PC Won't Boot. IDE Controller Bad?

Question

I have a Dim 8250 that will not boot with 2nd HD mounted as Slave on Primary IDE Channel.  (Message, 'HD 0 not found.  HD 1 not found'.   Also BIOS indicates 'Unknown Device' for both drives.)  I've tried 2 HDs as slave and swapped 3 IDE cables.... same result on all.   If I remove the Slave HD, computer will boot and run with only Master mounted on Primary IDE Channel.   Does this mean my IDE controller has gone bad?  Would I need some hardware diagnostic software to verify?  If correct, I presume my only option is a new systemboard ??   TIA   Hose

osprey4 · Answer

I would run the Dell diagnostics. HERE is the current version.

Hose · Answer

Yes, everything is jumpered CS. If not the controller, where to look?

osprey4 · Answer

First, everything should be jumpered cable select. Are you doing that? If you can run one drive on the cable, then I would think the controller is fine.

ejn63 · Answer

Far more likely: the secondary drive has failed.

ejn63 · Answer

No, it isn't. Try clearing the CMOS (F2, setup, illuminate num, caps and scroll lock, ALT-E until tone, reboot).

Next most likely - faulty cable. Replace.

Message Edited by ejn63 on 12-04-2005 08:33 PM

Hose · Answer

I doubt the problem is the IDE cable. I've swapped 3 new ones to no avail. However, I just cleared the CMOS, mounted a drive and booted up. Thanks for the info, but can you tell me what might have occurred that required CMOS to be cleared?

ejn63 · Answer

Given the age of the system, it could just be a dying CMOS battery - that can cause all sorts of bizarre issues.

Or, one of your drives could truly be failing - it bears doing an extended test on all teh drives.

Hose · Answer

I've tried TWO HDs in the slave position. Is it likely both failed?

Hose · Answer

CMOS battery makes sense. I think I'll just replace it. I haven't had any HD issues at all, so I'll just table that idea if the battery doesn't work. Thanks for the info :>) Hose

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PC Won't Boot. IDE Controller Bad?

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