If you think something is wrong with your drive please do a check of the following:
1. See that wires and connections are not: (this step goes for any and all hardware)
a) Loose
b) Frayed or cut
c) misplaced (it happens)
Note: Also check your jumper settings. Primary Drive: Master
Secondary Drive: Slave
if you only have one drive, you may not neede a jumper, depending on the drive.
2. See that the drive boots in normal mode
3. If #2 does not happen, then try it in SAFE MODE by pressing F8 while the computer boots and selecting "Boot in safe mode" from the list
-> In safe mode, you can see if errors like multiple monitors installed mistakingly, etc.. it shouws you more than you would normally see.
4. If it boots, then you're OK, and the problem IS NOT your drive.
5. If your PC does NOT boot, check your BIOS by pressing the key gested at the time your PC first starts. i say this because it varies, but it's usually F1.
Extending upon that..This is how you know it's dead.
1. the drive DOES NOT appear in the BIOS hardware listing (this is the main signifier that it's gone.)
2. it doesn't boot - ie: it never gets past the initial boot screen.
3. The drive makes a clicking noise, like it's struggling, in which case the head isn't writing properly.
4. nothing will install to the directory. if u try, it won't get anywhere and freeze.
if you're still unsure, take it out and hook it up to another PC as a secondary drive, making sure you got the jumper settings, etc... and check My Computer. In all likelihood, a drive will show, and you can try to work with it through windows, but without any success.
gested at the time your PC first starts. i say this because it varies, but it's usually F1.
