Partitioning question...

Just have a general information question in regards to partitioning hardrives.

Using the FDISK utility, when the "verifying drive integrity" starts at 0%, and stays at zero for over an hour, does this mean the drive is NOT spinning?

cristyna77 eagerly awaiting a response. Thanks!

 

It either means that for some reason the drive is not responding, or perhaps you have a BIOS issue. Is this a drive you've used on the same computer before?

 

Its not my computer. Its the b/f's. And unfortunatley even HE couldnt tell you what hardrive he had installed or what BIOS settings he has tweaked. He is out right now going to buy another used hardrive, without knowing what he needs or what he is looking for. He knows very little about computer hardware, but thinks its just like an engine to a car. I am so exhausted watching him playing the role of "Self-taught Computer Technician." He couldn't tell you the difference between "download", and "upload". So, this situation is kind of a lost cause, cuz I have no good details to give you. But thanks for the attempt )

 

Sometimes the best way to learn some of this stuff is by doing. It's also sometimes the expensive way.

 

well, does he realize that a used hard drive will be just as good as a (poorly maintained) used engine? you can't change the oil and clean the air filter on a HDD as you can on the engine, so it's always going to be a poorly maintained item. new is the way to go in terms of drives...

 

Hello!

If he has played around in the BIOS, it can be set to default, or at worse, you can take out the cmos battery for a while and let the mobo drain and also default.

Also, when using fdisk, you can enter #4 on the main menu and get drive information. Look ther to make sure the drive is being recognised.

More than one partition is recommended also. To read more you can see my

Partitioning Guide

 

First thing to do is pop the case and FEEL or HEAR if the drive is spinning.
If it is, the next thing is to go into the BIOS on bootup (usually the DEL key), find the hard disk configuration and set everything to 'Automatic' (even all the primarys and secondarys, even the ones you are not using, it won't care).

 

If the hard drive is staying at 0% when your trying to create a partition. Since the drive is used. I would open the case and find out which manufacturer it is. Then i would go to their website and download their diagnostic utilities disk. Run this program and see if the drive passes or fails. That will tell you whether you need a new one or not.

I certainly second the notion of not buying a used hard drive.

If that doesnt work post back with any more problems and everyone will try and help you with your problem....

Good luck!
TC
Rockinmale