Testing A SATA HD

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Underground-PC

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I have a Dell computer with a single SATA HD. The computer boots up only to the loading of the Vista logo and then it never loads up anything else, screen stays black, but the the HD keeps spinning like it is about to open up something.

I have tried re-loading windows into it but it won't let me format the HD because it says it is corrupted. Does this mean the HD is no good anymore? Any way to test it? Any way to fix it?
 
You need to add gear oil to the hdd's motor. Any local computer shop should have this in stock. Should only be a dollar or two.
 
Gear oil? I have actually never heard of that. Where exactly would this oil go? Would I need to dissasemble the HD? How come it always gets to that same spot? Also, if it matters, the loading bar shows but the logo is actually not there, it's just black.
 
There should be a label that says "warranty void if removed". Peel that back, and add the oil to the hole. However, you need to have a computer shop peel that label, or you won't have a warranty. Best Buy and Staples aren't certified by the Storage Manufacturers Consortium, so you need to find a good shop in your area. It's a cheap process, and shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes. Might cost $5.00 at the most. There is a second hole where you need to add some special white hdd grease, but take it to the shop first. The procedure is different depending on your model.
 
abe said:
I hope your being sarcastic, don't try that, the reason they where giving you stupid advice is, because this board is for tech's only.

Abe
Click to expand...

Shhhhh! Don't tell him.;) He should have read the intro before hitting the join button.:p
 
I'll help you out.

Please Read: This is not your usual blah blah
We do not support end users looking for free technical help on these forums. This forum is for either want to be, soon to be or full blown Computer Technicians.

We do support fellow computer technicians looking for technical help if they have having trouble with their own or one of their clients computers. The main focus of the Technibble forums is to share knowlege and improve the lives of all computer technicians. Whether its sharing a script that makes our job easier, providing a useful link, asking what form of advertising works best or just talking about crazy clients. Thats what we are here for and we welcome all computer technicians to join.
Click to expand...

You can setup an appointment with us. www.gwhizpc.com
 
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Ofcourse I was being sarcastic. I am a computer technician, this isn't my HD, it is someone elses HD. I just need to know if maybe there is some software I can run to test the HD, I'd hate to replace it being good. I used to work at a computer shop building, fixing, and selling computers but I rarely had to deal with messed up HDs, specially SATA.
 
I am a computer technician .....I used to work at a computer shop building, fixing, and selling computers but I rarely had to deal with messed up HDs, specially SATA.
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I'll spare you a lecture about how this is a crucial bit of knowledge for even the most beginner "computer tech".


Go download Drive Fitness Test or figure out how to use the Dell built in diagnostics.
 
Underground-PC said:
Ofcourse I was being sarcastic. I am a computer technician, this isn't my HD, it is someone elses HD. I just need to know if maybe there is some software I can run to test the HD, I'd hate to replace it being good. I used to work at a computer shop building, fixing, and selling computers but I rarely had to deal with messed up HDs, specially SATA.
Click to expand...

your a computer technician who doesn't know how to test harddrives and you don't seem to know any basic trouble shooting procedures.

YOU AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU GIVE REAL TECHS A BAD NAME, YOU WORKED AT A COMPUTER SHOP "BUILDING,FIXING AND SELLING COMPUTERS" YOU ARE A FIRST RATE
1D10T.

GO GET YOURSELF SOMETHING BETTER TO DO THEN COME AROUND HERE POSTING CRAP.

and @ all the real tech's don't you think its time for some real regulation of this industry.

Abe
 
Amen to that abe! I've never heard anyone claiming to be a tech not know how to diagnose a dying hdd or not even know basic troubleshooting. And for someone being sarcastic, he sure didn't sound like that in his replies to the gear oil.
 
That's funny, for a second there you guys sound like you know it all. Anyway, I don't give technicians a bad name, I'm not really a technician nor do I try to be one. Computer technicians do a good job of sinking themselves most of the time with high rates for doing something that takes little physical effort. Only done because they know people don't have a choice. I'm glad not all things work that way or else I'd be paying $150 to get my haircut. Anyway, I have better things to do, I was just posting here because I'm at work and have nothing better to do but I'm sure I can figure it out myself. BTW angry-geek, your website s_u_c_k_s, u may think you know computer tech, but you sure need a new web designer, peace!
 
abe said:
@angrygeek your website is gret just checked it out myself.
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Appreciate it Abe. He almost made me cry. So mean!:p It's not that great, but I don't really use it for anything. In my business model, the website isn't all that important.

@underground
Really? Personal attacks? I would have thought better than that from a family man. I guess if I wasn't working so much, I would have more time to spend on my website. Or if I actually had a desire to do web work. I don't like doing websites. You spend a lot of time all over the web claiming to be a tech. I fear for your potential customers. I even bet you have an ad on craigslist. If you truly wish to be a tech or even a web designer as you claim, I wish you luck. However, I would recommend starting off by learning from others first, maybe at a local shop. Stick around and read the forums if you plan on pursuing a career in this field. Technibble is a great resource, but be prepared for the ribbing if you post questions like the one you left here.

PS. Don't bother with the personal insults or opinions on the tech industry until you at least GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL. If you spend as much time, money, and energy to be proficient in ANY field, you will understand why people actually charge money for doing work instead of just doing it for free. Charging $75.00/hour for tech work is actually pretty cheap when you understand how many thousands of dollars I pay out each month for taxes, insurance, supplies, payroll, and other business expenses. I hope your life is getting on track and your new family is doing well. However, coming on here posting noob questions and insulting people will get you nowhere fast. The type of attitude you present speaks volumes to your credibility and sense of honor. I am sorry (not apologizing) if I insulted you in my goofy responses to your op, but we get users all the time looking for a handout. Don't blame us for your lack of knowledge or deciding not to read the intro before hitting the join button. If you want to learn the business, stay on and read the forums, post questions, whatever. Just don't try starting a tech business until you actually have some skills to offer your potential customers.

"Peace"

Edit: Anyone can use wordpress, so please keep the website critiques to yourself.
 
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Hi PC underground,

That was a fairly newbie question, im not talking newbie like new to fixing PCs but new to even just using them lol. But in your defense they did provoke you. Try this forum.

http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/building/233090-new-pc-troubleshooting.html

Anyways ill help you out really quick.

http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=611&sid=30&lang=en

Go and get this, its Western Digital Diagnostics. Even if your drive is not Western Digital this can still work. Most if not all HDD have a DST or Drive Self Test built into them and I have found them to be backward compatible. My Western Digital Diagnostic software works on my Seagate for example.

If your PC is unable to load an OS or the drive being tested actually has the OS on it or you cannot remove the drive and insert it into another PC get the bootable ISO. Burn it with ImgBurn to CD or DVD or use your own ISO burning software for Example, Nero.

Boot from the CD or install the Windows Western Digital Diagnostic in a healthy PC. I like removing the HDD and using it in in a healthy PC over booting from a Live Disk or DIAG CD.

For best results use the Dianostic Software for your drive. Ex. Seagate, Seagate diagnostics etc. But if you cannot find out who makes your drive. Just do what I told you for now and that should uncorrupt your HDD its also a good idea to write zeros to your drive afterwords.

I hope that helps point you in a favorable direction.

Goodluck.
 
I feel a little bad for him. I found another website of his. I won't post it here; he can if he wants to. He's a young guy with a new baby at home. Seems to have a pretty tough life so far for whatever reason. Stick around and learn, underground. However, I truly recommend you start out at a local shop and learn from someone who has been in the business for a while before going out on your own. I personally had to live off savings and IRA for the first year I was open because I didn't want to go into debt. I lucked into several large contracts that really made my business take off. That usually doesn't happen. You also need a passion to do this and be successful. I wish you all the luck.
 
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