1784 disk controller failure

[escher2099]

Help! Everytime I try to start up my Compaq laptop I get this message "1784 disk controller failure". The hard disk keeps spinning and the computer will not shut off. I have tried to boot up from a floppy but this hasn't been successful either. What does this error exactly mean and what would you suggest as a next step?

[robwes]

Welcome to Virtualdr
It might be just a loose ribbon cable. They do come loose, because hard drives vibrate. http://www.asia-pacific.digital.com/...ries/post.html
http://www.compaq.com/support/techpubs/maintenance_guides/ProLiant_3000/mplnt3c3.02.ht ml




[This message has been edited by robwes (edited 08-07-2001).]

[sdtech]

escher2099,
a 1782 POST Error Message indicates: Hard drive circuitry error, a 1784 POST Error Message indicates: Drive Array Drive Failure, Physical Drive. Either way, Run Computer Setup (F10) and see if your hard drive is being detected correctly. If its not, clear CMOS. Then check your cables as rowbes suggested. Then try running scandisk in DOS. If you are unable to run scandisk, you may need to replace the hard drive. Last solution is to replace the motherboard. Personally, I would contact Compaq tech support for assistance. Both the hard drive and motherboard can be pretty spendy on a laptop.
Good luck and let us know what the outcome is!