CompuServe Messages

Rick, If the drive light is flashing constantly the one thing I'll do first is to use the INFO command in a Shell to see if the filesystem is trying to validate the drive. If that is the case with your drive, don't turn it off! Leave it alone, walk away and come back and check on it later. It (the filesystem) is trying to reconstruct the drive's bitmap of allocated blocks. Turning off the computer each time it shows an error requester prevents it from effecting repairs. If you don't have any drive activity as indicated by a steadily flashing LED, then its time (actually a bit past but a salvageable situation) to back that drive up if you haven't already. Then try out DiskSalv to validate and repair the drive's bitmap and the files if possible. If you've got it backed up already, Do a full reformat of the drive. Don't use the QUICK option. If it formats OK then restore the drive's data but keep an eye on it. Don't trust it to sensitive information unless you have it secure on another drive or other media. You didn't mention the drive particulars, mfgr, model, size and especially age. If it's an older model with lots of hours useage on it you might consider replacing it if again it begins displaying signs of errors. A nice new 2 year warrantied 540MB Quantum, 1/3 height, 3.5" SCSI drive can be had these days for around $249, add about $14 for shipping & handling. Check a recent computer shopper mag for mailorder drive merchants 800 numbers. Christopher