Hard drive troubleshooting

NOTE : Drive troubleshooting has the potential to destroy any data on the drive(s). Before attempting to troubleshoot hard disk drive problems, be sure to back up as much of the drive as possible. If there is no backup available, do not repartition or reformate the drive unless it is absolutely necessary and all other possible alternatives have been exhausted.

Symptom 1: The Hard drive is completely dead. If the drive does not spin up, the drive light doesn't illuminate during power-up, or you see and error message indicating that the drive is not found or not ready, follow the steps below:

• Check the power connector. Make sure the 4-pin power connector is inserted properly and completely. If the drive is being powered by a Y-connector, make sure any interim connections are secure. Use a voltmeter and measure the +5 volt (pin4) and +12-volt (pin 1) levels. If either voltage (especially the +12-volt supply) is unsually low or absent, replace the power supply.
• Check the signal connector. Make sure the drive's signal interface cable is connected securely at both the drive and the controller. If the cable is visible worn or damaged, try a new one.
• Check the CMOS Setup. Enter the CMOS setup routine and make sure that all the parameters entered for the drive are correct. Heads, cylinders, sectors per track, landing zone, and write precompensation must all be correct-otherwise, POST will not recognize the drive.
• Replace the hard drive. Try a known-good hard drive. If a known-good drive works as expected, your original drive is probably defective.
• Replace the drive controller. If problem persist with a known-good hard drive, replace the drive controller.