[whenitz]

I have a 40 gig maxtor and with no reason the system just hang-up when I'm playing nba.. I push the restart button and a message appear Invalid system disk.. So,I installed a new os on the hardisk.. The hardisk is detected in the bios but the xp installer cannot access it.. I already used windows 98 startup disk,still no access in my hardisk.. I tried to change memory,I also try to install in another PC using that hardisk but the same thing happens.. What should I do? Do I have to change hardisk? Even if the bios still detected it..
Please help me guys..
Tnx..

[manutd4eva]

I had a similar problem. If u don't mind losing all your work try fdisk delete and then create again then format NTFS during the reinstall.

[whenitz]

I already run fdisk..

But fdisk also cannot access the hardisk..

Is there a way I can clear the content of my hardisk?

For me to access it again..

Any help will be appreciated..

Tnx..

[manutd4eva]

The only ways I know are fdisk or

FORMAT C:

Scotty or Curlyben may know more though

[whenitz]

I can't format my c: because I can't access it..

I hope curlyben will help me here..

Tnx for your help dude!

[manutd4eva]

This is some strange problem, I'm watching this thread too see the solution lol u learn something new everyday. If not at school then on here lol

[Curlyben]

Unfortunately it sounds like your hard drive is dead, but it may be worth trying some tools from the Recovery Console:

You WILL need an XP CD for the repair, FULL not UPGRADE.
The Windows recovery console is very good, it may help in this case.

Here's a couple of links for more information on the recovery console;
Link1
Link2

You want to try the FIXBOOT, FIXMBR and CHKDSK commands.
Run CHKDSK first, if it fails go down to the bottom of my answer otherwise...


Here's some instructions that should help:
*Boot to your XP CD
*Press any Key when you see the prompt to 'Press Any Key"
*Setup will start copying files, if you need to install any third-party or RAID drivers press F6 at this time. the copying of files can take awhile.(leave this one)
*Next you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to Repair.
Go from there
LINK 2 has some screen shots that may help.

If all this lot comes back fine then try a reinstall

*Boot to your XP CD
*Press any Key when you see the prompt to 'Press Any Key"
*Setup will start copying files, if you need to install any third-party or RAID drivers press F6 at this time. The copying of files can take awhile.(leave this one)
*Next you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to enter setup. Press ENTER.
*Press F8 if you agree to the license.
*Setup will scan for previous Windows installations.
*proably won't find any so follow promts to install
*I advise a FULL format to make sure everything is clean.

Leave to cook for 30-40 minutes


IF the Recovery console doesn't work then your HDD is toast!!
Bin it and get a new one ;)

[Matthew Harris]

I have a low gb disk drive and want to change it with a 80gb disk drive but I haven't a clue to take out the old one but I need to very ergently and I'm wondering if you can help me with this situation please.

[ScottGem]

I have a low gb disk drive and want to change it with a 80gb disk drive but i havent a clue to take out the old one but i need to very ergently and im wondering if you can help me with this situation please.

Its usually better to start a new thread if you have a question. Piggybacking on an old thread should only be done if the problem is very similar.

Most new droves come with specific instructions on how to install them. Usually with an illustrated poster and sometimes a video.

I would recommend adding the new drive instead of replacing. If you want to replace, many new drives come with software to clone the old drive onto the new. This means temporarily connecting the new drive as a slave and using the software to clone the old to the new. I would set up separate partitions on the new drive. At least one just for data files.

I suggest looking at the instructions provided with the new drive. If you still need some help with specific questions, start a new thread telling us what version of windows and what you have decided to do and we'll help further.