[RESOLVED] Deleting Dual Boot and Reinstalling XP Pro problem

[Train]

Zero potions means a program that will reset the hdd surface back to manufacture specs, thus wiping anything on it out.

aybe this will help.
http://www.geekornerd.com/2009/06/30...ny-hard-drive/

[Train]

Added reading you may like.
http://www.webopedia.com/didyouknow/..._harddrive.asp

[dneilson]

Hard drive diagnostics

Fujitsu Utilities
http://www.fcpa.com/support/hard-dri...utilities.html

IBM Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Hitachi Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Maxtor Maxblast 3
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=57

Maxtor PowerMax
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=22

Seagate Seatools
http://www.seagate.com/support/seatools/

Western Digital Software & Drivers
http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n

Samsung
http://www.samsung.com/global/busine...ort_HUTIL.html

[Train]

Make sure the CD/DVD device is set before the hdd in BIOS.
F12 during boot up of my laptops, lets me pick which device to select for that one time.

[slickcondo]

Hard drive diagnostics

Fujitsu Utilities
http://www.fcpa.com/support/hard-dri...utilities.html

IBM Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Hitachi Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Maxtor Maxblast 3
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=57

Maxtor PowerMax
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=22

Seagate Seatools
http://www.seagate.com/support/seatools/

Western Digital Software & Drivers
http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n

Samsung
http://www.samsung.com/global/busine...ort_HUTIL.html

Hi dneilson,

Thanks for all the link. I've looked at both the Fjuitsu and Hitachi link, but can't find the right downloads. I have a Fujitsu Lifebook P series and I think the hard disk model is a Travelstar and ithe downloads on the links says it excludes use on this model.

I've googled using the model number which is IC25N080ATMR040...M040AD1A,
and it's 80GB. But again, no diagnostic downloads for this either. But I did came across a site that offers general Fujitsu diagnostic downloads with a choice of either SCSI or ATA/IDE hard disk. Any idea which is the one I have from the model number ?

Thanks for your help.

[slickcondo]

Make sure the CD/DVD device is set before the hdd in BIOS.
F12 during boot up of my laptops, lets me pick which device to select for that one time.

Hi Train,

Thanks for the clarification on what Zero mean and for the link to additional reading. And yes, I have not forgotten changing the BIOS on the priority bootup from CD.

I tried the F12 bootup idea, but does not work on mine. I got a stuck key error instead. So I need to do a permanent change on the BIOS. I suppose I could leave the default permanently to boot from CD, then Floopy and finally the Hard Disk ?? Any long term negative effective if left at this priority all the time ?

[dneilson]

The one you have is IDE. There will be no negative effects if you leave that boot order.

[slickcondo]

The one you have is IDE. There will be no negative effects if you leave that boot order.

Hi - thanks for the info.

I ran the diagnostic software, and it shows my HDD model. But for some reason, it does not let me select it to test it Any idea why ?

I got the diagnostic download from here:
http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/c...tml#diagnostic

Nothing seems to work so far

[dneilson]

I haven't used that that particular diagnostics so i afraid I can't be of help, however, there are many sharp people here so I'm sure someone will jump in and help you.

[Train]

Try the seage diagnostic tool. It should pick it up.

[slickcondo]

I haven't used that that particular diagnostics so i afraid I can't be of help, however, there are many sharp people here so I'm sure someone will jump in and help you.

Hi dneilson,

Thanks for the reassurance. I sure hope so

Thanks for all your help so far.

All the best

[slickcondo]

Try the seage diagnostic tool. It should pick it up.

Hi,

I assume when you said seage, you meant seagate ? I googled seage and nothing came up. In any case, I went ahead and downloaded the seagate tools (SeaTools) for Windows and after saying .Net Framework 2.0 or higher is needed to run it, I did as it asked and ater installing .Net Framework, the diagnostic tools works !!! A big thanks !!!

So how come Seagate works and the Fujitsu tools does not ? What's the connection ?

I've run several different diagnostic from the tools and so far, my HDD passed them. It's now in the middle of doing a Long Generic test and I am sure it'll pass also. Fingers crossed !! The question next is whether is there a tool to Zero the HDD ?

[SpywareDr]

The question next is whether is there a tool to Zero the HDD ?

Just DBAN it.

[slickcondo]

Just DBAN it.

Hi Doc,

Nice to hear from you again.

Not sure if you've read my response to my using DBAN.. I can't get it to work. I've tried to CD way, no luck, the DOS way, also no luck !!! They just don't boot up and I've burnt the CD way abotu 3 times, using different CD and different burner software. Tried the DOS way twice. Not sure why it's not working !

If either method had worked, I won't have been looking for the manufacturer diagnostic tools hoping that it will come incorporate the zero tool for the HDD. I've found a working diagnostic tool, courtsey of Train, but no zeroing facilities.

[dneilson]

As you have Seatools working you can zero the drive. Boot with it and look at the top options--the letter "Z" will do it--it's called erase drive.