Weird Harddrive problem

[imported_Yossarian22]

So my computer froze one day and when I reboot it, the computer got stuck at the splash screen where it tells you push f10 for the bios etc. It freezes at this point and I can't get into the bios. I swapped the power supply out with a working one and cleared the CMOS but neither worked. Unplugging the hard drive from the motherboard, however, did.

I was plugged into a surge protector and the power supply from that computer is working perfectly, so it wasn't a voltage issue. What type of harddrive failure prevents a computer from getting into the bios? The hard drive is only 4 months old, was only slightly used, so this wasn't a typical hard drive failure.

 

[Billb2]

How long did you wait for the BIOS to find the HDD?
If the BIOS got corrupted, and it now has to search for a bootable device, that could take as long as 10-15 minutes.
When you "reset" the BIOS did you unplug the PSU from the wall outlet during the reset? Modern motherboards power the BIOS eprom even with the computer and PSU switched off, and you have to depower that eprom inorder for the BIOS to reset.

You could also try reflashing (ie, reinstalling) the BIOS.

 

[corkyg]

It is usually the BIOS that can't find the correct HDD. I think that is where your error is - not the HDD.

 

[imported_Yossarian22]

I left the computer on overnight on the splash screen, and nothing happened in the morning. I unplugged everything from the case before I mess around with the innards of my PC, so I know I cleared the cmos properly.

Its not a problem with the BIOS because everything works fine if the drive is unplugged. When its plugged in--nothing. I can't get the computer to boot off of anything (regardless of the boot order) and I can't enter set up. I'm thinking of sending the drive in on warranty, but it seems strange for a western digital drive to crap out after 4 months with no previous signs of failure. I would also like to try to recover the data on the drive.

 

[corkyg]

OK - what kind of drive is it, i.e., PATA or SATA?

 

[imported_Yossarian22]

Probably should have mentioned that before.
Its a sata drive

 

[Old Hippie]

but it seems strange for a western digital drive to crap out after 4 months with no previous signs of failure. I would also like to try to recover the data on the drive.

I've just had to RMA a 2 month old WD 1TB Black.

If your BIOS "sees" the drive, you have a chance for a home recovery.

If not, it's time to seek a professional....and you won't like the price.

 

[imported_Yossarian22]

Problem is I can't get into the bios when the drive is plugged in. It just hangs at the splash screen. Im going to plug the drive into another computer and see if I get the same issue.

 

[corkyg]

Or, get an external drive case (USB) and see if you can read the drive in that environment.