My HDD problems...continued

[beavereater]

OK...had 3 HDDs. Decided to pull the older smaller HDD as I was told that 1 HDD can cause the system to crash, which was what was happening. I would have to turn off my system via the power button on the tower, have everything load again, only to freeze and restart or BSOD or just FREEZE. When I pulled this drive, everything went smooth from there.

Now, a little while later, I'm getting the same issues. I have no idea why. It will work for a while then do the same as above. I looked into how to figure out what was going wrong and someone had suggested I disable the services through msconfig. Did that, now everything runs fine. So, does this mean some third-party app is causing my problems?

I should also mention that on occasion in the last week, when hit the reset button or turning off the PC, there are occasions where I get a msg saying I couldn't boot from CD/DVD (Even though I never set this in the BIOS) and would have to CTRL-ALT-DEL to get out of it, make sure again in BIOS that it's set to HDD...then have it say "couln't find boot manager' AND I would go into BIOS AGAIN and see that the boot order for HDD was wrong. What is messing with my BIOS settings and what is messing with my Windows settings...

I'm almost tempted to go out and get a new MOBO and HDD for all the frustrations I've been through these last 2 weeks.

Any help would be much appreciated!!

[aedipuss]

get the drive diagnostics software fr m the company that made your boot drive and run the full set. also make sure s.m.a.r.t. is enabled in the bios. it could be that drive is on the way out.

[ranchhand]

go out and get a new MOBO and HDD

Willikerrrs, man, you are passing up a great excuse! Go for it, I would!

[jman98]

I should also mention that on occasion in the last week, when hit the reset button or turning off the PC, there are occasions where I get a msg saying I couldn't boot from CD/DVD (Even though I never set this in the BIOS)

I work in IT for a living. You really should set this as booting from CD/DVD might one day save your machine by allowing you to boot from some kind of recovery disc. You gain nothing by not allowing this. When systems start misbehaving like this, they're usually old enough that you really should replace them. If we're talking 4+ years here, yes, you need a new PC.

[Constant Gardener]

You may simply have corrupted CMOS memory - which you can fix by booting into the BIOS and loading default settings. If the problem persists, check or replace the CMOS battery (usually a coin cell). If your computer time drifts, you most likely have a failing battery.

I managed to upset my computer's boot order with a cellphone. I had the computer case open, then answered a call on my phone. When I started the computer, it tried to boot from the wrong disk. I reloaded the CMOS, which fixed the problem. I tried phoning a few times and was able to corrupt it again, but only when the case was open.

[Bjs]

Easiest thing to do is replace the data cables connected between drives and mainboard ... if their on the way out they can cause all kinds of havoc.

[beavereater]

The PC is about a year old (Put together myself).

Of the 3 HDDs I had, one was 5+ years. The other 2 HDDs are about a year or so old. I don't have any diagnostic software but I assume going to the manufacturers site will provide me with that?

I have a USB headset. There are occasions when I get no audio. I unplug and plug back in the cable and I'm good for audio again. Don't know why. Same with my keyboard on startup (When it's acting up). I have to unplug and replug the thing in to get it to work. This has me thinking MOBO.

Wires between the HDDs and MOBO are also newish. There once was a time I would happily go through all my options, enjoying figuring out where the problem was, taking my time, saving my money...but for some reason, I just don't have it in me. Might get an SSD drive for the OS and a couple of new HDD if the diagnostics show problems. That, or a new MOBO...might replace the battery first as mentioned.

[beavereater]

Looks like it's a problem with my 2nd HDD

Test Option: QUICK TEST Model Number: WDC WD15EADS-22P8B0 Unit Serial Number: WD-WMAVU0856445 Firmware Number: 01.00A01 Capacity: 1500.30 GB SMART Status: PASS Test Result: FAIL Test Error Code: 06-Quick Test on drive 1 did not complete! Status code = 07 (Failed read test element), Failure Checkpoint = 97 (Unknown Test) SMART self-test did not complete on drive 1! Test Time: 21:01:39, April 21, 2012
I guess it's time for a new HDD...gonna have to bring this one in and see if I can get my money back

[ranchhand]

gonna have to bring this one in and see if I can get my money back

Your best bet is to contact Western Digital customer service direct; have the serial number of the drive (on the sticker on the drive) and they will have it on record. Usually the warranty on these (at least Seagate anyway) is at least two years so you should be good. Seagate just replaced my 1 yr. old failed drive, I gave them the serial # over the phone, they mailed me (2 day UPS) a new one with prepaid return shipment labels to send the old one back in the same box. No problem.

[beavereater]

I just got done with figuring things out. WD wants me to send them my old HD to them in Singapore (I guess they don't have a Japan office). The way they ask me to package things is confusing as hell...I don't know if anyone could take a look and see if I got this right or not:

I have to print my RMA label (The number I got when I put my serial through their database) and place it on TOP on the OUTSIDE of the box above where I am suppose to write the address. I'm also suppose to write, in bold, the RMA number in bold on 3 sides of the box. They want the old drive sent first. I have to pack the drive in an anti-static bag with 2 inches of bubble wrap and in a sturdy cardboard box.

Now...from what I understand, the page they want me to print out and sign goes IN the box at the top (I really don't know). It sucks that I have to pay to have it shipped. It also sucks that the turn around is about 3 weeks.

[ranchhand]

Sorry Beaver... I should have looked where you are posting from, I am here in the USA. Procedure must be different in Japan.

[beavereater]

no problem...still, you would think a country like Japan would have something speedy