Solved Win7 Hard Disk problem, is it dead - yes or no

[DJTechEx]

My Windows 7 crashed, I reinstalled it. It lagged very much, showing constant HDD activity.. Crashed again when I tried to install Graphic card drivers.
I opened it up and cleaned it up from dust a bit. When I turned it on, it says on the Windows Repair that "A hard disk could not be found. If a hard disk is installed, it is not responding." But it recognises it in the BIOS, I can see the HDD model name, serial number... I can also see my HD in the boot order.
So is it my HDD failing or is it my Graphic card?

Also note: When I managed to install Windows, I went to see the GPU details and the temperature was 63°C and the power was at 0.7W. Is that normal for Intel HD family 1GB? Also, in the BIOS it says: Total memory: 4096MB; Video memory: 128MB. I assume that is not normal also.
So my question is, Something is dying, but what- HDD or GPU?
I need answers guys, quickly because I am willing to buy a new HD but my GPU would have to go with the motherboard. :'(
Thanks in advance

 

[gregrocker]

If you cannot get the hard drive to register in the BIOS by reseating it or changing the cables, then replace it.

If it will register then run the HD maker's HD Diagnostic CD scan. If it will run then follow it with Disk Check from the Win7 disk's Command Line to know for sure it's condition.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
You haven't added enough information about your laptop to know if it even contains a video card which I doubt it would have anything but onboard graphic's any way but the Model.... age is not mentioned

Use the test hdd that Greg posted
If in the market a ssd would be a better choice
Cheers.

 

[DJTechEx]

I have an on board Intel HD graphic Family 1GB and nVidia 710M. I can't remember anything more because I'm not close to my laptop right now.
But I'll try that HDD test tomorrow and then I'll post the results.
Thanks for the tip

 

[DJTechEx]

Okay, so I did the HDD check and it couldn't find any hard drives.
This is what I got:

And it still recognises it in BIOS:

So what now? Looks like it's really dead but what do you think?

 

[gregrocker]

Did you try another cable? Has the HD ever been detected in BIOS setup anywhere?

The best Upgrade one can give your PC today is an SSD, which is lightning fast. The prices are coming down so fast you can find it for around $50 per 120gb now. http://www.sevenforums.com/pc-custom-builds-overclocking/75383-best-deals-day-30.html#post2928386

 

[Arc]

What is the storage controller mode? Check in your BIOS. If it is AHCI (most probably), the first screen is most possible.

See below, you may get some idea.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/313457-seatools-dos-windows-how-use.html#Part3

 

[DJTechEx]

Okay, so I changed the mode to IDE, just like Arc pointed and the test worked. It showed me all the info about the HDD and then it kinda froze. I could not click anything. I saw the line where it said "SMART has been tripped!!!". I googled it and it looks like my HDD is dead. Thanks God because I thought it was something worse...

Thanks to Arc and greg also!
Guess I'll mark it as solved then. Thanks again

 

[Arc]

I saw the line where it said "SMART has been tripped!!!".

Yes, the HDD is dead. A replacement is needed there.

If it is under warranty, RMA it. Otherwise get a new one. You may be interested to what ThrashZone and gregrocker suggested about a SSD.

 

[DJTechEx]

Yes, the HDD is dead. A replacement is needed there.

If it is under warranty, RMA it. Otherwise get a new one. You may be interested to what ThrashZone and gregrocker suggested about a SSD.

Yeah, I bought a new one. Should arrive tomorrow (Monday). If I encounter any problems during the install, I will post here.
Unfortunately It isn't under warranty any more, and the SSD is to expensive for me at the moment.
I'll stick with the good old HDD for now

 

[Arc]

I'll stick with the good old HDD for now

Not a big problem.

Hope everything will go well during the installation.