Postby Torvald » Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:56 pm
If you are running Windows 98SE, you might want to try starting your computer in "safe" mode. That will start your computer with the bare minimum number of programs loaded (you won't be able to access your CD drive, though).
If you are able to see your slave harddrive in safe mode, that means one of the programs that gets loaded in the normal startup is causing your problem. You would then need to use the system configuration utility tool to do a trial and error deactivation of each startup program to find the guilty one. (select Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Information - Tools - System Configuration Utility). Possible some spyware or adware sneaked onto your computer and is messing up your startup process.
If you are not able to see your slave harddrive in safe mode, here's another thing to try. After your computer starts, go into MSDOS mode and change to the drive number of your slave harddrive. Then type in the following: fdisk/mbr This is an old DOS command that tells your computer to re-write the main boot record on your harddrive to the standard default setting.
Sometimes a virus, or spyware, or a temporary power outage, or even just old age/high use of a harddrive will cause the electronic signals on the boot sector to fade or be scrambled. Even if the rest of your harddrive is good, having a bad boot sector means it's pretty much useless. That's why the old DOS command of fdisk/mbr is so nice - it really does a great job of fixing main boot records that are fading out or are scrambled.
- Torvald -
) my hard drive(WD 80GB eide uata 100 8mb) just CANT load.like its have never been there!!!now,i know there is 'Data Lifeguard' program for setuping HDs but before he does that, he asks that drive must be ERASED!
