Solved Hard Disk Stops Responding (Hang)

[Dj SharK]

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.

 

[richc46]

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.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

 

[Dj SharK]

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

 

[Mellon Head]

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.

 

[FerchogtX]

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!!!

 

[karlsnooks]

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.

 

[karlsnooks]

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

 

[Dj SharK]

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

 

[Dj SharK]

@Karl

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

 

[karlsnooks]

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.

 

[Dj SharK]

Is Temp1/Temp2 on Speedfan the same as CPU #1/CPU #2 on Everest?

If it is, then something is not right cause they don't show the same temperature.

Edit : Looks like i made a mistake. They both do tally. Though i have no idea what Temp1 and Temp2 is. :S

 

[Hopalong X]

The bottom Temp1 37C is your CPU.
Core0 and Core1 are actual in the chip at 40C. That is good.
If Temp1 on top at 127C was your CPU it would have already died.
I'm not sure what it is showing though on the top Temp1 and 2.

Mike

 

[Wishmaster]

the 127C are references to a sensore that does not exist.
Nothing to worry about.

If anything was truly running that hot, you certainly know by now.

Im curious:
1) What event to you have in the event log in reference to the disc.
Sounds as if the drive is dying, but as mentioned it could be a connection issue.
If in events its showing Controller errors, then its a very likely possibility.

2) In your bios, what do the voltages say? Its possible Speed fan is giving some false/out of whack readings. Might be worth verifying what the bios has to say.

 

[Dj SharK]

1. Sorry but i'm not clear on where exactly do i get that information. Could you please elaborate.

2. Please view attachment.

Sorry about the quality. I took it with my cell phone.

 

[Wishmaster]

That all looks normal actually.

Although, the 12V Rail does look a little bit low at 11.90V.
Rather see it just a hair over 12V.
Although, I'm not sure if that would cause much of an issue though honestly, as it is close to where it should be.

Sometime SpeedFan can give odd results, depending on the HW. Was just curious what your bios were reporting.

 

[Dj SharK]

Then i guess it's got to do with the Hard Disk itself (maybe not, i'm not a professional ). My other (primary) hard disk is working fine (i'm on it now).
Only the secondary drive (hitachi) kept disappearing every few minutes.

I just called Hitachi and i'll probably get it replaced since my warranty is good till December 2011.

 

[Hopalong X]

Dj

Is this a prebuilt like HP or Dell or a custom?
The reason I ask is to find out if it has a stock OEM power supply or an aftermarket brand you installed.
Power supply isn't listed in your specs.

If it is an OEM PS then that would account for the 11.9v with the three HD's etc. you are running.
As Wishmaster stated looks normal.

Hope you get a new HD replacement.
Mike

 

[Dj SharK]

It's custom. Not built by me but it's custom for certain.

 

[Hopalong X]

That should be sufficient with what you have running from my perspective.
I was afraid you had a little 250W or 300W in there.

Mike

 

[Dj SharK]

Is it really? Well, i guess i should be all set. Just got to deal with the HDD issue now. Not fun to deal with this early in the morning.