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    Hard Drive Failure

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Sentient_6, Aug 30, 2008.

  1. Sentient_6

    Sentient_6 Notebook Consultant

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    I have two hard drives, C and D. D is no longer readable. I'm not sure why, or even exactly when this started, but as of not too long ago my computer fails to recognize the D drive. That's also where my system information is so I can't do a fresh install without it. Any ideas aside from taking it to a service center?
     
    Sentient_6, Aug 30, 2008
    #1
  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Are you sure there are 2 HDDs ? (or are there 2 partitions ?)
    Does the 2nd HDD show up in the BIOS ?

    Can you log in to windows ?
     
    Andy, Aug 30, 2008
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  3. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Check if a cable is loose.
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 30, 2008
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  4. Sentient_6

    Sentient_6 Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, they're 2 separate hard drives. Both 160GB. I can still run the computer fine, but I can't do a fresh install nor can I access the second drive. It just doesn't show up.

    And I'll check the cable.
     
    Sentient_6, Aug 30, 2008
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  5. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    Is the entire computer not recognizing the D drive or just Windows? What happens when you attempt to start the reinstall? (Assuming it reinstalls with an F key you hit prior to Windows loading)

    Edit: If you haven't tried that yet, I don't suggest just doing it for the sake of trying. It would be terrible if it got far enough to format the drive but then became unreadable mid-install.
     
    Gregory, Aug 30, 2008
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  6. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    On which HD do you have the OS installed - on the accessible drive or on the inaccessible drive ?

    And where can you not access/see it - in the BIOS, My Computer or Disk Management ?

    And yeah, does the inaccessible drive show up in the BIOS or Disk Management ? (Which brand/model ?)
     
    Andy, Aug 30, 2008
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  7. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    If it's not a loose cable or some software issue, make sure to take a look at Spinrite from Gibson Research.
    It's like Voodoo for (almost) dead harddrives.
    Seriously, it can give you excellent insight in the state of your HD.
    (Don't be fooled by the simple website, it's an industry standard tool).
    Cheers.
     
    Baserk, Aug 30, 2008
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