Detecting IDE...

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by WildDenim, Jan 17, 2009.

  1. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    I posted yesterday with problems about my defragmenter.

    Now it's with brand new problems.

    When I got up and went to switch on my PC, went to get a cup of tea. Came back to the screen 'Detetcting IDE drives...'. I thought that's weird seeing it's normally my desktop by the time I get back.

    Alarms rang out.

    Facts: I've got two HD - one slave and one master. I use 2nd HD for photos and games which I would be upset if it's damaged.

    So I took all the IDE cables out and replugged the main HD, it boots up normally. So I tried to add the 2nd HD to the cable. I get the 'Detecting IDE drives' screen.

    What is happening?

    Here's the picture of my PC - http://i41.tinypic.com/25tdc9t.jpg
     
  2. dailun

    dailun Active member

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    PC BIOS is "stuck" trying to talk to/ID your 2nd HDD. Not a good sign.

    Try swapping the IDE cable or move the 2nd hard drive to the other IDE connector (provided that you're on Master/Slave and not "cable select" and see if you can get the drive to ID.

    If the BIOS can't see the HDD, the OS never will.
     
  3. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    I've tried that, no luck. I've also tried changing my slave to master and took off all other devices off the IDE cable so it would be just the problematic HD and IDE only.

    Result: Detecting IDE drives...


    I'm currently on main HD only. DVD writer and 2nd HD is off power and disconnected from IDE cable.

    The screen was stuck on Detecting IDE drives, all keys failed to respond and the cursor wasn't blinking indicated the BIOS wasn't responsive. CTRL+ATL+DEL still works however DEL only to go to the setup don't.
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2009
  4. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    what cable is the sick drive on, primary or secondary? what make is the drive as in wd, seagate, quantum or maxtor?
     
  5. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    The 2nd HD was on the same cable as the main HD.

    The make is Western Digital. I checked with the jumpers - they are in correct place.
     
  6. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    Can anyone help me out? I'm at my wit's end. :(
     
  7. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    So you only get the problem when the second HDD is attached - regardless of which cable or port on the motherboard you're using?
    It sounds like it's the HDD at fault in this case. Try attaching it using a USB enclosure and see if you can get any data off it, then I advise it be replced.
     
  8. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    Yeah, that's right. USB enclosure? How can I do that? I must note my experience is pretty limited.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2009
  9. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    You'll need to buy one, they sell them at pretty much any computer shop.
     
  10. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    has to be the ide interface version not the sata version as not compatible with your drive.
     
  11. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    I've ordered and received a USB enclosure. It seems failed to work.

    What do I do now? Is the HD dead?
     
  12. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    The device is detected, but the hard drive doesn't show up?
     
  13. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    Nope, so I had my friend to use some programs and found my Hard Drive is 2TB instead of 150GB, he said it's a index problem.

    He's trying again with some programs later.
     
  14. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    are you certain it is a 2tb ide drive?
     
  15. WildDenim

    WildDenim Member

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    No, the program reads my HD as 2TB, that's wrong. My HD is 150GB.
     

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