HD failing

joe53

Yep, that error indicates the primary C:/ is failing and you need to replace it

A 3.5", 7200rpm SATA hard drive is required and this can be purchased from computer store, plus back up, to other media and files and folders you need to save.

Bev.

Bev:

Thanks for the info.

I have my files backed up by Acronis to an external USB HD, so I should be ok. Then again, I've never had to go through this type of restoration before.Wish me luck!

Joe

Joe.

Good luck and I hope everything works out. 

If you have any problems, or need any help, just post back.

Bev.

I thought it would be easier, but I keep running into roadblocks.

The only 3.5" 7200 SATA HDs available these days are huge in comparison to my 160GB failing drive. I settled on a 1.0 TB Seagate HDD, which I was assured would be compatible. It's manual, however states:

"Older 1.5 GB/sec SATA motherboards and host controllers ... do not support auto speed negotiation with newer 3.0 GB/sec drives. Systems with these chipsets will hang, or lock up, or fail to detect during boot." It goes on to list a few older chipsets/host controllers (eg: VIA and others). My chipset is Intel(R) 945GV Express Chipset Family, which was not among those listed.

I have no idea whether this applies to my 9100. I couldn't find any transfer rate info on my current HD or MoBo in my original invoice,  System Information, Device Manager, Aida32,  Everest Home, or SIW.

Seagate did provide a jumper to "force the drive into the 1.5 GB/sec transfer mode", and the instructions on how and where to place it. I just don't know if I should or not.

(arggghhhh!!)

joe53

The 9100 is SATA I, [1.5gb], but SATA II [3.0gb] hard drives are backwards compatible to SATA I, the drive should install without using the 'Jumper'.

SATA 160gb and larger hard drives are still available, see HERE

Bev.

Thanks so much for that info Bev.

NewEgg in Canada doesn't offer nearly as much, and no 160 GB HDs. I wanted to stick with Seagate, and the one TB I got on sale from Staples included cables and software. Plus ordering online meant some delay.

I'll have to learn about resizing partitions when I transfer my backup image, but I found a (37 page!) manual at Acronis' website on how to do this. I'll let you know how it goes.

Joe

Joe.

Good luck.

Bev.

Joe.

I've found it easier to temporarily to install the new hard drive as the secondary and use Acronis to image the exsisting primary C:/ to it.

After cloning the drive, immediately shut the system down, switch the data cable [SATA port 0] to the new drive, making the new hard drive the master and see if the system boots correctly. Boot the system with only the new hard drive connected.  

Remember to leave the original drive disconnected.

A second SATA data cable will be required for this, there should be a spare SATA power connector inside the case.

Bev.

After a 5 hour re-installation of my system from an external USB HD to my new HD, I keep getting BSOD's at bootup:
IRQL_NOT_ LESS_OR_EQUAL

... related to recent hardware installation. I am posting this from Safe Mode with internet, since Windows won't load.

Looks like I'll have to re-install my failing HD.

Sorry Bev, but your instructions are beyond me.

I'm very disapointed in Acronis. It failed me.

I'm off for the next few days (Canada's Thanksgiving). I need a break.

Bev:

Holy moly: what a roller-coaster ride this has been!

At one point I was certain I had bricked this system, when the only thing it would boot into was a BSOD or a Dell diagnostics screeen.

I'm not sure how how I did it, but it involved Safe Mode, Erunt restoring a prior registry, and the Seagate software allowing me to clone an image from my old failing drive to the new drive, as you suggested.

At any rate, the problem is now solved. The Dell diagnostics confirms I have a good new one TB HDD. I am most grateful for your help.

Whew!

Joe

Joe.

That's great and I'm happy to hear the 1tb hard drive installation went well.   :emotion-21:

Bev.

Ps. Ain't computers fun.    :emotion-13: