Warning Signs of a Hard Drive Crash–Computer Repair Tips
“I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.” ~ Isaac Asimov
Like the late, great Mr. Asimov said, we shouldn’t worry about computers taking over but be more concerned when they fail us and take all our important files with them. A computer’s hard drive is the central storage within the system and its failure will bring all practical functions to a complete halt.
If your PC is experiencing any of the following signs of impeding doom then you must run (not walk) and grab CDs to burn backups of all your essential data.
Sign 1 – You hear high-pitched whining, loud clicking or grinding noises coming from the drive
A normally operating drive will make a smooth “whirling” sound as is spins up or down. But if a drive has a grinding or clicking sounds (the Read/Write heads scraping too close to the magnetic platters), then your drive is sick and is on the way out.
Sign 2 – You see the infamous “Blue Screen of Death”, repeatedly
BSODs (Blue Screens of Death) are actually called “Stop” errors and they only appear when your Windows system is experiencing severe software or hardware issues. Often BSODs can cured with a careful “Repair Install” of the Windows operating system or by removal of a bad device driver. But if these software fast fixes don’t seem stick, then your hard drive is usually on its last legs
Sign 3 – Your computer keeps re-booting on its own
I admit, I have only seen this problem a few times in my 18+ year career and in all instances it was due to hardware issues. Once it was a dust covered motherboard, and another time an overheating processor. But all the other times it was due to bad drives.
Sign 4 – Your system keeps having frequent freezes or hang ups
You are working along just fine, and then suddenly everything comes to a halt. The program freezes up on you. Your mouse and keyboard seem to stop responding. The only solution is to reboot.
Sign 5 – Error message: hard drive is not formatted
This a fun message that you will get when you start up your machine. You maybe able to restart and get it to boot into Windows a few more times but this error is “fur-sure” sign that you drive is very close to death. And by the way don’t try to format the drive! You will lose all your data.
Sign 6 – Error message: boot drive or device not found or drive cannot be accessed
This is another favorite of mine. You can check the CD/DVD trays or the floppy drive to make sure no stray disks are stuck inside. You can also check the BIOS to make sure the system is booting from the hard drive first. If all these tests are no-good, then the drive is a goner.
Sign 7 – Errors: Operating system not found or Missing Operating System
This is a bad one. Even the Microsoft technical support knowledgebase has only got a few causes for this error message. Basically your PC can no longer detect the hard drive or the drive is too severely damaged to read (DOA).
What to do if your drive has any of these symptoms:
1)First, listen up, if possible, BACKUP YOUR FILES NOW!
2)Create a boot disk and run Windows Scandisk and set it to automatically fix errors. If it finds more than a few bad sectors then see the point above
3)If possible download and use a hard drive diagnostic program. All the major hard drive manufacturers have free utilities on their websites. Repair what you can and see point 1.
Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that “computer repair guy”? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, <a href=”http://www.pcdriverhelper.com/”>click here</a>.
About the Author
With these troubleshooting tips, your computer will soon be working like new. <a href=”http://www.pcdriverhelper.com/”>Click here</a> to get more Information.
Computer Covers – Stop Dust in its Tracks
|
|
PUR CR-6000C 2-Stage Oval Water Pitcher with LED Indicator $43.01 Our patented, premium carbon filter makes PUR the first leading pitcher filter that removes 99% of microbial cysts. It also reduces chlorine (taste and odor) and 96% of trace levels of pharmaceuticals, giving you clean, great-tasting water. Yet it still leaves behind beneficial fluoride. Pharmaceutical reduction is not certified by NSF/ANSI or state standard. Based on manufacturer testing for av… |
|
|
Devils & Dust $9.89 The last time Bruce Springsteen ventured West for inspiration, the result was the desolate Nebraska and its tales of serial killers and used cars. On his first record in three years, Springsteen navigates barren deserts and Old West war fields for a dozen forlorn songs that co-star the artist and his acoustic guitar. Though he’s always had a knack for carving out the hooks and melodies that make e… |
|
|
Leviton 4937 Weatherproof Inlet on Flush Mount Wallplate with Aluminum Cover, Straight Blade Receptacle, Gray $9.99 3-wire outdoor receptacle has waterproof plate and cover. Use with parallel blade grounded connectors…. |
|
|
Honeywell 3-Speed Oscillating Tower Fan with Remote HY-041W $54.99 Honeywell Remote Control Oscillating Tower Fan w/ Air Filter… |
|
|
Sony CDXM60UI Marine CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player with USB Wire for iPod and USB Devices (White/Silver) $199.95 Rock your boat with superior sound quality and a wealth of music options. The CDX-M60UI marine CD receiver features USB 1-wire, which allows you to connect, control and charge your iPhone, iPod, or Walkman MP3 player. You can also play your CDs loaded with MP3, WMA or AAC songs. Plus, searching for songs is a snap thanks Quick-BrowZer with Jump Mode and Zappin technology. Plus, a flip-down, deta… |
|
|
520 DISC CD WALLET Black $26.93 Our EMM Series CD wallet with a Zipper design are a great way to organize, carry and protect CD’s disc from scratches and smudges while keeping them easily accessible. Features: Ideal storage solution for organizing all kinds of compact discs: Audio CD’s, DVD, and Video Game Discs Made out of durable lightweight material Organizer holds 520 discs or 260 discs with booklets Anti-static inner … |
|
|
Novus 1, 2, 3 Kit Plastic Polish and Scratch Remover $18.04 NOVUS 1 PLASTIC CLEAN & SHINE Gently cleans all plastics without scratching. Leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static. NOVUS 2 FINE SCRATCH REMOVER Removes fine scratches, haziness and abrasions from most plastics. With repeated use, NOVUS No. 2 restores faded and discolored plastics. * Removes the damage instead of filling it in |
|
|
The Brethren $0.02 John Grisham’s novels have all been so systematically successful that it is easy to forget he is just one man toiling away silently with a pen, experimenting and improving with each book. While not as gifted a prose stylist as Scott Turow, Grisham is among the best plotters in the thriller business, and he infuses his books with a moral valence and creative vision that set them apart from thei… |
|
|
Mind: A Brief Introduction (Fundamentals of Philosophy) $17.94 “The philosophy of mind is unique among contemporary philosophical subjects,” writes John Searle, “in that all of the most famous and influential theories are false.” In Mind, Searle dismantles these famous and influential theories as he presents a vividly written, comprehensive introduction to the mind. Here readers will find one of the world’s most eminent thinkers shedding light on the central … |
|
|
Belkin Neoprene Notebook Sleeve for 15.4-Inch Laptop Protect your notebook without the bulk and weight. The slim fit sleeve is great on its own or in your favorite bag. Plush fabric keeps your notebook cozy and scratch-free…. |