Scary Hard Drive Problem

[wumpus]

I'm having a strange hard drive related problem with my primary home PC and I need feedback.

I downloaded the Vista RTM ISO* to my server, and I was having trouble burning it from my PC. So I check the CRCs on the files and, sure enough, a few files fail CRC check. I try it on the server, and its CRCs are all good. Hmm. Strange.

I run the CRC check again locally and different files 'fail' each time. Not good. I've stopped overclocking for the last week or so, so it can't be that. I run two instances of Prime95 torture test for an hour-- pass. No errors.

Previously I ran the CRC check for the server files on the server. I can run the CRC check for the server files from my local PC, and that passes fine, too.

If I copy the files to C:\ or D:\ I get the same result-- random CRC failures each time I check.

I am not sure how it could be both drives.. maybe just the interface? I have more and more evidence that whatever my problem is, it's either the hard drives, or the SATA interface on the mobo. Everything else appears to be working fine.

What do I do? Anyone have any ideas? I've never seen a problem quite like this.

* Don't worry, I'll be buying copies. I just gotta have it ASAP.

[Pjerrot]

whatever my problem is, it's either the hard drives, or the SATA interface on the mobo.

A few years ago I couldn't reinstall windows 98. I tried at least 10 times. But then it dawned on me that the reason it stopped with file-errors after going from DOS-mode to windows mode, might be because it then used all the memory to unpack the files.
Bad memory.
New memory was installed - problem solved.

[RickH]

I've had similar issues with iffy components that would BSOD until I downclocked the system, or with programs that would run fine until the second stick of memory was needed.

[wumpus]

Of course you're both right.. I fail the Prime95 "blend" (aka heavy memory use) test immediately, no matter what I set my memory timings to. They were set to "auto".

Guess I'll be RMAing the memory.. and buying some new memory :P

Very strange. I wonder if this problem was there since I built the system? I'm not sure I tried the "blend" torture test since I built this system, but I should have..

[Jason McMaster]

Wumpus, old friend, don't copy that floppy.

[wumpus]

I have to copy the damn floppy because the other distribution networks are ass.

I dream of a world where the legitimate distribution networks are as effective and pervasive as the pirate networks. I say it's possible, dammit.

[wumpus]

Also, the "good" news is that when I remove a stick of RAM, I can pass the Prime95 "blend" test, whereas with two sticks, it fails instantly. At least this way I can work on a stable system until my new RAM arrives.

[stusser]

Try upping your memory voltage and relaxing the timings a smidge.

Also, pirating your OS... not a real great idea.

[wumpus]

Try upping your memory voltage and relaxing the timings a smidge.
Done already in spades. No change. Also, I failed Prime95 9 minutes in with a single stick. I guess I really got bad memory or something.


Also, pirating your OS... not a real great idea.
Did I say I was pirating my OS? No, I said I needed to use the world's most efficient distribution network to get the software. I'll buy a key when they're available.

It's not like you can really crack Vista in any meaningful way, since it phones home non-stop, and a valid key is required to get security updates. You can, however, force it to use a RC1 key, which will be valid until March 2007 or so.

[stusser]

Yeah, dump the RAM. And of course you can pirate vista, you can pirate anything, it's just silly to pirate your main OS. Not worth the trouble.