Drive Problems

Recently, my desktop was going slow and I figured I needed to do a System Restore to get malware off as I don't have anything on there I will miss. When I go to System Recovery it informs me that hard disk failure is imminent and make a backup. Before I can do anything further with it, I can't access Windows 7 and the BIOS won't show the HDD as being connected. I assumed a dead hard drive and I got a new one. After installation I run the Recovery Discs and it stalls at 8% after two hours. I cancel and decide to start again. However, this time when I start it up neither the HDD or the CD drive is being recognized by the BIOS and I cannot proceed any further.

I'm thinking that there may be a major problem with the motherboard, but I'm not certain. Any ideas to the cause of this problem?

 

If you have access to another PC, hook the new drive up to it using a USB adapter such as this (http://www.amazon.com/Cables-To-Go-...6C5S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331423018&sr=8-3) and test it using a program such as Seagate's SeaTools or Western Digital's Data Lifeguard.

Do the same thing with the old (dead) drive. If it passes, it increases the odds the issue is with the drive controller on the motherboard.

If the drive passes, do a quick reformat of it and try again. Check the restore DVD/CD for scratches or fingerprints and wipe it with a soft cloth if needed.

Finally, try reinstalling Windows using an OEM restore disc. If it takes, it indicates the restore disc you created may be corrupted.

If all these steps fail, my guess is the HDD Controller on the motherboard has bit the dust in which case the motherboard will have to be replaced.

Hope this helps.