Korean Job Discussion Forums

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

Hey.

Can anyone recommend a decent computer tech that doesn't charge an arm and a leg and speaks a little English? I have a hackintosh and I recently moved and my tower might have had a bang or two in the process. I formatted when I arrived and the install is hanging on "Verifying DMI pool data". I'm savvy when it comes to software but hardly know a thing when it comes to hardware. From what I understand, it is likely my hard drive. I need to have it tested to make sure it is so I can send it to Western Digital and get a replacement.

Thanks

FistFace · Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 6:39 pm Post subject:

It's simple. Look up the correct HDD and run the software (I remember doing it from USB key). The program runs before boot, and can take hours or even days, depending on what you're doing.

Western Digital will likely insist that you run their diagnostic program before accepting a return. They'll ask for a code number given by the diag. program.

Jbko · Joined: 17 Jan 2010

Just install Logmein or teamviewer
then find some body in any country
some body you trust and they can login to your pc and solve your issue

If your PC problem is some thing else and you need to find a tech in Korea
that is difficult Sad

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Download a Linux LiveCD. Using the LiveCD, run a HardDrive diagnostic program. Or, plug your hard drive into another computer and run Spin Rite on it.

There could be a number of things wrong.

Western Digital's RMA service is pretty straightforward. Don't test it. Just file an RMA claim. For the reason, just type, "Makes a high pitched whine and occasional clicking sound."

WD just sends you a new drive. They don't spend time to test your drive to see whats wrong. That is a waste of their time. They mail out a new (or recertified) drive to you.

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

Thanks a lot for the help guys.

I finally got around to running the WD diagnostics off their website. I received a 0120 error code which says there is no drive. I ran it a couple of times after checking the HD cables were connected. It does read the drive is there under the BIOS, but from what I have read online, it will still recognize it even if its damaged.

So I guess when I was moving, the tower might have been bumped which damaged the platter?

So the next step is to complete the return with WD on their website. Does anyone have experience with this? Pretty straightforward and hassle free?

Thanks again for the help.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

As long as you didn't damage the mainboard....

Did you try it in any other ports? Make sure you unplug the machine before doing this.

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

Im pretty sure it is the HD but ill give this a go. Im also going to try and install my OS on an external HD on the weekend to confirm this. Thanks.

languistic · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

Could also be a BIOS problem. Remove the battery for a short time and then reset the BIOS to system defaults.

It does seem like the hard drive but frankly, when you say "a bump or two", they would have to be fairly significant (the case would probably be damaged somehow) to cause a major problem. What often happens in a bump is the head gets out of sync with the platter; it can't physically reach some part of the platter as it has been physically moved to some degree. In this case, yes, you are SOL.

Previous posters mentioned trying Spinrite; do this. Also (if you don't have the software), try booting from the CD or DVD and use the fdisk/chkdsk commands to try to repair the problem. (I assume you are using Windows?)

In the BIOS (I presume you have looked at this already), is there any disk present? That is to say, does the BIOS see the HDD?

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

Thanks for the quick replys.

I am using the system as a hackintosh so I am using Snow Leopard. I do have a copy of windows 7 in which i could try and use the fdisk... to be honest im not that familiar with windows.

BIOS does recognize the drive as being present but the WD diagnostic I ran said there was no drive present with the 0120 error code. When I chose what diagnostic to run, i downloaded the WD10EADS tool where I have a WD10EAVS as this tool wasnt on the site. Im pretty sure they are very similar drives, if not the same as they are both the same size. So I dont think this would cause the 0120 code but maybe it did?

There were no significant bangs on the system. I can attest as I moved it around personally. Does it take a significant bump to upset the platter?

Looks like i should do some more steps before I sent the drive back. Thanks again for all the help. Some knowledgeable folks on here.

languistic · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

languistic · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

I can't PM yet, but if you want, pm me your location. I have been known to lend a hand...

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

I checked the cables but I not much of a hardware guy, more software. Everything seemed to be tight, i even disconnected and reconnected them. It is a SATA and its less then a year old without much use on it.

Yes, error code 0120 is the same as 120 and from what i read it says to retest and if the same error occurs to get a new HD... its under warranty until 2011 so its not a huge deal... just really want to get my machine up and running again as it has been stagnant for some time. Im thinking of getting a cheap 250 or 320 drive if i find this HD is the problem until i get this one back.