HD resets at shut down, can't format. 1

[bbogert]

Ok, the hard drive is probably beyond repair, but I wanted to ask all of you first...
The hard drive is recognized by XP, and assigned as the G: drive. I can open files from the drive, copy files to it, and delete most of the items on it. The next time XP boots up, the hard drive is the exact same way that it was at last boot. None of the changes made exist any more. I tried to re-format (and this is why I think I'm probably SOL) and was told that Windows could not format the drive. I tried using an XP boot CD to partition and format and install XP, but I can only set one partition, if I try to do two, it combines them into one partition. I continued with installation anyway, and after the drive was 100% formatted, I received the message saying that the drive could not be formatted. The next time I booted up, the drive still contained all files and folders (45gb) that were on it before a failed formatting. Additionally, there are several files that can't be deleted, I believe the error message was that XP "could not read from source file or disk", but I am not positive. I will write it down tonight for posting tomorrow if necessary. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[wolluf]

Sounds like its toast - you could try downloading and running manufacturer's diagnostic utility (most have them - usually includes some repair as well as diag features). See what it reports.

And/or you could try properly wiping the drive (eg -

http://www.killdisk.com/features.htm)

- and if it lets you, try starting again (but I'd definitely run the diagnostic - not much use setting up a disk to use if its about to completely fail!)

 

[bbogert]

One thing I forgot to mention in the previous post: the drive is a Samsung, and they warn not to low level format their drives. Reading the basic info on the Killdisk site, it appears that it does something similar to a low-level format, but I can't tell for sure.