Hard Drive Problem

[athlonxp2000]

Hi everyone,

I have a WD1200JB. I've posted this problem before, but I was just wondering if I can get some additional feedback.

Basically every once in a while (like maybe once in a week) my computer would freeze entirely... and reboot by itself. After doing this and when my system is trying to boot up again, it won't detect my WD1200JB hard drive anymore (as if it's not there) and hence it will not boot. Soft rebooting doesn't solve the problem. Only if I turn the computer off and then turn it back on, will my system then detect the HD and everything run normally again.
I ran the Datalife diagnostics program from WD and the drive appears to be alright.

From the previous post... I've been suggested to change the ATA cables, which I did - that has not solved the problem. Another suggestion was to change the Power Supply - which I have not done. I'm contemplating doing this now.... but before I do venture out into spending some money on a new PS... can I get some additional feedback as to what else could possibly be the problem? Could be it a defective HD?? Or is it definitely the PS? Thanks a lot for any input.

 

[wake]

What CPU/Harddrive/Videocard are you running?
What makes you think it's the harddrive causing the problem?

 

[bendixG15]

It could be lots of things.
From your info, can't tell for sure what it is.

Could be a piece of bad memory, try running memtest86
Recertify your hard drive with program from Drive's web site.
Could be a software problem, does this happen when running one
particular program?
Could also be what other guys said, loose/bad cable, loose card, PS etc

All you can do is eliminate all items one at a time before spending money on
replacing parts.
It ain't easy..And every once in a while, you can't find the problem
Good luck

 

[athlonxp2000]

i've ran memtest before, and the ram appears fine.
the reason why i think it's related to the hard drive is because my system was running perfectly fine before i added this new hard drive. after adding this new hard drive, this problem appears. and also the fact that after this freeze/reboot problem occurs, it cannot FIND that particular hard drive anymore, ie. it cannot detect it. Hence, that is why i believe it has to do w/ that hard drive, though anyone else that knows, please correct me if i am wrong.

Some additional information. My system is using a 300W Power supply powering:

1 CDRW
2 7200rpm Hard Drives (WD and Quantum)
2 Case Fans
1 Heatsink Fan
Floppy Drive
Geforce2MX Vid Card
2 NIC Cards
1 Sound Card
1 TV Tuner Card
1 Mobo (Asus A7V)
1 T-Bird 1Ghz CPU
2 128MB PC133 RAM
KB + Mouse

Thanks for all and any help!

 

[isaacmacdonald]

wow. I had the exact same problem. It was one computer ago, but I think it was a PSU issue (possibly not enough power).

I'm using the same HD now, and no problems, so I'd bet it's not that.

 

[athlonxp2000]

you mean you bet it's not the HD but the PS...
ok... i think i've received a few feedback that they think it's the PS too.. i guess i will try a new 450W PS. thanks.