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Error reading fixed drive

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audiopimp

MIS
Jun 9, 2002
175
CA
OK, WTF? I ran a low level format on one of my drives (30 Gig Quantum), it took about 6 hours and now I cant partition the drive. I'm getting different error messages and am starting to wonder if the HD has finally failed. Error messages: when using the win98 startup disk message says win98 has detected that drive c: doesnot contain a valid FAT or FAT32 partition. Then ran FDISK and error message claims "error reading fixed drive"

I am bambouzalled and frustrated! can someone please recommend something?

thanks
 
It's been my experience that low-level formatting of modern hard drives is best not used unless there's problems with the drive, it is out of warranty, and there is no other option left. Even then it should only be done the drive maker's software/diagnostic.

"I'm getting different error messages and am starting to wonder if the HD has finally failed."

Probably. But may still be in warranty, check Maxtor's web site, they own Quantum. While there get the Quantum diagnostic software. If the drive label can't be read, the diagnostic will give the model/serial number, etc.
 
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