Hard drive errors

[eggrolls]

My computer has three drives:

C = windows
D = data
E = temp folder, backups

The problems started when I was extracting a zip file using 7-zip. The program would stall at random percentages and not finish. I used the test function in 7-zip and it reported no errors with the archive. After several tries (had to end task after each time), I restarted the computer with the reset button.

One of three things happen after a restart (which I did a few times): freezes right after detection of hard drives during POST (drive E is detected), checkdisk launches and reports lots of unreadable segments on drive E, or freezes at the "Startup Windows" screen. One time, I was able to get into Windows and see the files on drive E, but the computer froze during shutdown.

I disabled drive E in the BIOS and moved my temp folder to drive D. Now the computer seems to be fine. I even restarted a few more times just to make sure.

What could be wrong with drive E? Is it possible to fix? The data on that drive isn't critical. I just want the drive working again.

 

[Matan Eldan]

I recommend to scan your drive,
with the debug software provided by your manufacturer of your HD.

For more information just look for your manufacturer website in Google.

 

[pcgeek11]

It could be a number of things including bad timing.
Virus in the zipped file.
Hard drive crash due to the hard reboots.
Natural death of a drive at a bad time.

I concur run the MFG Drive utilities.

 

[eggrolls]

I ran Seatools and it didn't find any problems. It seems like the drive is working again for whatever reason.

 

[gsaldivar]

Check Event Viewer for any drive/bus related errors.

 

[larslake]

restore to an earlier date - it most likely be the time when you installed 7-zip. still having probs with the drive? borrow a copy of spinrite and run it on drive. My guess is that it's the zip app. that's causing the problem.

 

[eggrolls]

I do see some errors in event viewer:

The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and unusable.

and

The driver detected a controller error on \Device\Ide\IdePort3.

I put back the temp folder onto that drive, and I haven't seen any problems for the past few hours. Let's hope it stays that way.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[gsaldivar]

Proceed with caution. While the symptoms might have gone away for the moment, you should suspect that there is an underlying issue that may cause future issues if it isn't solved.

Look at Event viewer again and see if you can determine when the problem occurred. Are the errors appearing only very recently, or is there a long history of them contained in the logs?

Closely (under bright light) inspect power and I/O cables to the drive for any possible damage, swap any suspect cables for good ones. Make sure you have the latest drivers handy for your system/mobo. Delete the controller from Device Manager, and reboot to allow the system to recreate it.

I would backup your data until the underlying issue is identified.

Good luck!