Vista boot woes

[stinger608]

All things considered, I would run mem test just to be sure there is not an issue there. Something that would be nice Yellow, put up the system specs of this machine! Ok, never mind, I see that you already done that on the opening thread LOLOL
A couple of things that might need to be considered into this equation, CPU temps, and power supply. Make sure that the heat sink is properly seated to the CPU, and what brand of power supply did you install in this system????
A power supply would surely cause a number of issues, and be freaky during, and after an install of the OS!

[Reloadron]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

I may have to RMA it... but first maybe it's a good idea to run a program called "SpinRite"? Anyone have any experience with that program?

I think the problem might have been this: After the Vista installation failed, I didn't rewipe the HDD, I just popped the XP disk in. They were the Vista files on the HDD that never got expanded still in the HDD when I went ahead with the XP installation, do you think that could have messed it up?

I just rewiped it using Active@ Killdisk overnight, I'll bring the HDD back down to my friends' house today and try XP again. If that fails, maybe I'll run MemTest just for the hell of it, and maybe this program "SpinRite" and if that doesn't work, a RMA is probably in order.

Yellow, why do I sometimes think you leave picky little details out?

1. Blow the HDD away. Use a manufacturers tool or the tool of your choice but clean that sucker. Most HDD manufacturers provide such tools on their websites. Blow the drive away and do a full reformat!

2. Run memtest on the system, I doubt it is a memory problem but as I mentioned before as well as others it sure can't hurt right?

3. Now install an OS. Do not try to install over a corrupt mess of data (see #1). Install to a clean formatted HDD, if Vista wants to format again, the let it. Patience as good things come to those who wait.

Ron

[Elysium]

OK, at this point I think it's the HDD for sure. Ran MemTest for 2 hours, no errors. I'll try the utility provided by WD, and maybe SpinRite.


EDIT: Stinger, the PSU is a Thermaltake Toughpower 650W.

I just ran the WD HDD utility, and it's claiming that nothing is wrong; but something obviously is. Should I RMA it?

[Reloadron]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

OK, at this point I think it's the HDD for sure. Ran MemTest for 2 hours, no errors. I'll try the utility provided by WD, and maybe SpinRite.


EDIT: Stinger, the PSU is a Thermaltake Toughpower 650W.

I just ran the WD HDD utility, and it's claiming that nothing is wrong; but something obviously is. Should I RMA it?

How about using the tools you have and reformat the drive? Much as I and others have mentioned. Your last install on this drive was over garbage. The drive had Vista which likely became corrupt, that was followed by a failed Vista ordeal and then an XP install ordeal. The drive at this point is likelt a corrupt mess of garbage. If an RMA makes you feel good then do it. If nothing else you will get a new clean drive. You can accomplish the same thing with the tools you have at your disposal now. Whatever works for you at this point.

Ron

[Elysium]

Tomorrow I'll get in touch with my friend and we will try another XP installation with the drive wiped using Active@ Killdisk and then reformatted via the XP installation process. If that still doesn't work, I think it's safe to say that the drive has officially gone bad and I should definitely RMA it.

Anyone one have any experience with WD's RMA?

[One4yu2c]

Both Vista and XP handle drives a little bit different, and I'll second Ron's assessment that it's likely a 'mess' at this point. If it were me, I would:

- Boot from the XP disc (or Vista, if going that route)
- Kill all partitions (bearing in mind that this will also nuke any saved data)
- Create a new partition(s)
- Format and install XP (or Vista, if going that route)

Barring that, in a last attempt effort, I would use the manufacturer's utility to zero-fill the hard drive, and then repeat the above.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

Anyone one have any experience with WD's RMA?

If it comes to that, you'll find WD's RMA process straightforward.

[Tech Geek Deluxe]

Use the Mfg utility to re-set the MBR
Use Spinrite to repair the drive.
It takes 20 hours on level 4 to repair.

Otherwise simply RMA it.

[Elysium]

OK, awesome news! I got the HDD to work! I did the full diagnostic from the WD utility (I did the quick version before) and it still said I had no issues. I then zero-filled the HDD with the WD utility (not Active@ Killdisk; it does the same thing) I then proceeded to try to install Vista, where I did a format, and bing, it works! I'm in the process if getting all the necessary drivers together.

Thank you everyone, you've all been a great help.

[Tech Geek Deluxe]

I still suggest Spinrite ... something caused the failure in the first place.