[Question] System Errors pertaining to HDD

Sounds like a failing hard drive to me.

I see, thanks, I'll try those steps.

The external is a laptop type HDD. Is it possible to connect it to a Desktop PC?

Last edited by hmaster10 (2007-06-12 16:54:36)

Yes, you do need that adapter, but it isn't that "special" (it's a normed one, nothing proprietary or anything).
The protocols are the same for an ATA drive so the adapter only converts the electrical signals and does not include a logical unit.
As for SATA, I may be wrong, but I believe desktop and notebook systems (ie 3.5" and 2.5" drives) actually use the same connector because that one is already pretty slim as opposed to the "big ass" IDE connector.

In any case, when working a lot woth notebooks, having such an apadter ready is pretty convenient, IMO.
It doesn't cost much either, so it's not wasted money

As to the second point, of course it does not or rather should not matter on which system you do the testing.
As long as direct HW access is granted (which the USB or whatever bridge chip of the external case will prevent), those low-level scans will work.

While recommended to use a standard IDE controller, most scan tools nowadays support various RAID or SATA controllers, too (just like the DPMS ), so you can even use one of these.
Also, it should not matter, but it's better to do this is hooking up the drive as a sole device on the IDE channel (so as a master without a slave).
With SATA, this limitation is obviously void.

Good luck in testing and here's hoping it will turn out well for you!

Coming up next - useful links:
• If you like this project, please support it with your donation!      • Grab your HW info (HWIDs) here!     
• If you are a newbie, be sure to check out the DriverPacks tutorial!     • Here's how to create your own DP!

Ok, I just gotten that "adapter".

I tried using the http://ultimatebootcd.com/download.html in USB boot mode.

Last edited by hmaster10 (2007-06-18 03:11:41)

hi

SMART has to be enabled in the BIOS of the machine it is hooked up to.
This is worth looking into, for chances are it is turned off.

Hi again
you said you ran that ultimatebootCD in USB mode.

I would use A cheap IDE converter. I really think you get more reliable results than over USB.
such a IDE converter is in my tools-drawer, and one can use it again, and again, and again.

USB interfaces can go bust (has an inteface chip) whereas an IDE converter is just what Helmi said wide-ass to tight-ass
hehehe..
One could call it standard IDE-plug to Slim-IDE-plug adapter or molex-adapter, but the point is that no EXTRA eletronics play part in that connection.
I like Helmi's description better

an example
http://www.addonics.com/products/io/aaedt18ide25.asp
one can find cheaper, and local shops may have them in stock.

hmmm, first example was a poor example
this is similar to what I use
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6812119020

Last edited by jtdoom (2007-06-18 11:30:15)

Gnarf, tried to delete my apparent double-post, now bot hare gone, so here it is again for refrerence...

Not necessarily.
Heed what the other two posters told you, though.

That and to really profit from it (while-run checks) you'd have to install some software on your OS that will monitor the HDD whenever it runs.

No.
With these tests, it is imparative you only use the manufacturer's tools and not those of a different one (which can suck if you man. only offers a very minimal or bad tool I'm actually buying HDDs sort of based on how well the tools provided are...).
The problem is that SMART values are saved in hex code ranging from 0x00 to 0xFF, or 0 to 255 in decade numbers.
The temperature hence isn't give in a "real" value (say so and so many °C/°F) but rather this code.
In your case, it may just happen to be of the value of 100.
This does NOT translate to 100°C or 100°F (the latter being the more probable, though).
The tool has to look it up in a chart how much represents what temperature.
If it's not the manufacturer's tool, how will it know this? It doesn't.

Using Segate's tool to check a system with also an IBM inside the tool reported a temp. of 255°C for me once (SMART readout happens for all drives so I couldn't cancel that or such).
Hilarious but absolutely impossible considering the other drive's max temp was some 40°C and current at ~30°C...

The problem is, even with the manufacturer's tool, just because it passed doesn't necessarily mean it's ok.
However, should it not pass, it's almost 100% sure it has some defect.

How many test loops did you run with Fujitsu's tool?
I'd recommend at least 10, maybe even leave it on overnight.
Of course backup all data before running any such tests, more so on stress testing.
The point is to actually provoke some error message.
Most manufacturers will require you to provide such an error code before you can send the drive in (assuming you still have warranty left).
Even if not it's better to verify the drive will not break down on heavy use NOW rather than having it break down some months down the road when you do not expect it.
HDDs are comparatively cheap but a data loss is hard to pay!

Coming up next - useful links:
• If you like this project, please support it with your donation!      • Grab your HW info (HWIDs) here!     
• If you are a newbie, be sure to check out the DriverPacks tutorial!     • Here's how to create your own DP!