Hard Drive Problem

Samuel4u · Post by **Samuel4u** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:26 am

I am trying to figure out if I have a hard drive problem or a RAM problem with a BSOD. Well I've spent the last two days re-formatting my computer at least four times now to start fresh. Here's a break down..

Basically the first time everything was working fine and I got all of my files over from my external no problem. I ran into a snag with my sound drivers not working and I couldn't download replacements or even get cd with the original drivers to install the proper drivers again so I just did a new format.

Second format hung up on creating the partition at 35% and wouldn't move at all so I turned off my computer and then tried again.

Third format was completed no problem with a quick format instead of the usual slow NTFS. I started to move my files over and install programs again and then get a BSOD with physical memory dump. Tried to move files over after the restart and the computer was extremely slow and had another BSOD.

After seeing the second BSOD I went for another format and everything was working fine until I started to move my files back over. I received another BSOD and then restarted to a slow computer.. which is what I'm dealing with now. My specs should be in my signature but really I'm trying to get another BSOD without the automatic restart turned on but for now I just want to see if anyone has an idea. Everything loads extremely slow for a brand new install and I did swap out my RAM with some same sticks that I never used. If my hard drive is getting ready to die then bleh. Well appreciate the help folks.

nightowl · Post by **nightowl** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:35 pm

sounds like your hard drive might be dying. If you can go into a command prompt before it blue screens, try and run a chkdsk. Also go on the net and find a memory tester just to make sure its not the ram also.

The Dude · Post by **The Dude** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:41 am

Yeah run memtest from a floppy for the ram. You should be able to download a diagnostic for the hard drive from the drive makers web site, then run it from floppy or burn a cd image and do it that way.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:33 am

Were these sticks of RAM certified compatible with your motherboard?

Not sure which one I'd lean towards yet...drive or RAM.

If a drive is suspect...doing a full format when building..instead of a quick format..is always the wise choice. I always do a full format when installing an OS no matter what anyways.