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G-6 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics
Hard Drive Problems
This section identifies some quick checks for hard drive–related problems.
The information provided by the diagnostics test includes: error code, system serial number, drive
serial number, drive model, and drive firmware revision. Specific details of the drive failure are not
included.
When you run the diagnostics, the test results are stored in a log. After completing the test, you can
print this log to a local printer or save it to a file. Alternatively, before running the test, you can
configure the test options to send the results to a local printer or file.
Solutions for some typical hard drive problems are presented in Table G-5.
Table G-6
Solutions for Hard Drive Problems
Problem Possible Solution
Hard drive error occurs. Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed. Use a utility to locate and block usage of bad
sectors. If necessary, reformat the hard disk.
Disk transaction problem. Either the directory structure is bad or there is a problem with a file.
In Windows NT, run Disk Administrator. At the Start menu, highlight Programs and
select Administrator Tools. In Windows 95, run ScanDisk. At the Start menu, highlight
Programs, select Accessories, then select System Tools.
Drive not found.
1. Cable could be loose. Check cable connections.
2. The system may not have automatically recognized a newly installed device. If
Windows NT is installed, run Computer Setup and identify the new device. If
Windows 95 is installed, run Device Manager and identify the device.
3. If the drive is a secondary drive that has just been installed on the same controller
as the primary drive, verify that the jumpers for both drives are set correctly.
Nonsystem disk message.
1. The system is trying to start from a diskette that is not bootable. Remove the
diskette from the diskette drive.
2. The system is trying to start from the hard drive but the hard disk has been
damaged. Insert a bootable diskette into the diskette drive and restart the computer.
3. Diskette boot has been disabled in Computer Setup. Run Computer Setup and
enable diskette boot.