can't install refub IDE hdd on Dell, I/O device error

I'm trying to upgrade an old Dell 4550 with a new-to-me refub HDD (Seagate Barracuda 320gb 7200) to become a media center.

Tried to install Windows, Custom Install, "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. (Details = This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer BIOS menu.)"

I had an extra HDD on hand, DBAN'ed it, and installed Win 7 no prob with same computer/BIOS setting, so I know its something screwy with this particular drive.

DBAN'ed the new drive, no luck.

using diskpart I tried....

create partition primary

convert dynamic

and got the same error:

"DiskPart has encountered an error: The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error. See the System Event Log for more info."

System Event Log is empty.

I booted with the other drive, plugged the faulty drive into the second IDE port, and Win recognized it, but I can't access it in any way.

Feels like I'm going in circles. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup to enable Legacy BIOS if present. Next check BIOS Boot order for an EFI Boot Disk and if present remove it, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

Where do you buy your HD Drive from? (ebay)


Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

thanks for the help.

I used SeaTools, passed the short scan, failed the long. "Fix this and all others", then did a full wipe.

Win 7 installed no prob. Appears drive wasn't ready.