Thread: Unresponsive hard disk head drive

I was attempting to repartition, got it down to 1 partition or rather all unallocated. I wanted to restore XP to default first and placed the first of 4 recovery disks and it responded that was unable to restore.
Tried it with XP disk error msg setup unable to format partition
So I tried a Live CD Linux and no soap their either. Do not recall error message.
I rather suspect I need a new HD, but lets see what the forum has to say and thank you

If you got all backup of data, just delete everything and recreate new partitions:

1. NTFS - 40G
2. Linux - 35G
3. Swap - 5GB

77,

If I am hearing this correctly.

I wanted to restore XP to default first and placed the first of 4 recovery disks and it responded that was unable to restore.

If you have tried both Windows and Linux disks to create a partition and both have failed. You are correct, your hard disk may be bad. Do you hear any clicking noises during this operation? This is usually a bad hard disk.

My advice.

Replace the Hard Drive and reinstall your operating systems. I recommend Windows First. Linux install will find the Windows O/S and install Linux beside it.

As always. Just a suggestion.

Jaysunn

Jay:
No I hear no clicking sound. I put in gparted live CD and repartitioned just for grins to see what would happen. Formatted to ntfs, rebooted with XP disk. Choose the ntfs partitioned gparted created and would not accept it. (hey getting response at least) Using XP I deleted that partition allowed XP to format to ntfs on newly created partition and presently 7AM it is 61% files copied. Fingers crossed. Thanks for being there

Originally Posted by jaysunn

77,

If I am hearing this correctly.




If you have tried both Windows and Linux disks to create a partition and both have failed. You are correct, your hard disk may be bad. Do you hear any clicking noises during this operation? This is usually a bad hard disk.

My advice.

Replace the Hard Drive and reinstall your operating systems. I recommend Windows First. Linux install will find the Windows O/S and install Linux beside it.

As always. Just a suggestion.

Jaysunn

Jay:
What do they say, if its not broke do not fix it! For whatever reason XP loaded like a charm. Sadly ntfs is entire partition and due to difficulty I am reluctant to shrink so let me pick your brain some more.
I have a 160GB external USB and was thinking to load some Linux OS on it the notebook in question where XP resides. OK I know it will be slower but I can live with it.. Tell me if you will, PM or list what must I do to the external to have it work as trouble free as possible

Great News 77,

Ok so now you want to install Linux on a external hard drive. I personally have never attempted this. However I have installed linux plenty of other ways.

Performing a google search I found this set of instructions to get you task achieved. However there are many other sites dedicated to this.

Good Luck:

Ubuntu 8.04 USB Hard Drive or Flash Drive install | USB Pen Drive Linux


Jaysunn