Is my HDD dying?

[AKDono]

Sometimes when I power off my computer and then start up at a later time, it does not start up correctly.

I get a message after the POST that says something like : "Missing Operating System" or something like that....

I have to reset the computer several times, and then eventually it works.

Perhaps there is something wrong with the MBR?

Is there anything I can do to avoid buying a new HDD?


Western Digital 500GB drive.

 

[yo_yo2400]

http://www.hdtune.com/ Run it. See if it passes smart test. If not gonna have to replace it.

Have a great day!

 

[Wamphryi]

I don't agree with the fate of the drive resting on a test from HD Tune. I seem to recall some drives might not respond to that test resulting in a false fail. Normally a HDD fails due to platter damage which means it is unlikely that the PC would boot at all if this was the case. I have some across one HDD that had an intermittent BIOS issue but this popped up at random times not just at boot up.

With this in mind I believe the more likely suspect is the motherboard, probably a BIOS issue.

 

[yo_yo2400]

Well how do you say we have him test for a motherboard issue? Im getting an idea out their with a way to diagnose and correct it.

 

[scout_03]

use data lifeguard diagnostic to test your western drive form the drive maker itself

 

[AKDono]

I ran the Western Digital diagnostic software (quick test and extended test) and the HDD passed.
What are my other options to test the motherboard?

Gigabyte MA770T-UD3P

 

[Wamphryi]

Motherboard testing is quite a process. Try this out.

http://www.passmark.com/products/bit.htm

I suspect you will have to RMA your Board.

 

[tisha woods]

It is very difficult to say what the exact problem is. It might be very simple on like some problem in power management or sudden shock detection etc. But this usually gives a tic-tic sound. But whether your hard-drive is actually dieing or not can be known after checking-var/log/messages such errors. But take the backup as soon as possible, as it may crash loosing all your data.