept the little bastard up to date with software and such... however, for one reason or another, the computer had an error... win32 registry files... asked me to slap in my windows xp CD. and hit "r" when the first screen came up.

So I did... and "r" didnt do anything, nor was it an option.
In fact, a whole new 'windows xp' has installed - which has allowed me to post this...

My secondary drive is no longer accessable... says it needs to reformat, doesnt read it as 300GBs anymore, now says its in fact a 128GB drive....
All my files that were on my primary (C) drive are fine... but 300GB's or so is a lot to part with.
So I'm asking you, any and all of you - where the hell did I go wrong?

When I boot up I now have the option of selecting my OS to start, the "new" one and the old one. when I select old, the same error pops up. 'windows cant start because a file is missing or currupt...' which brings me right back to putting in the CD and hitting "r"
which does nothing but install a new layer of windows.

so.
I know I'm probably not being clear, so ask me specifically about whatever doesnt make sense.. I will try to clear up anything I havent put out there already... you are afterall only trying to help, and I apreciate that.
thanks...

[jameshgross]

A corrupted registry is almost impossible to fix.

Best bet and time saver is to re-format the c: drive and install WXP.

In the long run this will save time and temper.

[aedipuss]

check the computer's bios on what is the reported size of the secondary. it may really have died. if not i'd go with the last reponse and reformat both drives and start overwith a clean windows install. too late to fix it at this point.

[jagabo]

Use System Restore to go back to before the problem started. Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore.

[budz]

I'd do a hard drive test on that secondary hard drive. I had a similar situation last month where my OS wouldn't boot. I kept getting a error msg that the slave hd failed but then the OS eventually loaded. I was able to access the hard drive. Then I had tested the hd twice before with the result in no errors. The 3rd time I tested the hd it now said the drive was failing. I backed up as much data that I could then the hd died.

[ROF]

When you reinstalled your windows did you upgrade to service pack 2. Without the upgrade your OS will only recognize drives up to 137GB.

[MOVIEGEEK]

IMO repair is worthless,I would:
1.Disconnect the 300GB drive.
2.Try to boot in Safe mode or "Last Known Good Configuration" by pressing F8.
3.If you can get in Safe mode or "Last Known....." pop the Windows CD in and run sfc /scannow.
4.If you can't get Windows to load...format and reinstall.

[DVD_NDN]

well, a little update on whats going on - and I thank all of you for your input...

I had a guy come over, while not yet A+ certified, hes in the program.... working on all sorts of certification, been mucking around with computers for years... I liken him to a backyard mechanic - can work a miracle in a pinch, but.. for all intents and purposes - not an actual mechanic.

So we formatted both my C: drive, and what USED to be my E: drive (the 300GB). After it was all said and done, it still only read as 128GB. He did say there was some sort of "invisible partition" which he says he deleted... I personally have never heard of an invisible partition, but then, I'm not the backyard mechanic either so who knows, right?
Still... despite three hours of some inventive curses in three languages - english for both, his own french, and my own ojibway - we really accomplished nothing.

He says hes going to call his buddy, an 'actual mechanic' (to follow the comparison), and hopefully he will have some sort of answer. Before leaving, over one last cigarette (spare me the lecture on smoking, I have a wife, I hear it all the time) I think he finally conceded that he may have to replace the harddrive.
funny how some peoples pride can be so much of a headache.

The error occured on my slave, the 300GB (fricken 128GB?!) which my OS has nothing to do with directly... had it been a virus or.. some sort of windows error, would it not simply wipe out the master? I have no idea...

With all of that been said - I ask you all once more for your input.
He maintains that its a 'fart' in windows, that my XP home will not recognise the drive for some reason which he is at this point attributing to settings. His answer is to use XP pro... well.. thats fine if I paid for it, but I went and handed out a good chunk of change for a *legitimate* copy of XP so I wouldnt have to put up with BS like what I would encounter if I used some pirated version. for the record - I have no use for something pirated like that. The debate about backing up our purchased DVDs not withstanding.

True, as noted above, sometimes updates are required in order to read files properly. I am not sure that is the case here. I DO however intend to get all of my updates *all over again* and see if that recifies anything. I mean hell, I'd be a bit of a third boob if I didnt right? (nice to look at but useless).

He (the backyard mechanic) also mentioned the possibility that whatever happened somehow reset my bios to an older version, but even he has admitted he is grasping at straws at this point. He has put out there that flashing the bios would likely fix it, however he says - and I quote "I wouldnt do it to my system, so I wouldnt want to **** yours".

So... though he hasnt outright said it, we keep coming back to what I personally feel is the case. The harddrive crapped out. maybe not entirely.. though Ive never heard of half crapped.
Half assed, yes, as is half assed mechanic (did I say that?), but never half crapped.

You see, and I'm sure many of you have assumed as much - or maybe not.... mr mechanic is the man who gave me the 300GB hard drive. Installed it and all. Worked fine for a month... then died. Wasnt brand new, was in his system for a little while. I didnt care...
now I care.

So, hes going to end up replacing it he says. Ok, fine, thats all well and good, I'm all for people who take ownership of errors... and they happen. However, that does not negate the fact that this occured. SO-
any ideas just what the hell happened?

how DOES a hard disk drive die? quick and painless? slow and agonising? are there often warning signs? What would those warning signs be, so I may be more alert to them in the future.

Does anyone else think my computer guy is my computers crack dealer?

[DVD_NDN]

sorry, I suppose I should add - the initial problem was all localised to the slave drive. Theo nly inclusion of my master was the error on boot, which indicated a currupt or missing registry file.
hitting "r" did nothing, but overlayed a new OS.
Weve reformatted my master, and everything is hunky dory... of course, the salve is still reading 128...
just to clear that up...

[ROF]

The backyard mechanic is a moron. As anyone with an ounce of knowledge knows that plain jane windows xp does not recognize drive size larger than 137GB. You need to install your windows xp and update to service pack 2 in order to achieve 48bit LBA (>137GB recognition).

As to what caused your initial problem, it could have been any number of things that can corrupt a file.

[Nelson37]

I agree with the previous assessment of your tech. Guys like that provide me with a lot of my business.

I TEACH A+ Certification.

Extremely unlikely a software malfunction wrote to the BIOS, and most particularly no way it removed the BIOS capability to correctly recognize the drive.

Fairly rare for a failing drive to recognize at a smaller size.

You need the service pack update to recognize the drive, this was probably installed as an update after your original XP installation, but is not on your installation disk. That is why it worked before and does not now.

How to run the repair - Bypass the FIRST "R". Select the second one when the current partitions are recognized. If setup recognizes a Windows installation on one of the partitions, then repairing that will re-install windows while maintaining all software installations and data files. Will repair almost all types of registry corruption, in extreme cases you can manually delete these files but if this is necessary a re-format is recommended.

In your case, the re-format was most likely not necessary but it is too late now.

Your original problem was almost certainly completely seperate from, and had absolutely nothing to do with, your current slave drive issue. Which is not really a problem at all, just a required update. Windows registry corruption is quite common and the correct repair procedure I outlined will almost always fix it with no loss. It does indicate you need to keep an eye on your drive for possible failure, that is the primary NOT the secondary, run extra checks and scans and THOROUGHLY examine for virus and spyware, use 2 or 3 progs but make sure only ONE of each is constantly running.

I recommend the online Symantec check, there are others, but how many would anybody be willing to GUARANTEE are legitimate and will cause no harm? By guarantee I mean back it with cash, money in the bank, today, not later like when you will get your replacement hard drive.

[aedipuss]

you guys sure it wasn't sp1 for winXp that included 48bit lba? which would mean any xp installed in the last 3 years would already include it.

op.... did you look in the computer's bios setup to see what is reported by the h.d. to the computer as the size? if it's not 300gb then go to the drive manufacter's website and get a testing/repair/low level formatting tool. they all call the program by a different name but there is usually is some form of diagnostics programs available.

[budz]

as i suggested before do a test on the hd. whatever the brand of the hd there are utilities to test the hd. maxtor has POWERMAX utility to use...WESTERN DIGITAL has DATA GUARD LIFETOOLS....my bet is that 300gb hd you got from the mechanic is failing....

[MOVIEGEEK]

you guys sure it wasn't sp1 for winXp that included 48bit lba? which would mean any xp installed in the last 3 years would already include it.

op.... did you look in the computer's bios setup to see what is reported by the h.d. to the computer as the size? if it's not 300gb then go to the drive manufacter's website and get a testing/repair/low level formatting tool. they all call the program by a different name but there is usually is some form of diagnostics programs available.

You are correct about SP1:
www.seagate.com/support/kb/disc/faq/137_winxp.html

Good point about the BIOS,also see if there's a motherboard BIOS update.

[Nelson37]

Not "installed", but "sold", yes. Its a P4 1.7, 3 years would be about right. I still have my original XP disk and installed it two weeks ago. Plus look at the number the drive is recognized as.

Company-provided HD tools often utilize non-standard partitioning or BIOS recognition routines. These progs are good for diagnostics, but totally unnecessary and often counter-productive for setup.

The BIOS recognized the drive previously, an update is not necessary to solve this problem. Might be a good idea, but not needed to solve the current issue. Until the problem is identified, system changes should be minimized.

[jameshgross]

When you installed WXP the install process would have shown you all partitions on the HD and given you several options on handling them.

Sounds like you are installing an original version of XP. Get SP2.

[classfour]

All good advice. If it were mine (and I do this to my HDDs), I'd format the 300 GB into three 100 GB HDD partitions to prevent this from happening in the future. On this machine, the primary HDD (160 GB Seagate is two partitions (1 40GB, 1 120GB). The removable drives that I use to switch files are divided into 80GB partitions). This keeps them under 137 GB and renders them invulnerable to the SP1 or early Windows 2K problems. Run short of space on a partition - use another.

This will allow you to really tell if the HDD is going bad, or if XP is tricking you.

[ROF]

you guys sure it wasn't sp1 for winXp that included 48bit lba? which would mean any xp installed in the last 3 years would already include it.

op.... did you look in the computer's bios setup to see what is reported by the h.d. to the computer as the size? if it's not 300gb then go to the drive manufacter's website and get a testing/repair/low level formatting tool. they all call the program by a different name but there is usually is some form of diagnostics programs available.

You are correct about SP1:
www.seagate.com/support/kb/disc/faq/137_winxp.html

Good point about the BIOS,also see if there's a motherboard BIOS update.

While this is true I have still seen some that will not be recognized until you do some manual updated or install service pack 2. There is nothing wrong with being up to date on your operating system so if you qare having problems with your service pack 1 I suggest trying service pack 2. This seems to occur more on pre-packaged computer systems(Dell, Compaq, etc.). I have a service pack 1 Windows XP Professional I bought at walmart and installing it will not allow me to recognize the full capacity Western Digital, Samsung, or IBM drives larger than 120GB. Oddly enough it work with Seagate, Maxtor, Hitachi, and a few others. I guess what I am saying is that if service pack 1 fails you, try service pack 2.

[smearbrick1]

When you reinstalled your windows did you upgrade to service pack 2. Without the upgrade your OS will only recognize drives up to 137GB.

You can get the same functionality from SP1. I think we had this discussion in another thread. Irrelevant, really. I just wanted to put that out there.

[ROF]

Yep. That was already said in this thread. I just reiterated that sometimes service pack 1 fails to work. Why I do not know.

[TBoneit]

Nelson37, Sometimes running chkdsk at recovery console is all that is needed. Depends.

Maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the computers that say missing .... are fixed to running again by simple running chkdsk, then when Xp is running do a sfc. Sometimes it is the drive dying and sometimes running repair is needed.

So when xp won't boot and complains about missing files my process is:
1. Run drive test, replace if it fails.
2. Run chkdsk.
3. if the above don't work try the repair process.


I agree that for foolproof large drive support Sp2 is best.

Sounds like the "backyard mechanic" doesn't know his Xp.

Never taught A+ but I did the certify back in 96 or maybe 97 when I was looking for work as some employers wanted it. Never took a class and passed the tests somewhere around 96%+.

I started with a RS PC before IBM came out with its PC. Then I built my first XT Clone that started with two floppies and grew to have two 20 Meg Seagate HDDs, then 286, 386, 486, Pentium etc. Dos through 6.22 windows 2.x and up.

My belief is you need to start with the basics and learn. Nothing beats experience.

I get a lot of my work here from computers that either the owner tried to fix or a friend fixed.

[lenti_75]

The backyard mechanic is a moron. As anyone with an ounce of knowledge knows that plain jane windows xp does not recognize drive size larger than 137GB. You need to install your windows xp and update to service pack 2 in order to achieve 48bit LBA (>137GB recognition).
.

I use SP1 with 320Gb....and you think you know it all......


the way is to install NEW windows, don;t even bother to fix it.....

[ROF]

The backyard mechanic is a moron. As anyone with an ounce of knowledge knows that plain jane windows xp does not recognize drive size larger than 137GB. You need to install your windows xp and update to service pack 2 in order to achieve 48bit LBA (>137GB recognition).
.

I use SP1 with 320Gb....and you think you know it all......


the way is to install NEW windows, don;t even bother to fix it.....

Didn't the original already say that a new version of windows was installed? OH yes, and I do know it all. Not all Service Pack 1 installation or the hardware they are installed upon are alike. Some machines do not achieve 100% 48bit LBA by installing service pack 1. While I am glad it worked for you there is no 100% chance that it will work the same for someone else.

First lesson in computing repair: Treat each computer as though it were a separate device from any other computer you have worked on. What worked before may not work now.

[DVD_NDN]

ok.
so... latest update... SP2 and ALL critical security updates all installed.

I looked in 'my computer' and it showed as 128GB still.
"odd" I thought.
So, I took a harder look - I checked into administrative tools/ disk management. Sure enough, for the first time in three days its recognising *there* as 279.48GB

So now I'm presented with a new problem.
why exactly will windows explorer (At least I believe thats the proper name for it) not show the same information as what is shown in disk management under control panel?

When I right click and check properties, and I get the pie chart, it shows as 127GB....

I'm pretty well lost with it all.

[jagabo]

You said earlier that you formatted the drive. Presumably it was also repartitioned at that time. To get back all 300 GB you have to repartition and reformat.

[ROF]

You said earlier that you formatted the drive. Presumably it was also repartitioned at that time. To get back all 300 GB you have to repartition and reformat.

Correct. See the Backyard repairman is a moron post. He formatted the drive using an operating system incapable of recognizing the full drive. You will now need to delete the partition(s), setup a new partition, and re-format again. Computer Repair Lesson Number Two: When someone toots their training knowledge take everything they say and do with a grain of salt. More than likely you are getting snowed and also going to be paying more for the same service from someone who just enjoys their hobby of repair.

[DVD_NDN]

at this point, I am doing just that - wiped the whole damed thing again, repartitioned... now in the process of formatting.
I also added a small (35GB partition) just for backups and 'critical' files... and am now formatting the remainder of my 300GB hardrive... I will post again.

I must also add, that I was quite aware that he may make it worse by 'tinkering' however, if he HAD made it worse, his character would not allow for him to leave me high and dry - hes a former co-worker in the social services field - and because he himself fucked it up, he has offered to replace it.
HAd I gone elsewhere he would have washed his hands of it.
guilt. its a powerful thing.
That been said, regardless of if I fix it 'myself' (only thanks to everyone here who has been contributing thoughts) or if he is the person who ultimately replaces it - he maybe has learned a valuable lesson about ego.
I just really wish it wasnt at my cost.

in the meantime.... formatting continues. will post the results.
thanks you everyone once again. I am very sincere about that - between the mechanic, microsoft phone calls, and pulling out my own hair... my god, frankly, if this gets resolved, I have you all to thank.
so thank you.

[DVD_NDN]

yeah so
I FIXED IT

After installing SP2 as noted before, it was showing up on disk management as all being there... but it wasnt showing in windows explorer.
As jagabo said, yeah repartition - reformat and yeah wow. it fricken worked.
un fricken real.

listen. thanks everyone. I may have lost GBS of data... oh well, I'll just back em up all over again, and well... yeah thanks everyone!

[Nelson37]

The disk manager is showing you the drive capacity, Explorer is showing you the usable partition. Two completely different things.

Tbone, you are absolutely correct, I just assumed chkdsk had already been run. Its like somebody says the car won't start, I don't ask if they put the key in and turned it. Sometimes I forget to ask the obvious.

Note on the testing, we had a guy at work who had ACED all the Microsoft certification tests, I mean 100's across the board. Dude couldn't install a hard drive, unbelievable. Many of these tests certify knowledge that is not really useful in the field, some of the crap I had to memorize for my Novell certification was so totally worthless it really soured me on the whole testing and certification process. I guess there does need to be some sort of objective standard, but this crap changes so fast, the certifications are largely worthless.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Note on the testing, we had a guy at work who had ACED all the Microsoft certification tests, I mean 100's across the board. Dude couldn't install a hard drive, unbelievable. Many of these tests certify knowledge that is not really useful in the field, some of the crap I had to memorize for my Novell certification was so totally worthless it really soured me on the whole testing and certification process. I guess there does need to be some sort of objective standard, but this crap changes so fast, the certifications are largely worthless.

Reminds me when the phoneman came over to install my DSL.He didn't know anything about computers and I had to show him how to connect it to my computer.