Are these signs of a dying hard drive?

Bacon

Bacon

Member
Well, it started when the computer randomly restarted for no apparent reason. I figured it was a virus and tried running scans, but it would restart before any of them really found anything. After that it progressively got worse, so I presumed the only solution would be to reformat. I've never had to reformat this computer in the 6 years I've had it and to my knowledge its still the same hardware except for some extra RAM I added as well as a new power supply.

Now after the reformat I proceeded to install windows XP with the disc I got when I bought the computer. It failed and I tried to keep on reinstalling windows, but it keeps on failing at random spots, or it freezes, or it doesn't copy necessary files. I did manage to get it installed once, but it was highly unstable. Probably because it didn't install a needed file. I tried using a different XP disc I got with my dell laptop, but got the same results. Then in desperation I tried downloading windows and burning it, same results, random failures at random points.

I don't have a clue as to what could be causing this and this is just my guess.

Any help is highly appreciated.


Specs of the computer:

Intel d915pcy Motherboard
Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz Processor
Nvidia GeForce 6600 256 MB
Western Digital 160 GB Hard Drive
Thermaltake 430W Powersupply
2x Crucial 1GB RAM
2x 512MB RAM (Unsure of the maker)

If any other information is needed please let me know!
 
The results you are getting is common when you have bad memory installed. Download memtest and burn it to a cd and boot to it. It will most likely show errors. If you have more than one stick of memory, you can try taking one out at a time to see if windows will install correctly. Start by taking out the 2- 512 sticks and leave the crucial in and then try to install.
 
johnb35 said:
The results you are getting is common when you have bad memory installed. Download memtest and burn it to a cd and boot to it. It will most likely show errors. If you have more than one stick of memory, you can try taking one out at a time to see if windows will install correctly. Start by taking out the 2- 512 sticks and leave the crucial in and then try to install.
Click to expand...

So wait, should I take a stick out, see if it installs right and if it doesn't put it back in and try a different stick? Or should I only have 1 stick in and test each one? Er.. What? Thanks for responding btw. :)

Edit: Nvm..You told me -.-

and yes the first test is already showing 7 errors
 
Last edited:
Turns out the crucial ram was my problem.. Funny, the off-brand is older and it outlasts a brand name.
 
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