Really strange problem...help please

[Web250]

This problem gets stranger by the moment.

I'm fixing a PC that was loaded with spyware and viruses (its not my PC btw).

I was unable to fully clean it, so I went for a format. After low-level quick format (write boot sector to 0's) and windows install...things get weird. Windows install is painfully slow (2hrs...whereas it should take 30-45). SP2 install is painfully slow as well.

So i format again. This time I do a FULL write to 0's. The write to 0's hung at about 85%. Now the BIOS will not even detect a harddrive PERIOD.

Tried all cables, ide channels, jumpers etc. I even put in another hard drive, and it exhibits the same slow behavior, and I KNOW that it works fine on other PCs.

The PC btw is a Dimension 4400 1.6ghz P4 willy, 256mb ram, 20gb WD drive.

Recently now the BIOS detects the harddrive again...but sees it as EMPTY...as in it has no cylinders, heads, or LBA.

I've worked with computers for years and have never seen anything like this...whats wrong?

 

[DamienThorn]

Have you tried using the UBCD to check that the drive doesn't have problems? Have you replaced the IDE cable? Pulled the battery and cleared the CMOS?

 

[Web250]

Have you tried using the UBCD to check that the drive doesn't have problems? Have you replaced the IDE cable? Pulled the battery and cleared the CMOS?

I've replaced the IDE cable, and I've cleared CMOS. Same problems. Regardless of checking the drive via UBCD...this happens with TWO drives, for no apparent reason.

Could the mobo be shot? Why would two hdd's have extremely slow install times?

 

[Perrupa]

IMHO it sounds like the Mobo is dying and should be replaced as the good hard drive is not working properly in it either. Maybe give Dell a call?

Good luck man

 

[Web250]

IMHO it sounds like the Mobo is dying and should be replaced as the good hard drive is not working properly in it either. Maybe give Dell a call?

Good luck man

Giving India a call won't help, the system is past warranty I believe. I just tried booting the working hard drive again. XP boot takes ages. However it does boot. Are you sure it is the mobo. This is a customers computer, and I don't want to tell her that she basically needs a new PC if I don't have to.

Also, if I do have to get a new mobo, will the Dell memory work in any standard mobo?

 

[DamienThorn]

Have you double checked that the master/slave/cable select jumpers are set properly? Have you tried using a known good working CD-ROM? Can you get other peripherals working properly on both IDE 0 and IDE 1?

 

[Web250]

Have you double checked that the master/slave/cable select jumpers are set properly? Have you tried using a known good working CD-ROM? Can you get other peripherals working properly on both IDE 0 and IDE 1?

Tried all jumper settings, those aren't the issues. CD-ROM works fine. Both IDE channels work fine too.

I've never been so stumped by a PC...any last ideas? is it the mobo?

 

[Perrupa]

Like I said before, it really does sound like the mobo and when I said call dell it was in the hope it'd be under warranty. though I guess you could still call them and ask if that mobo hs aknown issue or how much a replacement would be or something like that. I've actually had one or two good experiences with indian tech support though that was just getting lucky, cause I've had my share of bad.

Peace and good luck

 

[FlatLine84]

Try setting jumpers to cable select, Dells usually don't like to have the drives designated master or slave. At least on Optiplex's and Precision workstations, I don't think it will have an affect on speed, but detecting it will. Sounds like the mobo though.

 

[Sunborder]

Tell the customer that you can salvage the optical drives, memory, floppy, processor, etc...but she needs a new mobo, case and PSU. That's really all that separates a dell from anything else. Hell, depending on the socket, you could go for a barebones.....