#Hard Drive Errors
9 messages in this thread
I got this problem… I have a 2500/30 with a A2091 controller and a
Quantum 40 Meg disk. About a week ago I decided to move things around and
decided my computer desk would be well suited to having my Amiga standing
on end. So anyway after rerouting all my cables I powered up and everything
was fine. Until today. I can't say it's related (I guess that's my
question) but the controller is taking an extra long time in accesses to
parts of the disk. I ran DiskDoctor and it found some unreadable keys, so
I've backed up and will now reformat. The thing is I haven't gotten any
read errors, and the HDToolBox says the thing is fine. My two questions:
(1) is it OK to have my Amiga standing on its right side? Nothing in
the manual says not to…
(2) Why does the drive seem to be having problems (I can hear it working
while the disk light is out, trying to find itself I assume) while
HDToolBox says everything is fine? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Oh, above I said it was on its right side. Really, it is
sitting on the side that would normally be on your left as you face the
machine. I guess its a question of perspective
– yours or the machines. Thanks in advance for any suggestions…
Steve Anderson
Most modern hard disks will work fine when mounted other than horizontally,
but it is a good idea to do a low level format on them in the orientation
that you will be using them. It's possible for a shift in gravity to move
the heads just slightly off the track. If the drive retries a few times,
it will usually get the data. (Some drives even jog the head slightly off
the track, just in case the head isn't lined up properly.)
In any case, you should be able to run tilted (just make sure that the air
vents are not blocked). If you can, back up your disk and do a low level
format on it while it's on its side.
Chris
Steve,
Many drives are sensitive to position when formatted vs when used.
They can be used in almost any position…but have to be formatted in that
position to work properly. When tracks on the drive platter are that close
together, gravity can make adifference.
Most drives, SCSI drives in particular, will re-try a read several
times (usually 6) and thus can easily slow down if lots of re-trys are
necessary. If the re-try is successful…you won't get an error.
Don
Don: Thanks for the suggestion, but it's brought to light another problem.
I tried to low-level format the drive and – get this – I can't. The
HDtoolbox program warns me that it will take up to half an hour, but when I
say OK it gives me the ZZZZ's for about a second then comes right back.
When I reboot everything on the disk is still there (after I did an ADOS
format and restored some time before). I guess I have a controller problem.
Anyway, I put the box back in the horizontal position (like God and C=
meant it) and now everything is working fine. I just hope I don't have to
ever really format the drive. Geez, I was thinking about getting an ICD
Advantage controller some day….. Thanks again for responding. Thanks to
Chris Sheers also..
Steve Anderson
If you've got a Quantum hooked to your 2091, don't be alarmed by the quick
low level format. My Quantum 80 does the same thing and the data IS still
there afterwards. Try it again but then do a full DOS format per your
controller's instructions.
Happy computing!
Most drives (all I have seen) are intended for use mounted right side up or
on their side. Says so in the literature from the manufacturer.
Craig,
To quote from my MiniScribe technical reference manual:
"The drive may be mounted in any attitude."
To quote from my Conner technical reference manual:
"The drive may be mounted in any attitude."
To paraphrase from my Seagate manual (at work):
The drive may be mounted in any position except with the back
(connector) side down
I had a SupraDrive for my ST, it had a Xebec drive in it…mounted
upside down. Supra claimed the drive was certified to operate that way.
I've also got an old Sugart drive here that I ran upside down for quite a
while…although I admit that I have no idea if the drive was certified to
work that way.
Not sure why your manuals would be different than mine…but
everything I've seen lately shows that a HD can pretty much be mounted any
way you want.
Don
Steve,
I see you already have a couple of good answers, but I thought I'd add a
bit. Make sure that you are running the drive right side up. Even though
some drives will run inverted, many will not, so if your drive is mounted
on a card, you need to ensure that the top of the drive faces up.
-larry