Dead HDD?

[SuperFriend_XP]

My ol' P3 1Ghz went out a few days ago. It posts, loads the WindowsXP Pro loading bar page during startup, then the screen just goes blank. I dont know what caused it or how to solve it. Its a Maxtor 60GB that Ive had some problems with in the past. Should I just buy a new HDD? Maybe If I'm lucky I'll be able to copy over my documents and work files from the Maxtor if I do get a new HDD. Any suggestions?

[bigzig]

it could just be windows which is bumed out.. you can also format and reinstall see if that works

[SuperFriend_XP]

I've got alot of data that I need for work & school on it. Formatting would be my last resort, even if it means buying a new HDD.

[klaus]

go to the Maxtor website, I believe it is www.maxtor.com
they have all kinds of software for testing and possibly fixing your harddrive,
if that does not work, you have no other choice then either reloading windows (you did not say which windows you have), for instance, if you have win98 you can install it over the existing one and it willl save all your data,
I never have done it with win 2000pro I also have, or with all the other window types, someone else could advice you on that,
normaly you can install any type of windows over the existing one, and it will fix the problem if it is software related, but you may also install a duel program, it will tell you somewhere along the line, DO NOT INSTALL DUAL, IT IS A LOT OF TROUBLE TO GET RID OF IT AGAIN!
you have to start up your computer with a floppy disk or the CD and it should correct your trouble, there is a website which provides for all window programs start up disks,
I believe it was www.startupdisks.com or something like that,
or www.bootdisks.com

there is also recovery software
I do not know whether it is still there:
http://www.handyrecovery.com

you have to type in keywords like that into your browser, and there is lots of programs for free, or just to try for 30 days, or to buy,
don't give up that easy,
it may be a lot of work, but there is mostly a way to fix or to recover your hd,
good luck
Klaus - the marzipan man - :)

[AMD]

DO NOT swap out components unless you know that they are at fault.

There are many possibilities - start with disk diagnostics and then safe mode.

[HawK]

From what you've said. It seems as though the systems passes the POST (Power On Self Test) and then does recognize that there is an Operating system and begins to load it.

Try doing this. Boot the system and before it begins to load XP tap the F8 key and then from the selecion select "Last good known configuration". This may work may not but its worth a try.

To me it sounds as though the file structure has been corrupted in some way either via infected or missing files.

If all else fails use your disk and reinstall the OS and see if this helps.

[SuperFriend_XP]

Turns out it was Windows. Oh well, at least I have a temp. rig til I get those new components. Im running XP pro

[SuperFriend_XP]

I re-installed windows over the old install. Ive had nothing but problems with Maxtor. Can you say RMA's?? Im picking up a Radeon 9250 128 and a 160GB WD on the weekend for $200.

[bpbpbp]

the harddrive that crapped out on me is a maxtor also. I've had similar symptoms as you from before and had to reinstall windows. Several months later, which was a few days ago, i got the reboot of death.

I'm mad i lost all my previous school work, which i like to keep for reference. Thankfully i didn't start anything big on it yet.