Solving hard drive problems
Problem Cause Solution
Hard drive error Hard disk has bad sectors or has
failed.
Locate and block the usage of bad sectors. If necessary,
reformat the hard disk.
If the drive is detected by the BIOS, run DPS Self-test.
Disk transaction problem The directory structure is bad, or
there is a problem with a file.
1. Right-click Start, select Explore, and select a drive.
2. Select File > Properties > Tools.
3. Under Error-checking, select Check Now.
Drive not found (identified) Improper cable connection On computers with discrete data and power cables, ensure
that the data and power cables are securely connected to the
hard drive. (See the Hard drive section of this guide for
connection details.)
Improperly seated hard drive On systems with blind-mate drive connections, check for
connector damage on the drive and in the chassis.
Reseat the hard drive and its carrier in the chassis to ensure a
proper connection. (See the Hard drive section of this guide
for connection details.)
The system might not have
automatically recognized a
newly installed device.
1. Run Computer Setup (F10) Utility.
2. If the system does not recognize the new device, verify
that the device is listed in Computer Setup (F10) Utility.
If it is listed, the probable cause is a driver problem. If it
is not listed, the probable cause is a hardware problem.
3. If this drive is newly installed, enter Setup and try
adding a POST delay under Advanced > Power-On.
Drive responds slowly
immediately after power-up.
Run Computer Setup (F10) utility and increase the POST Delay
in Advanced > Power-On Options.
Non-system disk or NTLDR missing
message
System is trying to start from
nonbootable media.
Remove the optical disc or USB drive.
System is trying to start from a
damaged hard drive.
Insert a bootable system optical disc or USB drive and restart
the computer.
System files missing or not
properly installed.
1. Insert a bootable system optical disc or USB drive and
restart.
2. Verify that the hard drive is partitioned and formatted.
3. Install the files for the appropriate operating system,
if necessary.
Hard drive boot disabled in
Computer Setup.
Run Computer Setup (F10) Utility and enable the hard drive
entry in the Advanced > Boot Order list.
Workstation will not start. Hard drive is damaged. Replace the hard drive.
84 Chapter 4 Diagnostics and troubleshooting
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