Drive won't detect

Thurizdan · 06-01-2009, 07:36 AM

Hey guys, my desktop's HDD has stopped working all of a sudden.

FULL DESCRIPTION:
When I switch on the computer, it hangs at the BIOS screen (Detecting Memory Dual-Leaved etc) for a lot longer than usual. Then it progresses to the all too familiar Disk Read Failure, "Insert System Disk and Press Enter". Some people seem to be able to boot Windows normally with the bootable disk in but mine just goes to the Windows setup (as you would expect).

When I go into the CMOS menu, my Hard Drive is nowhere to be seen and this leads me to believe that it is not being detected.

I've tried fiddling the boot order and even reseating all the cables but it hasn't improved anything. At one boot attempt, my machine didn't even reach the BIOS and I believe it got stuck trying to detect the Hard Drive.

My HDD is a Seagate Barracuda 7200 500GB.

Should I try using another SATA port or is it a foregone conclusion that my drive is toasted?

I have no backup and, being a student, I can't afford to pay the ~$2,000 for data recovery so if you could come up with a solution that doesn't involve reformatting/throwing in the bin Iwould really appreciate it.

**raptor_pa** · 06-01-2009, 08:50 AM

If this is a 7200.11 series drive ( check the white label on the drive itself) then get the serial number off htat label, and go to Seagate's site. These drives have a known firmware bug that randomly ( or seemingly randomly) bricks the drive at startup. You can check the serial number of your drive with an online application on their site to see if it is affected by the firmaware bug. If so, contact Seagate technical support - they have been fixing affected drives and returning with data intact if the problem is firmware related.

Thurizdan · 06-01-2009, 05:18 PM

It is of that series, yes. I'll try that, thank you. Hopefully I won't have to send it overseas to get repaired.

**raptor_pa** · 06-01-2009, 05:28 PM

That all depends what overseas is in your case LOL.

06-01-2009, 07:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Thurizdan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows Vista Basic SP1 64bit	Drive won't detect Hey guys, my desktop's HDD has stopped working all of a sudden. FULL DESCRIPTION: When I switch on the computer, it hangs at the BIOS screen (Detecting Memory Dual-Leaved etc) for a lot longer than usual. Then it progresses to the all too familiar Disk Read Failure, "Insert System Disk and Press Enter". Some people seem to be able to boot Windows normally with the bootable disk in but mine just goes to the Windows setup (as you would expect). When I go into the CMOS menu, my Hard Drive is nowhere to be seen and this leads me to believe that it is not being detected. I've tried fiddling the boot order and even reseating all the cables but it hasn't improved anything. At one boot attempt, my machine didn't even reach the BIOS and I believe it got stuck trying to detect the Hard Drive. My HDD is a Seagate Barracuda 7200 500GB. Should I try using another SATA port or is it a foregone conclusion that my drive is toasted? I have no backup and, being a student, I can't afford to pay the ~$2,000 for data recovery so if you could come up with a solution that doesn't involve reformatting/throwing in the bin Iwould really appreciate it.

06-01-2009, 08:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
raptor_pa Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central PA Posts: 4,769 OS: XP	Re: Drive won't detect If this is a 7200.11 series drive ( check the white label on the drive itself) then get the serial number off htat label, and go to Seagate's site. These drives have a known firmware bug that randomly ( or seemingly randomly) bricks the drive at startup. You can check the serial number of your drive with an online application on their site to see if it is affected by the firmaware bug. If so, contact Seagate technical support - they have been fixing affected drives and returning with data intact if the problem is firmware related. __________________

06-01-2009, 05:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Thurizdan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows Vista Basic SP1 64bit	Re: Drive won't detect It is of that series, yes. I'll try that, thank you. Hopefully I won't have to send it overseas to get repaired.

06-01-2009, 05:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
raptor_pa Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central PA Posts: 4,769 OS: XP	Re: Drive won't detect That all depends what overseas is in your case LOL. __________________