2024-11-23

computer crash

Computer crashes when an ATA drive larger than 32 GB is installed

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM06 mins

ATA Hard Drive If your computer crashes once an ATA drive larger than 32GB is installed, it is probable that the capacity of the hard drive is too large for the BIOS to support.

This article and its troubleshooting refer only to ATA drives, as Serial ATA controllers do not have any issues seeing large capacity SATA drives.

Computer systems built prior to October of 1998 (such as Pentium 2 processors and some Pentium 3 processors) typically hang or freeze while auto-detecting large hard disks during system startup.

Common BIOS capacity barriers include 528 MB, 2.1 GB, 8.4 GB, and 32 GB. There are multiple solutions to work around BIOS capacity barriers.

First of all,

  1. turn off your computer
  2. disconnect the ATA and power cables from the large drive

before booting the computer and entering the BIOS, in order to keep the system from hanging.

To allow your system’s hardware to recognize the full capacity of the hard drive, it is recommended that you either

  1. upgrade your system’s BIOS (see the motherboard manufacturer website or contact their technical support department), or
  2. purchase a PCI ATA controller card.  This is the best solution, and these cards are usually inexpensive.

The following steps can allow older systems to access ATA drives of larger capacity.  However, the drive will operate with a reduced capacity.

  1. Create a SeaTools for DOS CD or floppy diskette.  SeaTools for DOS tutorial for help.
  2. Restart and enter the system BIOS to set the drive parameters manually.Entering the system BIOS is usually accomplished by pressing F1, F2, or DEL right after powering the system on. Look for an on-screen message stating which key to press.
    Alternately, the correct key to press may be found in the motherboard documentation.
  3. Set the BIOS parameters for the drive from Auto-Detect to None, or Off.
  4. Save BIOS settings.
  5. Exit setup.
  6. Power the system off.
  7. Reconnect the power and ATA cables.
  8. Insert the SeaTools for DOS CD or floppy diskette.
  9. Power on the computer.
  10. When the system boots to the SeaTools program, press C to set the drive capacity.
  11. If you don’t know the maximum capacity drive your system’s BIOS can handle, press S to set the maximum to 32GB, which is a common limit on older systems. If you do know the maximum, you can press Mto set the limit manually.Once you have changed the capacity for the drive and SeaTools for DOS accepts it, completely power down your system to clear any cached information. If you simply restart without completely powering the computer off first, the drive size changes may be lost.
  12. Power the system back on and enter the system BIOS.
  13. Set the drive parameters back to Auto-Detect.
  14. Save BIOS settings.
  15. Exit setup.
  16. (If necessary) Insert your Windows install CD.
  17. (If necessary) Reboot the computer to launch the normal Windows installation procedures.

Alternate Settings: Steps 1 and 2 above will not work on some system BIOSes. You will notice this if the system still hangs at startup or if SeaTools for DOS is unable to detect the drive after the BIOS settings have have been set to None.
So, try setting the drive’s parameters to a User Definable Type with 1024 cylinders, 16 heads, and 63 sectors.

  1. With the computer’s power off, disconnect the large ATA drive’s cables.
  2. Boot to the BIOS.
  3. Set the LBA to Normal, Standard or Disabled.
  4. Set Write Pre Comp (WpCom) and Landing Zone (LZ) settings to zero.
  5. Save BIOS settings.
  6. Exit setup.
  7. Power the system off.
  8. Reconnect the power and ATA cables of the large drive.
  9. Power the system on.
  10. Reboot the computer to launch the normal Windows installation procedures.

This process will also set the drive to operate at a reduced capacity.  Please remember that the best solution is to connect the drive to PCI ATA controller card, which should solve the system hang problem and also allow the drive to function at full capacity.

Read More

What Should You Do Before a Computer Crash

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM06 mins

data backupDo you has the experience a computer crash or data loss? We know that once it happens there is very little we can do about it. Just can pay a data recovery company hundres or thousands of dollars to recover the data or lose the data forever.

What should you do before a computer crash?

Find all of the documents, pictures and other files that are important to you and move them to a central location on your computer. Having documents on your desktop and root folder of your C drive and all kinds of miscellaneous folders is not only a headache when you try to find something, but it will make backing up even harder and waste a lot of space.

The most important part of preparing for a computer crash is to save copies of your work on more than just your single hard drive. You can backup your data by Manual Backup, Backup Software or Backup Media.

Manual Backup.
This is the cheapest option in the short run. However, if you forget to make a regular backup yo u will loose some of your work. This option will likely also take you more time.

Backup Software
You can also choose from several pieces of software that will automate the process and make it much simpler and faster. The big advantage for this is that you can set backups to run at varying frequencies and at times while you aren’t using the computer. See the resource area for several backup solutions.

Backup Media
Regardless of how you backup your computer files, you must have a place to back up your files. You can look for online backup websites that will give you so much space to use for free or a small price. The problem with this is that it can be very slow depending on the speed of your ISP. The biggest advantage however, is that they are likely to have backup servers themselves. You’re next likely choice is to buy a second hard drive. You can buy an internal or external drive. This will give you the quickest way to backup your files on a regular basis. Finally, you can also prepare for a crash by saving your files onto CD or DVD. You will need a CD or DVD writer but these are common on most computers. Optical media like CDs or DVDs however, have a limited lifetime and can get scratched or lost. This is a good secondary backup source but shouldn’t be your own or primary source. A portable USB drive is a very good place to save files to also, but it has the same risks of an optical device. It can be lost or broken.

Regularly check your backups to make sure they will work when you use them. You can do this by opening your files and make sure they work but if you are using a program test it out, make sure you protect your files in at least one other place in case the backup software has a problem and corrupts your files.

Make a list of all the software you have installed on your computer. Find this software and make sure you have a working copy and have the serial number. This is also a good idea to make a backup of your programs.

Read More

Get Your Computer in Gear — Avoid Data Recovery

DATARECOVERYUNION.COM16 mins

Avoid Data RecoveryFor many of us, computers are a lot like cars—we don’t absolutely need them, but they can make life a great deal more enjoyable and convenient, we get to do and see things by using them that we probably wouldn’t otherwise see and they both require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This is never more true than when talking about avoiding data recovery.

 

Avoid the Crash

Just like with motor vehicles, the best way to steer clear of data recovery and keep your computer in tip-top condition is to keep it from crashing. When your computer freezes up or crashes the potential for data loss increases exponentially. The following are just a few basic measures you can take to avoid a disastrous system crash:

 

  • Utilize Basic Disk Utilities – You have several tools built in to your operating system (defragmentation, disk cleanup, error checking) designed to help keep your computer running at maximum capacity. Just like changing the oil in your car, performing these small tasks every few months can make a world of difference.
  • Run System Updates – Keeping your computer’s operating system current with the latest updates is key for optimal performance. If you’re a Windows user, ignoring update prompts is like ignoring low and worn tires; the longer you go without addressing them, the greater your chances increase for a problem-and hence the possibility of lost data.
  • Protect Against Viruses and Spyware – Computer viruses are designed for destruction and some spyware, like adware, can cause your system to lock up-posing a high risk for data loss. Like potholes and other unseen road hazards, viruses and spyware often appear before it’s too late. By investing in some high-quality anti-virus software and anti-spyware software, you can avoid these dangers altogether.
  • Use a Surge Protector/Power Backup – Power surges and power outages are a fact of life; both can harm your computer and cause data loss. Double-check your power strip and make sure it is also a surge protector.

    Also, if you use your computer for work or some other important role, consider purchasing a power ba ckup unit. Although they cost a few bucks, power backups, like a spare tire, can keep your computer going long enough for you to avoid a major data loss situation, which in itself can be priceless.

  • Give Your Computer the Royal Treatment – Just as you’d baby an expensive car, your computer also needs tender loving care. Avoid jostling your computer when you need to move it-a good rule of thumb is to handle it as if were filled with champagne glasses.

    Avoid exposing your computer to direct sunlight and to extreme temperatures-heat is your computer’s worst enemy. You’ll also want to keep your computer in a place where the air is not too dry, as dry air tends to promote static electricity.

    Lastly, keep the inside of your PC case clean. To do this, make sure your computer case is not sitting directly on the floor. Dirt from carpets and dust bunnies are easily sucked into your computer’s case through cooling fans, settling on circuit boards and other major components. Also, every six months or so you (or someone experienced with computers) should open up your case and clean it out with a small handheld vacuum or compressed air.

By following these steps, you can avoid data recovery and keep your computer in gear and purring like a kitten as you speed down the information superhighway.

Read More