Hello David,

Thursday, April 18, 2002, 2:50:26 PM, you wrote:

DW> I have annoying problems with my PC, I'm not sure if they're related, but they probably are. Firstly, when I turn it on, it doesn't recognise the IDE hard drive and therefore can't get the boot
DW> record. It's only when I leave it for a while, then reset it that it recognises it (almost like it's "warming up"). Also, it regularly (almost every time) crashes in the middle of programs
DW> (mostly games) that run perfectly well otherwise. I've updated things like graphics drivers etc so it's not them, I reckon it's a bit more sinister than that.. Can anyone help??
DW> Dave Webster

The problem can be solved by the following ways.
First, check the BAD claster on the HDD by the DOS scandisk (from the
system floppy, for examle). If the surface is fine then
Second, check your HDD by S.M.A.R.T. Monitor (an utility that check
HDD controller, electronics & mechanics).
Third, and the last, use HDD utility from it's vendor for testing your
HDD.
SMART utilities adresses:
1. http://www.acelab.ru/download.html#HDD  for
http://www.acelab.ru/exe/smart203.zip

2.  http://www.SANtools.com  for SMART Monitor.

--
Best regards,
 Yakymakha

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