Sudden HD failure--error HD521-2W

[pchack]

My computer hasn't been performing as well as usual lately so I ran PC-doctor 5 and got the error code HD521-2W all the other tests passed. Since running pc-doctor my pc wont boot up--it shows the introductory Windows XP screen for about 3 seconds and then restarts. From what I've read on this forum, it looks like I'll need a new hard drive.


Is it safe to say running PC Recovery wont fix my problem?
Can you suggest a way I might be able to boot up my pc one more time so I can back up some files?
If not, do you think I'll be able to get at the files on my hard drive once I get a new HD up and running?

Hope you can help!
Clay

[fwilson]

I would purchase a new hard drive immediately.  Remove the existing hard drive and set it aside.  Install a new hard disk in its place then reinstall XP and your programs.  Once that is done install and mount your old drive as the secondary hard disk and copy your data over to the new drive.

The error you are seeing is a SMART error.  The drive has marked itself as bad or failure imminent.  This is why I recommend using it as little as possible and installing the new drive 1st.  If there is data in a damaged area you will just loose it and not the entire drive, which may happen during an attempted recovery. 

I have successfully done this on very bad drives having to make multiple runs at some directories to get what I wanted.  You should be able to get your data off.  Good luck and may the force be with you.

-Fred

[pchack]

Thanks for the speedy reply. Your suggestions are what I thought I might need to do, but NOW I have some confidence.

Should I just run the pc recovery disks I burned when the computer was new?

Thanks again.
Clay

[fwilson]

Yes, that should get you back to the as shipped configuration.

-Fred

[pchack]

Well, I've installed the new HD . . . but, when I insert the first pc recovery disk I get the error "pc recovery disk not for this pc". I burned these recovery disks from this pc (hp a1600n) about one month after I bought it (13 months ago!). So . . . what's up with that?

Have you come across this problem before?

Any suggestions regarding this?

Thanks for your help,
Clay

[fwilson]

Pchack,

I wish I could say I haven't had these kinds of problems.  I have made more than my share of coasters in my time.

I would call HP, they can send you the proper recovery disks and get you going again.

-Fred

[pchack]

Well, I ordered and received pc recovery disks from hp and they give me the same error about not supporting this pc model as the disks I burned. I'm totally stumped.

Pray tell, what shall I do now?

[AIMTechSrvc]

When dealing with HP systems there is a utility that you need.

The motherboards have a tattoo on them that correspond to the build of the system (the information for which is on a sticker on the bottom of your case).  A motherboard will only work with the recovery media that is designed for them.  There is a utility that puts this on the motherboard.  If this tattoo has gotten messed up you end up with exactly what you are describing happens.

There is also an equivalent on the HDD, so if you replaced the HDD you need the HDD DMI utility to copy the tattoo information from the motherboard to the HDD.

These tools should be available from HP.