Hard drive problem, may be software?

[dbatlmu]

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Running Win 2K SP2, AMD750 cpu on Abit KA7 mobo; 2 xdrives on Promise ATA100 controller card, 1024 Mb PC133 ram, Via K133 chipset using Win2K drivers
System keeps freezing and only way out is a reboot. Trying to copy files from one drive to t'other, get part way through and system locks. Does this in safe mode.
In built diagnostics say whole setup is working properly Norton 2001 agrees.
Can however burn CDs with no problems from either HDD [DVD-Rom & CD-RW on Primary & secondary IDE ].
Run out of ideas, system worked perfectly up until weekend and only new software installed was Quicktime 5.0.
daren't do a re-install until I can copy files over to 2nd HDD.

DaveB

 

[gbiello]

Have you tried replacing or testing the memory? You may have a bad DIMM. It is possible it works in Safe Mode because you don't utilize the extra memory for drivers.

You can also try updating all your drivers, BIOS etc.
-gbiello

 

[dbatlmu]

Looks like I posted some bad english - the problem also exists when running in safe mode i.e. freezes when trying to copy files.
The memory is all brand new Crucial PC133 and diagnose as O.K. in initial bootup ( not fast bootup). All my other diagnostic tools show Memory ok.
Bios is latest available for Mobo, Drivers are the latest for ATA Promise Controller,display adaptor, Cd-rom players.
Win2k is right up to date with all Service releases, critical updates and security patches.
Since this started have another bug to throw in - I can no longer open more than one instance of Windows Explorer. Also every now & then, get told off for unplugging a removable drive - yet drive is still connected and operational.

 

[gbiello]

No, your English was fine, I can't read. If you have mulitple DIMMs, you can try running the system with first one removed then another. This is a good way to test, even if the diagnostics say it's OK.

Another way to copy the files would be to slave the drive up to a functioning machine. That way you can use it's OS to transfer. Can you remove QuickTime and see if that helps? If none of this helps, it looks like you're reinstalling from the ground up.