Windows 7: Hard Disk Stops Responding (Hang)

Hi,

I need some quick help. My hard disk (E Drive) works well and does not have any issues previously. A few hours ago, it just decides to die/hang after a few minutes.

I have 2 HDD.

Primary : C, D, F (3 partition) - 250GB
Secondary : E - 500GB

So, it will run fine for about 5 minutes then without any warning, it hangs. After waiting for 2-3 minutes, my E drive will disappear from My Computer and everywhere else. Restart doesn't help. I'll have to open up my CPU, remove the cable and re-attach it again for it to work. And once that is done, it starts well and die off again within a few minutes.

Any idea what is wrong?



Don't know if it matters but a couple minutes before this starts, i did a few windows update.

As a test, use system restore to uninstall the updated. Set the updater to inform and not to install. When the update arrives, again set to hide. Then we can see if the update is the cause.
System Restore

I just did. Restored to a couple days back. HDD ( E Drive ) still goes missing after a few minutes if i use it (it's my storage drive where i keep videos, photos, music, etc).

I tried using HDD Regenerator and after a while, it didn't find any bad sectors or errors.

Also, i tried chkdsk e: but it kept on showing "Errors found. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode".

I'm downloading Hitachi tool to see if the HDD might be at the brink of death. :S

I would suggest copying anything that you feel is important from the E: drive as a precaution against failure. If you have a lot of valuable data, it might be a wise step in case the drive is really failing.

I should add that, maybe this HDD has a faulty data connector, or you are overpassing your PSU capacity (this last could be very rare, but sometimes happens).

If you still have warranty, I?ll sugest replacing your HDD with another one, I guess is not the update, because if so, why the other drives are being shown normally and not hanging? Check also your data cable, maybe is faulty too...

See ya!!!

IMMEDIATELY BACKUP ALL DATA FROM THAT DRIVE!

Now you can proceed with testing.

The results of the Hitachi drive test program?

If you are lucky, then your problem is heat or power-related, but the odds are that the drive is on its last legs.

What is the wattage capability of your power supply?

Take the case off of the computer.

Make 100% sure that all fans are running and blow out all dust.

Use SpeedFan to keep an eye on temperatures.
SpeedFan - Access temperature sensor in your computer

I just did the hitachi test thingy.

There are 2 options. Quick test and Advanced.

I first did the quick test and the result came back with "Operation Completed Successfully. Disposition Code : 0x00".
I then proceeded to do the advance test and about 10 minutes in, the drive gave 1 clicking sound and died again. I had to remove the drive cable and re-insert them before it works. But i did not continue the test as i thought it could die off again.

No idea if the drive is failing or it could just be the cable. :S

@Karl

Attached is Speedfan. Is there something i should be worried about looking by the image?

Replace your power supply unit.

Incidentally, did you know that water boils at 100 degrees C?

100 degrees C = 212 degrees F

Do not attempt to use your computer until the power supply unit is replaced.

Replace with a heftier version than you currently have. While doing further testing, use one and only 1 monitor.

There is also the distinct possibility that your graphics card is in very bad shape.

If you have an old one you can stick in and ONLY run one monitor, then by all means do such. Did you notice that your -12v is at less than -8v? This is due to a bad power supply or a real bad graphics card or both. Not good.