HDD failure???

[Guest]

I am using an internal hard drive in a USB 2.0 external case as a backup.
It has been working fine for many months. Twice in the last week it has
mal-functioned. At spin-up, it is recognized by the system by the usual XP
beeping. However, the drive does not show up in 'My Computer'. Disk
management shows the drive and and size, but reports it as 'not initialized'
and 'unallocated'.
It is easily re-initialized and reformated and then takes data. But all
previous data is lost. Is this a failing drive or a software problem?
Thanx in advance.

Windows XP, SP2
NTFS

 

[DL]

Tried the free hd checking utility from hd manu web site?

 

[Ron Martell]

I am using an internal hard drive in a USB 2.0 external case as a backup.
It has been working fine for many months. Twice in the last week it has
mal-functioned. At spin-up, it is recognized by the system by the usual XP
beeping. However, the drive does not show up in 'My Computer'. Disk
management shows the drive and and size, but reports it as 'not initialized'
and 'unallocated'.
It is easily re-initialized and reformated and then takes data. But all
previous data is lost. Is this a failing drive or a software problem?
Thanx in advance.

Windows XP, SP2
NTFS

Install the drive temporarily as an additional hard drive using IDE
not USB. Then run the hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic test
utility, which is usually available free from their web site.

That will isolate the problem as being either with the hard drive
itself or with the USB external drive housing.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."