#Hard Disk Failure
11 messages in this thread
I am having a problem with my hard drive. Every so often the the head gets
stuck, the light stays on and the system hangs. I have tried using Quarteback
tools to repair any bad files but the same problem occurs while Quarterback
tools is running. Is this most likely a mechanical problem with the read/write
mechanism? I had the same problem last year with the drive becoming
progressively worse util it malfunctioned altogether. The same thing seems to
be happening again. (both 40M Quantum drives). Could the CIA chip be at fault?
If so why do I have no problem with my external Syquest Drive? Can anyone
reccomend a replacement drive that will last for a few years? Incidentally, how
often can hard disks be turned on and off while remaining reliable?
Thanks – Lee
Lee,
I assume that the Quantum 40 meggers are fairly old. This kind of behavior
(sticking heads) is well documented; seems that the Quantum 40's had some
kind of bad design that leads to this.
There is, however, some good news for you. Quantum "fixed" the problem
with a ROM upgrade some time ago (think it was the drive ROM). Seems that
this upgrade causes the mechanism to "flex" it muscles every once in a
while, effectively preventing the sticking. I also hear that it very
slightly impairs drive performance. Of course, stiction completely impairs
drive performance 🙂
I would hunt down Quantum's tech number, and give them a call. A couple
of new chips will probably have you up and running.
If the drives came on a GVP hardcard, they used to supply the fix, too.
//Jonathan,
\\//via AutoPilot
Thanks for your reply. I will definetly contact Quantum (got any idea where
their number might be?). I'm glad to hear it is a documented problem. It
doesn't always happen, which is the irritating part. The drive lulls you into a
state of security for a few days, then malfunctions at just the wrong time. But
it's getting more fequent.
Thanks again – Lee
Lee,
Send me some E-mail, and I'll see if I can find the number at work.
Later,
//Jonathan,
\\//via AutoPilot
Sounds like it's a disk problem to me.
I've never had a 40M Quantum, so I don't know if they're prone to failure
or not, but if you're looking to buy a new Drive, I'd suggest getting a
bigger Quantum. (I've had a 52M quantum, in 3 computers over the last
three years, and it still doesn't have any bad tracks.)
I'vs also had pretty good luck with the newer Seagates, (they're reliable,
but not terribly fast.)
I don't believe the CIA chip being bad, could cause any hard didsk
problems, though, is possible your controller could be a bit bad (I really
believe it's the drive from what you said.)
What kind of Hard drive controller do you have?
Bob Comer — Flying high and fast with my A1200HD'030 on Autopilot!
From Cheyenne, Wyoming U.S.A.
I have a 2091 controller – came in my 2000HD a few years ago. Aside from
installing a mega-midget racer I haven't upgraded yet, not even to 2.0 OS.
It's still a great computer. Aside from these hard disk problems I have no
complaints. If I get another one though it won't be a Quantum! Burned twice is
enough.
Thanks – Lee
Lee,
You're taking a bad attitude with the Quantums.
See, many other vendors have been afflicted with the same (or similar)
problem. There was Seagate with its first 3.5" efforts (anyone remember
the abomination that was called the ST-157N?), and there was the famous
Sony/Apple secret warranty (Apple would replace the badly designed Sony
drive, but only if you brought it into an authorized (read expensive)
repair shop. If you did, you got a freebie. Most budget minded folks,
however, replaced it on their own, and paid for Sony's mistakes).
Not only that, but Quantums have generally been the most reliable drives
I've ever owned. And, BTW, when Apple stopped putting Sony drives in
Macs…they started using Quantums.
Of course, the newer Seagates ain't bad, neither…:)
//Jonathan,
\\//via AutoPilot
I have an additional question for you. Assuming I do have to replace
my internal drive, will I have to reformat my external drive or will
I be able to just plug it back in?
Lee,
Sorry that it took so long to resume this thread.
The answer to your question is that you replacing your internal drive
should have no effect on the external drive. Make sure they are using
different ID's, check the boot priorities, and plug and play.
//Jonathan,
\\//via AutoPilot
Thanks for your help.
If you set the new (internal) drive up to match the set up of the old
(internal) drive, it should be plug-n-play. Make sure you set the SCSI ID
properly and either use or remove the termination resistor packs
accordingly.