Hi all, basically I am trying to install a 10.2GB seagate HDD onto a very old compaq prolinea 575 series computer. On startup I get Disk Error 1790, but when I reboot from a 98 startup floppy I can see the drive, although its only a virtual RAM drive. Fdisk 'could not access fixed disk' so I used the Seagate installation program, which I think has sucessfully formatted and partitioned the drive. But, I still get the error at first boot, and I cannot install windows as it tells me the HDD is not formatted and partitioned. Diagnostic programs run from the A drive recognise the 10gig drive. I'm guessing that its the old mobo and bios not recognising the HDD, but compaq dont offer any bios flashes. Is there anything I can do?
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argh! v.old computer and new(ish) HDD
- Thread starter suggy
- Start date
IslandCustom
IS-IT--Management
The virtual RAM drive you see from the 98 boot disk is most likely created by the boot disk and is not actually your hard drive. Most 98 boot disks copy utility files to a RAM drive automatically.
Obviously your BIOS doesn't support the drive. You need what is known as "drive overlay" software, and it should be provided by Seagate. Check their web site to see if they have the overlay software. In a nutshell, the software acts as an interpreter between your hard drive and your BIOS, and allows the drive to work in your PC.
Good luck,
Kevin
Obviously your BIOS doesn't support the drive. You need what is known as "drive overlay" software, and it should be provided by Seagate. Check their web site to see if they have the overlay software. In a nutshell, the software acts as an interpreter between your hard drive and your BIOS, and allows the drive to work in your PC.
Good luck,
Kevin
Kevin's right. The virtual RAM drive you mentioned is exactly that - a "virtual RAM" drive which of course resides in RAM and is NOT part of the hard drive.
Many BIOS's in older PC's have the common 2GB or 8GB barrier. So try first to format a partition that is only 2GB in size using the FAT file system (not FAT32). If it still doesn't show up, then there's a setting incorrectly set in the BIOS for the hard drive. Make sure the setting LBA is turned on if you see it.
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here: faq219-2884
Many BIOS's in older PC's have the common 2GB or 8GB barrier. So try first to format a partition that is only 2GB in size using the FAT file system (not FAT32). If it still doesn't show up, then there's a setting incorrectly set in the BIOS for the hard drive. Make sure the setting LBA is turned on if you see it.
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here: faq219-2884
- Thread starter
- #5
well no joy as yet. I have downloaded all the tools from seagate but they dont appear to do much. They install a few files on my C drive (it can get the make and serial right so it must be detecting it), then ends telling me my RAM drive is C. Thanks seagate . . .
While its doing its 'thing' it searches for a SCSI adapter but doesn't find one. Could this be the problem? It is an ATA drive though. I have tried the jumper settings on all, cable select didn't work so it is currently set on master. I read somewhere else that I might have to set it to neutral but that didn't work either. When the program has finished I can access 'C', whatever it is, but it tells me it only has 50MB spare.
I can't actually access the BIOS. This is a second hand drive so I have no idea what they did to it to erase the data, hopefully just a format. Do you think it would be worth putting the HDD in my main comp and just formatting and partitioning it from there, or will this have no effect because it can't be seen? Any suggestions?
While its doing its 'thing' it searches for a SCSI adapter but doesn't find one. Could this be the problem? It is an ATA drive though. I have tried the jumper settings on all, cable select didn't work so it is currently set on master. I read somewhere else that I might have to set it to neutral but that didn't work either. When the program has finished I can access 'C', whatever it is, but it tells me it only has 50MB spare.
I can't actually access the BIOS. This is a second hand drive so I have no idea what they did to it to erase the data, hopefully just a format. Do you think it would be worth putting the HDD in my main comp and just formatting and partitioning it from there, or will this have no effect because it can't be seen? Any suggestions?
- Thread starter
- #6
suggy,
"[blue]They install a few files on my C drive (it can get the make and serial right so it must be detecting it)[/blue]"
Well, not necessarily. Do the make and serial listed match your HDD exactly? I still think that perhaps we are getting HDD and "Virtual RAM Drive" mixed up.
"[blue]What if I put the HDD into another computer like I said, but only partitioned a 2 gig area and installed win 98 on that[/blue]"
I would try it.
However, it's starting to sound like a IDE controller recognition problem, more than it is the size of the hard drive. Are there any other devices on this IDE controller in the old PC, or is the Seagate 10GB hard drive the only one? Have you tried another IDE cable (preferably an 80-pin one if you've got a spare)?
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
"[blue]They install a few files on my C drive (it can get the make and serial right so it must be detecting it)[/blue]"
Well, not necessarily. Do the make and serial listed match your HDD exactly? I still think that perhaps we are getting HDD and "Virtual RAM Drive" mixed up.
"[blue]What if I put the HDD into another computer like I said, but only partitioned a 2 gig area and installed win 98 on that[/blue]"
I would try it.
However, it's starting to sound like a IDE controller recognition problem, more than it is the size of the hard drive. Are there any other devices on this IDE controller in the old PC, or is the Seagate 10GB hard drive the only one? Have you tried another IDE cable (preferably an 80-pin one if you've got a spare)?
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
- Thread starter
- #9
I am afraid I have no idea. the pc is a p66 and the last HDD was 750MB. its very old. probably looking at around '96. It has a separate card for the IDE devices . . .
Cdog, had a look and yeah the HDD is the only device on that cable, there is a cd on the other which is recognised. I'll have a look around for another cable. I didn't think that ATA 'standards' had changed beyond 66 to 100 recently. Is it possible there is trouble with the cable v HDD interface?
Cdog, had a look and yeah the HDD is the only device on that cable, there is a cd on the other which is recognised. I'll have a look around for another cable. I didn't think that ATA 'standards' had changed beyond 66 to 100 recently. Is it possible there is trouble with the cable v HDD interface?
suggy,
Well, in order to get ATA100 speeds or faster, you need to be using an 80-pin IDE cable. However, a 40-pin cable will allow the device to still work, only at ATA33 speeds.
Since your chipset dates back to '95 or '96, I doubt you have anything higher than ATA33 anyway. So the "type" of cable shouldn't really matter. However, perhaps the cable itself is having problems or is damaged in some way. It wouldn't hurt to try another. Other than that, I'm about out of ideas. I was going to suggest you buy a PCI IDE controller card, but a lot of them don't work with old BIOS's.
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
![[stpatrick2]](/data/assets/smilies/stpatrick2.gif "[stpatrick2] [stpatrick2]")
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
Well, in order to get ATA100 speeds or faster, you need to be using an 80-pin IDE cable. However, a 40-pin cable will allow the device to still work, only at ATA33 speeds.
Since your chipset dates back to '95 or '96, I doubt you have anything higher than ATA33 anyway. So the "type" of cable shouldn't really matter. However, perhaps the cable itself is having problems or is damaged in some way. It wouldn't hurt to try another. Other than that, I'm about out of ideas. I was going to suggest you buy a PCI IDE controller card, but a lot of them don't work with old BIOS's.
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884Are you sure the HDD driver board is even an IDE board? The earliest driver boards (this is hurting my memory!<grin>) were for MFM Hard Drives. If it is an IDE driver board, is this a "Super IDE with serial and parallel ports on it also? Do you still have the old HDD?
I've managed to get hold of an old Deskpro 575. It will succesfully recognise a 6.4 GB disk, but seemed to hiccup on a 10 GB disk (unfortunately I'm not allowed to play around with the 10 GB disk, so can't try formatting or anything).
A Compaq diagnostics program that I found claimed it was a 8.4 GB disk, so it seems to me that this may be your limit.
A Compaq diagnostics program that I found claimed it was a 8.4 GB disk, so it seems to me that this may be your limit.
TekTippy4U
Technical User
cdogg;
not being picky, but to clarify for all others and future endeavors (i've made this mistake myself)
(preferably an 80-pin one if you've got a spare)?
and
you need to be using an 80-pin IDE cable.
It's an 80 Conductor cable, not 80-pin...
It's still 40 pins, as I know you're aware..
-----------------------------------------------
suggy
well no joy as yet. I have downloaded all the tools from seagate but they dont appear to do much. They install a few files on my C drive (it can get the make and serial right so it must be detecting it), then ends telling me my RAM drive is C. Thanks seagate . . .
This should be D: not C:this tells you that your HDD is not being detected at all by the BIOS.
You may need/have an SCSI Adapter card interface...
You definitely could use a BIOS update...
You need to completely WIPE the drive...(2nd hand, right?)
comes to mind
Oh.... and I just realized it's an old Compaq pc of S#&%..
Here's a hunk of a FAQ that I'll get around to finishing one day and actually creating and posting...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hidden Partition - Compaq, HP, Packard Bell, IBM, Format, Install, System Restore issues
This FAQ pertains to older versions/styles of PC's listed above, and maybe some newer ones as well. This list should not be considered all-inclusive either.
This FAQ was intended to help users understand what difficulties occur, and why, when trying to
-Re-Partition,
-Re-Format,
-Re-Install the OS on one of the above branded PC's (usually older versions)
Compaq and IBM used a scheme similar to Flash ROM (iFlash, EEPROM), called IML (Initial Microcode Load), in some of their "older" Pentium and 486 Systems. IML is a technique in which the BIOS code is installed on the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in a Special Hidden Partition. It is loaded every time the sytem is powered on or reset.
The System still has a core BIOS on the Motherboard, but all that BIOS does, is Locate and Load updated BIOS code from the Special HDD System Hidden Partition. This technique enabled Compaq and IBM to distribute BIOS ROM updates on a disk/diskette for installation into the HDD System Partition. The IML BIOS is loaded every time the system is powered on or reset.
This Special HDD System Partition also contains a complete copy of the Orig. System Setup and Diagnostics (or Reference disk), along with the BIOS code. This provides the option of running the Setup and System Configuration software at Anytime during the reboot process. This option eliminates the need to boot from the HDD to re-configure the system. It also gives the impression that the entire Setup and Diagnostics or Reference Disk is contained in the Motherboard BIOS ROM.
In short, basically, the MoBo BIOS is only a pointer to the Real BIOS code needed for booting, which is located on this HDD "hidden partition".
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TT4U
Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs..All involved shall be spared the grief.
not being picky, but to clarify for all others and future endeavors (i've made this mistake myself)
(preferably an 80-pin one if you've got a spare)?
and
you need to be using an 80-pin IDE cable.
It's an 80 Conductor cable, not 80-pin...
It's still 40 pins, as I know you're aware..
-----------------------------------------------
suggy
well no joy as yet. I have downloaded all the tools from seagate but they dont appear to do much. They install a few files on my C drive (it can get the make and serial right so it must be detecting it), then ends telling me my RAM drive is C. Thanks seagate . . .
This should be D: not C:this tells you that your HDD is not being detected at all by the BIOS.
You may need/have an SCSI Adapter card interface...
You definitely could use a BIOS update...
You need to completely WIPE the drive...(2nd hand, right?)
comes to mind
Oh.... and I just realized it's an old Compaq pc of S#&%..
Here's a hunk of a FAQ that I'll get around to finishing one day and actually creating and posting...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hidden Partition - Compaq, HP, Packard Bell, IBM, Format, Install, System Restore issues
This FAQ pertains to older versions/styles of PC's listed above, and maybe some newer ones as well. This list should not be considered all-inclusive either.
This FAQ was intended to help users understand what difficulties occur, and why, when trying to
-Re-Partition,
-Re-Format,
-Re-Install the OS on one of the above branded PC's (usually older versions)
Compaq and IBM used a scheme similar to Flash ROM (iFlash, EEPROM), called IML (Initial Microcode Load), in some of their "older" Pentium and 486 Systems. IML is a technique in which the BIOS code is installed on the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in a Special Hidden Partition. It is loaded every time the sytem is powered on or reset.
The System still has a core BIOS on the Motherboard, but all that BIOS does, is Locate and Load updated BIOS code from the Special HDD System Hidden Partition. This technique enabled Compaq and IBM to distribute BIOS ROM updates on a disk/diskette for installation into the HDD System Partition. The IML BIOS is loaded every time the system is powered on or reset.
This Special HDD System Partition also contains a complete copy of the Orig. System Setup and Diagnostics (or Reference disk), along with the BIOS code. This provides the option of running the Setup and System Configuration software at Anytime during the reboot process. This option eliminates the need to boot from the HDD to re-configure the system. It also gives the impression that the entire Setup and Diagnostics or Reference Disk is contained in the Motherboard BIOS ROM.
In short, basically, the MoBo BIOS is only a pointer to the Real BIOS code needed for booting, which is located on this HDD "hidden partition".
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TT4U
Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs..All involved shall be spared the grief.
I have a similar problem with my two older Compaqs. Am trying to move a primary drive (a Fujitsu 6.4 GB UDMA) with Win XP and NTFS from my Compaq Pentium II where it boots perfectly, to a newer Compaq Pentium III. But no such luck as I get the 1790 disk error.....
Well, no big problem as I can back up the data and reinstall the system, just lots of unnecessary work.
However, when searching for a solution I found the following info on Compaqs and 1790 disk error on the Western Digital page:
"...Some Compaq computers store the system BIOS information in a non-dos or diagnostic partition on the hard drive instead of storing it on a chip on the motherboard as most other systems do. If you have such a Compaq model and you install the new drive as a master, you will need to copy or reinstall the diagnostic partition onto the new drive. If you don't, you will not be able to get into your BIOS upon bootup...."
In this case you are advised to use Data Lifeguard Tools, a WDC utility to rectify the problem.
Hope this clue might help.
If you know anything about handlig Fujitsu's 1790, let me know.
Well, no big problem as I can back up the data and reinstall the system, just lots of unnecessary work.
However, when searching for a solution I found the following info on Compaqs and 1790 disk error on the Western Digital page:
"...Some Compaq computers store the system BIOS information in a non-dos or diagnostic partition on the hard drive instead of storing it on a chip on the motherboard as most other systems do. If you have such a Compaq model and you install the new drive as a master, you will need to copy or reinstall the diagnostic partition onto the new drive. If you don't, you will not be able to get into your BIOS upon bootup...."
In this case you are advised to use Data Lifeguard Tools, a WDC utility to rectify the problem.
Hope this clue might help.
If you know anything about handlig Fujitsu's 1790, let me know.
TT4U,
Yes, I often make that mistake in clarifying. The cable should be referred to as "40-pin 80 conductor". However, each conductor inside the wire is also called a pin. Therefore, calling it an 80-pin cable is technically OK - though it might confuse others.
Here's a link that briefly shows the terms used interchangeably (look at the chart as well):
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
Yes, I often make that mistake in clarifying. The cable should be referred to as "40-pin 80 conductor". However, each conductor inside the wire is also called a pin. Therefore, calling it an 80-pin cable is technically OK - though it might confuse others.
Here's a link that briefly shows the terms used interchangeably (look at the chart as well):
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
TekTippy4U
Technical User
Natale and Suggy;
see thread602-777385
TT4U
Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs..All involved shall be spared the grief.
see thread602-777385
TT4U
Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs..All involved shall be spared the grief.
- Thread starter
- #17
so its not looking good really is it. Obviously the original HDD had the startup bios on it in a hidden partition and without it I am a bit stuffed.
How would I go about finding the hidden partition, as my plan of attack at the moment is to disconnect the cd drive and hook up the new drive as a slave so I can copy across the bios data. Damn I need another IDE socket so I can install win98 on the secondary drive using the cd-rom. This is all about 10x more complicated than it should be. As usual . . .
PS Natale unfortunately my drive is seagate and i dont think their tools are as good as WD. well they havent worked anyway.
How would I go about finding the hidden partition, as my plan of attack at the moment is to disconnect the cd drive and hook up the new drive as a slave so I can copy across the bios data. Damn I need another IDE socket so I can install win98 on the secondary drive using the cd-rom. This is all about 10x more complicated than it should be. As usual . . .
PS Natale unfortunately my drive is seagate and i dont think their tools are as good as WD. well they havent worked anyway.
TekTippy4U
Technical User
(If i've managed to keep everyone's issues straight in my head)
Unfortunately I think Suggy needs the "Restore CD" (atleast that , isn't that drive wiped??? no partitions anymore? hidden or otherwise??).....and that's one major reason why ppl bring their old compaq pc's into Dr.Hammerdrill's office for a visit...maybe he'll give you a referral to see the specialist -- Dr.JackHammer--.![[smile]](/data/assets/smilies/smile.gif "[smile] [smile]")
Natale need the orig BIOS code piece found on the PII Mobo chip to be transfered to the Newer PIII box's mobo chip..(how?..no clue)...or update the HDD's hidden partition (somehow) to reflect the Mobo in PIII box..
Back up your Data get rid of the nightmare with an office visit to above listed practioners..![[bigsmile]](/data/assets/smilies/bigsmile.gif "[bigsmile] [bigsmile]")
TT4U
Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs..All involved shall be spared the grief.
Unfortunately I think Suggy needs the "Restore CD" (atleast that , isn't that drive wiped??? no partitions anymore? hidden or otherwise??).....and that's one major reason why ppl bring their old compaq pc's into Dr.Hammerdrill's office for a visit...maybe he'll give you a referral to see the specialist -- Dr.JackHammer--.
Natale need the orig BIOS code piece found on the PII Mobo chip to be transfered to the Newer PIII box's mobo chip..(how?..no clue)...or update the HDD's hidden partition (somehow) to reflect the Mobo in PIII box..
Back up your Data get rid of the nightmare with an office visit to above listed practioners..
TT4U
Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs..All involved shall be spared the grief.
- Status