Chkdsk-fraked-NTFS-Ext-Partition

[howto]

For 3+ months been getting sporatic chkdsk on this systen.

Both the Sys disk and the Bkup disk.

HARDWARE

HP_Pavilion_a5085L - (2006)

Mobo: Asus-P5KPL-AM-PS

CPU: Pent-D_915_Presler_775-LGA

Controller: Intel BearLake

RAM: 4GB, 2X Kingston_KVR66702N5-2Gb-DDR2-CL5

HD: 2

SATA1: OS: Seagate-Barracuda-7200.9-160GB-SATAII

(ORG HDD SMART=GOOD (but old-age)(1 week ago))

SATA3: BKUP: Samsung_F3-Spinpoint_1TB_SATA-3Gbs_HD103SJ

(HDD SMART=EXCELLENT (1 week ago))

(Disk is almost 2 years old (5 year warranty))

SATA:4 DVD R/W

LAN: Wired to the switch

OS: Win7 Ult

This system is not used to browse I'net

No Apps have been installed, inc. windows updates

* All Disk Write Caching is Disabled

This system is UP <3 hours a day (if even that)

SO WHAT HAPPENED

I started the unit, it went to chkdsk on E: (Bkup Partition)

I allowed it to run (usually < 5 minutes)

It seemed to complete within 5 minutes,

listed an error on phase 3 of the process,

said "made corrections" and listed the disk details.

Then sat there, for 1 hour, stays on the same screen.

The HDD activity indicator is full on, no blinking.

I power off the unit, wait 3 min...

Reboot

W7 will not boot,

sits there at that 'glowing' page.

After 30 minutes, power off

T'SHOOT METHODOLOGY

Reboot

pay attention to the bios...

enter bios

- Check the HDD's

both HDD's are seen

(the Samsung SMART=BAD

- Check Volt Levels of the PSU

Good - way within tolerance

STOP -- RAM only registers 2GB, not 4GB

Power off

- unplug A/C, LAN, Monitor

wait 3 minutes

Open the unit cover - it is clean inside

Pull

- 2 RAM sticks

- Discreet GPU

Clean the contacts with erasure.

Re-insert the RAM (not gpu yet)

- the PSU power connector on mobo and re-insert

I have 2 new Sata data cables...

Pull

- Sata-1 and Sata-3 from the mobo...

CRAPOLA

Both mobo SAta connectors lift off the mobo,

leaving the pins exposed.

I'm down to 2 Sata ports.

Pull the power from the boot disk.

Connect Samsung HDD to Sata-2.

Connect AC power

Power on

Check BIOS

All RAM is regestered

Use a DMM, check volts at molex 12v/5v, good.

Insert Hirens Boot CD v15.xx

Exit BIOS and boot Hiren.

Samsung SMART status = BAD

GParted sees the disk and partitions,

extended partition 900GB and empty

Back to main menu...

Boot mini-xp

>>>..> disk mgmnt

sees the disk and partitions,

extended partition 900GB and empty

Reboot

Remove Hiren CD

Power off

Unplug AC

Wait 3 mminutes

Pull HDD drive cage

Pull Samsung HDD...

place in a anti-static bag, place on shelf.

Re-install

- HDD cage (connect Seagate Boot to Sata-2)

- Discreet GPU (and move the monitor to it)

- LAN cable

- AC power

Power on

Boots fine to Win7.

Run CHKDSK on this boot HDD - Is Clean.

This entire T'Shoot took <1 hour.

SUMMARY

- 2 bad mobo Sata ports (not fixed yet)

- 1 dirty DDR ram stick (fixed)

- Disk is seen, extended partition empty (not fixed).

SOLUTION

Drink 3 Changs, think about it.

Drink more Chang.

After 2 days...

I am no longer 'good nuff' for this.

My 'hard-core tools' are from 2002.

All my UPS's are dead from the flood.

I use to be darn good, back then.

I would be remiss in attempting this repair.

I know my limits.

So I would send it to,

Gregory Morozov

http://www.phuket-data-wizards.com

It's what he does, a no-brainer

Well it is a long OP,

Reason: for noobs and newbies to see what it takes.

Replys from 'geeks' are most welcome.

Cheers.

[joncl]

good advertorial ..

[howto]

good advertorial ..

@joncl, I don't get your point.

advert? no way!!!

I have never delt with Mr.Morozov.

He is a TV sponser,

and many TV members speak highly of him.

I have done much of what he posts on his site.

He is hard core tech, as I once was.

I will not let a Thai do this.

Do I have other options?

[joeaverage]

this is your problem here

HP_Pavilion_a5085L - (2006)