My hard drive may be crashing!

Wayner · « **on:** 9 Sep 2009, 06:33 pm »

We are limping along so if you don't hear from me for awhile, I'm down, down, and more down. Thankfully I found a laptop (industrial) with Windows XP as all of my software is for that version. I hate when shit like this happens.

Wish me luck!

Wayner

martyo · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 06:37 pm »

Good luck Wayne.

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 07:01 pm »

Wayner:

Back up the drive, swap in another drive, and restore. (This is the student talking to the master, since Wayner is a hardware designer.)

There was a WD 1TB external USB drive on amazon a few days ago for 65.00.

Wayner · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 08:13 pm »

Henry,
this is a 7 year old computer. It's got more patches then Lil' Abner. I'm running one program from Windows 95, one from Windows 98 and now I find out the MS office I have will only run on my current Dell.

Once again it is time for me to get up on my soapbox and start bitching about the computer industry. Do you people wonder why your sales are in the toilet? I'm sick of all the games you play with your software. Why is it that I go to MS's website, let the site tell me what new version of something I need, I down load it and it doesn't work? It happens all the time.

I'm so sick of all the BS.

W

DustyC · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 08:34 pm »

I used to tell people to buy a mac.

But it seems like all the software that people I know want to run is are "windows" products. So begins the compatiblilty dance.
AutoCAD, Microstation, Outlook, Office, etc.

Ever feel like your building a house of cards when redoing a windows box??

Only person I know that runs a mac uses it for the usual WEB stuff, and photo editing. She rarely has trouble though.

Good luck!!

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 08:38 pm »

And I thought you were having a hardware problem. I use Macintosh computers, although they can have software problems, too, occasionally, but those problems seem minor compared to the stories about Windows problems.

I only use Windows (I can boot my Macs in Windows without an emulator with bootcamp) to play an online game because the games' Windows' client is faster (because Macintosh hobbled the system extensions, I was told). Macintosh computers tend to operate very fast under Windows.

Good luck, Wayner. Wish I could help you out, but I know nothing about Windows.

Wayner · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 08:54 pm »

Well, I was getting "the blue screen" at start up saying that side 2 of my hard disc drive was "operating outside of parimeters" and then it would ask me to do an F1, which I did and it would just sit there blinking the unline score.

I finally got it to start up after shutting it down and starting up about 10 times. I then set the operating system to default to operating perimeters of August 4. Then the system started coming around. I lost my Firefox explorer and suspect that MS internet explorer and it were having a feud.

I did order a new laptop, an HP Business computer 4510s. It has a downgrade to latest version and service pak of XP. I will then load up my CAD software, audio software and MS Office (word and Excel) and the damn Norton virus crap and all should be good. This has been a good computer and I'm suprised that it lasted 7 years. Time for the dumpster, tho I really can't afford it right now, blew my money on some damn records! Oh, well.

I know many folks are going to think that I made a mistake getting a laptop with XP. But I have thousands of dollars in software that I just can't afford to replace right now, so I'm kind of a prisoner to the XP envirnoment. Did I tell you I'm really starting to continue to hate Microsoft? Bill, why did you make such a mess? I'm no computer brainiac, better then most, worse then others, but it always turns into costing more and more money, then things don't work, then something else will happen.

I hope I don't sound negitive (mad guy here)

me

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 09:17 pm »

Even though I only use Windows to play an online game, I use Windows XP service pack 2, and I wouldn't use Vista based on the horror stories.

BTW, your software would run natively on a Mac that was boot up into Windows, but you would still be running Windows. On the other hand, you would have a nice Macintosh to boot up with on another partition on your hard drive.

rahimlee54 · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 09:47 pm »

Quote from: oneinthepipe on 9 Sep 2009, 09:17 pm

Even though I only use Windows to play an online game, I use Windows XP service pack 2, and I wouldn't use Vista based on the horror stories.

BTW, your software would run natively on a Mac that was boot up into Windows, but you would still be running Windows. On the other hand, you would have a nice Macintosh to boot up with on another partition on your hard drive.

Vista works great now, alot of people dont like the switch, but you get over it after a bit.

If you are into it you can build a hacintosh or build your own computer and run linux then you will never have any problems. You would just have to learn linux, which may or may not be a problem.

Listens2tubes · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Sep 2009, 11:58 pm »

Windows 7 is next, but I'll just keep XP, thank you - at least till they "no longer support it". Although concidering that, my machine at work is running 98se. It all depends on what you use it for.

Tom Alverson · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 03:09 am »

Quote from: Wayner on 9 Sep 2009, 08:54 pm

Well, I was getting "the blue screen" at start up saying that side 2 of my hard disc drive was "operating outside of parimeters" and then it would ask me to do an F1, which I did and it would just sit there blinking the unline score.

I finally got it to start up after shutting it down and starting up about 10 times. I then set the operating system to default to operating perimeters of August 4. Then the system started coming around. I lost my Firefox explorer and suspect that MS internet explorer and it were having a feud.

I did order a new laptop, an HP Business computer 4510s. It has a downgrade to latest version and service pak of XP. I will then load up my CAD software, audio software and MS Office (word and Excel) and the damn Norton virus crap and all should be good. This has been a good computer and I'm suprised that it lasted 7 years. Time for the dumpster, tho I really can't afford it right now, blew my money on some damn records! Oh, well.

I know many folks are going to think that I made a mistake getting a laptop with XP. But I have thousands of dollars in software that I just can't afford to replace right now, so I'm kind of a prisoner to the XP envirnoment. Did I tell you I'm really starting to continue to hate Microsoft? Bill, why did you make such a mess? I'm no computer brainiac, better then most, worse then others, but it always turns into costing more and more money, then things don't work, then something else will happen.

I hope I don't sound negitive (mad guy here)

me

Don't put Norton back on the new machine. A good free anti-virus is AVG, or Microsoft has a new anti-virus that is in beta now that will be free when it is released. I run XP, Vista and Windows 7 here and have not had any issues with software running on Windows 7 (or any other horror stories).

If you need a copy of Office XP (aka Office 2002) I have one here that I have never installed that you can have (free). Let me know if you want it or need any other Windows help.

Tom

TjMV3 · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 03:34 am »

Quote from: Wayner on 9 Sep 2009, 08:54 pm

Bill, why did you make such a mess? I'm no computer brainiac, better then most, worse then others, but it always turns into costing more and more money, then things don't work, then something else will happen.

You just answered your own question and I think you know that.

Bill didn't get rich by building operating systems that worked well for a long time and needed no extra "patches/spending.

I always get the feeling Bill and Microsoft purposely build defective, bug-riddled operating systems; so they can reap more money on all the problems their OS's cause.

It'aq neverending thread mill, with a dangling piece of cheese as our temptation. I hate Microsoft and Nortons.

TjMV3 · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 03:37 am »

Quote from: Tom Alverson

Don't put Norton back on the new machine. A good free anti-virus is AVG, or Microsoft has a new anti-virus that is in beta now that will be free when it is released. Tom

Where is there a free AVG? All I see is pay for versions and 30 day trial versions.

moboman · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 04:17 am »

Quote from: Tom Alverson on 10 Sep 2009, 03:09 am

Quote from: Wayner on 9 Sep 2009, 08:54 pm
Well, I was getting "the blue screen" at start up saying that side 2 of my hard disc drive was "operating outside of parimeters" and then it would ask me to do an F1, which I did and it would just sit there blinking the unline score.

I finally got it to start up after shutting it down and starting up about 10 times. I then set the operating system to default to operating perimeters of August 4. Then the system started coming around. I lost my Firefox explorer and suspect that MS internet explorer and it were having a feud.

I did order a new laptop, an HP Business computer 4510s. It has a downgrade to latest version and service pak of XP. I will then load up my CAD software, audio software and MS Office (word and Excel) and the damn Norton virus crap and all should be good. This has been a good computer and I'm suprised that it lasted 7 years. Time for the dumpster, tho I really can't afford it right now, blew my money on some damn records! Oh, well.

I know many folks are going to think that I made a mistake getting a laptop with XP. But I have thousands of dollars in software that I just can't afford to replace right now, so I'm kind of a prisoner to the XP envirnoment. Did I tell you I'm really starting to continue to hate Microsoft? Bill, why did you make such a mess? I'm no computer brainiac, better then most, worse then others, but it always turns into costing more and more money, then things don't work, then something else will happen.

I hope I don't sound negitive (mad guy here)

me

Don't put Norton back on the new machine. A good free anti-virus is AVG, or Microsoft has a new anti-virus that is in beta now that will be free when it is released. I run XP, Vista and Windows 7 here and have not had any issues with software running on Windows 7 (or any other horror stories).

If you need a copy of Office XP (aka Office 2002) I have one here that I have never installed that you can have (free). Let me know if you want it or need any other Windows help.

Tom

We've been using ClamWin lately instead of AVG. Clamwin is a much smaller program and AVG now bugs you about buying the real version. So check it out when you get some time.
http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/18/46/

I love open source.

mjosef · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 04:41 am »

Quote

Where is there a free AVG? All I see is pay for versions and 30 day trial versions.

Free link... http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition

I have used AVG for the past 4-5 years, never had a problem with it, nor infections. But then, I don't go clickety click on strange links all over the web.

GHM · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 05:02 am »

I also use the free AVG it works terrific! In the defense of Windows units..not all is bad. A bad hard drive has nothing to do with the OS on the computer.

It's funny I haven't been spending any money fixing my PCs. I have four of them in my place all running Windows 7.
A buddy of mine bought a new Mac Mini about 6 months after I purchased one of my Dells. That's been almost two years ago. Guess what..my Dell is still running without a single issue. He just spent $700 on a used/refurbished Mini replacing the Mac mini that just crapped out a few weeks ago. He only got 1 1/2 years of use out of a brand new Mac Mini....now that sucks!

Sorry to hear about your loss. 7 years is a good run for most computers these days.

slc247 · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 08:33 am »

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8247-windows-xp-mode-install-setup.html

windows 7 rtm is available as a trial still, download xp mode and your set, lets you run all your xp programs from within windows 7

ArthurDent · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 03:43 pm »

For what it's worth it's not just the software folks who specialize in planned obsolescence. Roughly every 3 years the hardware folks get into the act. Things like motherboards change configuration, both in response to technology advancements, and the need to sell new equipment. Cases change such that they won't accept old boards due to size & configuration.

7 years is a pretty good run Wayner as you've noted. oip has a good suggestion, or if you have a friend at the computer store they can mirror off all the old info, replace the HD, then mirror it back. This doesn't solve the re-installation issue for the programs, but it's relatively quick for the data portion. Good luck.

You might also check out Avast anti-virus ( www.avast.com ), it has a free version. My friend & computer builder has been installing it on all the machines he builds new and repairs for a couple of years now. I use it in conjuction with Fix-It Utilities which has gone thru some changes in ownership, but I've used it since '99 with NT & now XP, has a good anti-virus program, defrag, and cleanup features. Can be picked up for 19.95 at the right time on sale, and comes with 3 licenses for use on multiple machines without additional expense.

Ain't computers fun

bregez · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 05:29 pm »

If you think it's a hardware problem try Spinrite
http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm
If you think it's a software problem, 7 years on XP is really good. I usually only get about one year before I see a reduction in performance due to multiple patches etc... I don't see the reduction in uStation or ProE, usually I first see it in some Matlab programs I run for image correlation and processing. Therefore, every year I do a fresh install. However, if you need a full XP environment recovery tool, try reatogo.
http://www.reatogo.de/REATOGO.htm
For what it's worth, I work for a university and all of our new computers come with XP installed. It's more friendly to both our existing engineering software (FEM, CFM, CAD, etc...) and hardware (DAQ cards, frame grabbers, etc...).

MarkD · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Sep 2009, 06:14 pm »

These guys: http://www.drivesolutions.com/ sell replacement latop hard drives, and a nifty little kit to copy the contents of the old drive to a new one.

I replaced the 30G drive on my (inherited from my daughter) Thinkpad laptop with a 160G one for slightly over $200. You can probably find the same things a little cheaper elsewhere, but when the replacement drive failed, they sent me a new one under warranty. This drive is doing fine - the old one made some clicking noises, so I knew it wasn't going to last.