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Windows Forum / Windows 98 / Disks / File System / April 2004potential hard disk failure?
Hi, I have a Dell Dimension L computer with a 20 GB hard drive. I don't know the exact messages I've been getting, but please bear with me. My computer has been going to a blue screen with increasing frequency and forcing me to restart. I've done full virus scans, defragged (at the end after about 95% completion, I got a message that it couldn't access part of the drive). It forces me to do a scandisk, then a thorough surface scan, and it has it has found 3 bad clusters. At one point I got a message that I should back up my hard drive because "hardware is likely to fail soon". Does this mean my hard drive is dying? I want to back it up using CD-R's, how would you go about this? And what do I need to know about replacing a hard drive? Is it something a person with relatively little computer knowledge can do? Thanks for any help. first, check all the cables and the connectors among all the components. this sounds like you have an iffy power situation. second, re-seat all memory and removable items on the main cpu board. sometimes even a scrap of dust or debris at installation time can eventually create an unstable signal pathway between bus components. third, always use a statement "Verify = On" in your autoexec.bat file, & if you dont have one, then create it unless you have been dropping the computer and hard drive onto a concrete floor, it should last well beyond your lifetime. they are tougher than you may realize. 3 bad clusters out of 20gb drive is insignificant. get a bargain backup tape drive that runs the windows backup software (plenty avail less than $30 on ebay) and do yourself a favor and make a backup. it aint rocket science anymore! then if you really feel the need to spend excess cash, get another hard drive. the newer ones are tougher than the old ones :-)) -- Best regards, Hapticz STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP <>><<>><<><>><<><>><<>><<><>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<> > Hi, > I have a Dell Dimension L computer with a 20 GB hard [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Thanks for any help. This is great, and welcome advice...thank you. I appreciate your time! >-----Original Message----- >first, check all the cables and the connectors among all the components. this sounds like you have an iffy power situation. >second, re-seat all memory and removable items on the main cpu board. sometimes even a scrap of dust or debris at installation time >can eventually create an unstable signal pathway between bus components. > >third, always use a statement "Verify = On" in your autoexec.bat file, & if you dont have one, then create it > >unless you have been dropping the computer and hard drive onto a concrete floor, it should last well beyond your lifetime. they are >tougher than you may realize. > >3 bad clusters out of 20gb drive is insignificant. > >get a bargain backup tape drive that runs the windows backup software (plenty avail less than $30 on ebay) and do yourself a favor >and make a backup. it aint rocket science anymore! > >then if you really feel the need to spend excess cash, get another hard drive. the newer ones are tougher than the old ones :-)) >-- > [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > >. >Hi, >I have a Dell Dimension L computer with a 20 GB hard [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > >Thanks for any help. If your computer's BIOS supports S.M.A.R.T. for the hard drive(s) and this is active on your computer then you should take any warnings about potential hard drive failure very seriously. If I were in your position I would run, not walk, to the nearest computer store and purchase a replacement hard drive and install it. Good luck Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada  SignatureMicrosoft MVP On-Line Help Computer Service http://onlinehelp.bc.ca "The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much." run? & what if he has a heart problem? no need to precipitate excess stress! ;-)) perhaps local computer pro may be able to image the old data into the new disk also! SignatureBest regards, Hapticz STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP <>><<>><<><>><<><>><<>><<><>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<> > >Hi, > >I have a Dell Dimension L computer with a 20 GB hard [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > > Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada |
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