hard drive error messages

Question

My computer froze a couple of times two or three days ago.

Then today I got a blue screen with the message that there was an unknown hard disk error.

I unplugged and plugged in again the cables running to the hard drive.

From F12 I then ran IDE drive diagnostics which said Primary IDE, Drive Fail Return Code 7.

I ran the 32 bit dell diagnostics hard drive test and there were two fails.

1) On the read test there was a fail error code 0F00:0244. Msg: Block 6371147 uncorrectable disk error.

2) On the verify test there was a fail error code 0F00:1A44 msg block 6371147

Can anybody help with a diagnosis or solution?

Thanks.

osprey4 · Answer

You've already done the diagnosis correctly. The solution is to replace your drive.

DELL-Donald K · Answer

I agree, read errors on hard drives are only resolved by replacing the drive.

LukeMB · Answer

Thanks both of you.

There's no chance it could be caused by something else? I'd hate to have to reinstall everything if there was an alternative possibility first?

Secondly, if it is a hard drive problem, I got a new hard drive just a year ago. Are there any common reasons why you get hard drive failure? I am worried if it has happened twice that there is something I am doing. Could it be to do with power or electricity or something?

Luke

shesagordie · Answer

LukeMB

Hard drives are mechanical devices and as such will fail, it's just a question of when. Hence the reason for warranties and for keeping your backups current, to other media.

Why HARD DRIVES fail.

Bev.

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LukeMB · Answer

Thanks Bev and others,

Since posting here my computer has been fine for two days, no freezes or blue screens or error messages. I uninstalled and reinstalled one bit of software that seemed to prompt the freeze - perhaps that was in a corrupted part of the drive. Is it possible that a problem like this can involve corruption of a part of the hard disk that will not spread?

Luke

osprey4 · Answer

Luke:   Yes, it's possible. Honestly, as long as you keep your backups up to date, there's little risk.

shesagordie · Answer

LukeMB

It's a your choice, if you want to take a chance on the hard drive not having a failure, then just make certain that you backup all your data regularly.

Bev.

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LukeMB · Answer

Thanks Bev, much appreciated.

I think it's clear that my hard drive does have a failure somewhere. I guess what I was wondering was whether that failure could be confined to a small area and would stay confined to that area. If that's the case it may be worth my while just leaving it (and backing up) rather than reinstalling everything all over.

Luke

LukeMB · Answer

Thanks Osprey,

That's useful to know.

I do have everything backed up elsewhere (and back up daily).

I may consider just carrying on with the PC as it is and seeing if it continues to go OK.

Thanks for your advice.

Luke

shesagordie · Answer

LukeMB

As the hard drive seems to be functioning without a problem, I probably would still keep using it, but as I've said before, just keep your backups current.

Bev.

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Storage, Drives & Media

hard drive error messages

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