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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: hai_ok on September 09, 2005, 02:57:31 PM

Title: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: hai_ok on September 09, 2005, 02:57:31 PM
If you've ever seen the Newtek Revolution VHS video, then you know why I got into computers.

I just got an Amiga 2000
It looks like it has been upgraded to an A2500
68030 @ 25Mhz w about 13MB RAM and FPU
120 MB Maxtor HD
A Video Toaster 2.0
And At least one (looks like two) DPS TBC Cards.
No CDROM Drive :/

I was testing everything and feeling all nostalgic and teary-eyed. I am in love all over again.

I plan to clean up the drive and reinstall the OS and all the software (Which wasn't included) I just got OS 3.9 and just won a set of VT 2.0 floppies on ebay for just this purpose.

I was planning to hook up a null modem cable and use Amiga Explorer to back her up. Just in case.

So last night I go to turn it on and it hangs.
Then the "please insert floppy" screen comes up.
You know the one.
Now I can't get her to boot off of the Hard Drive.
I have changed nothing.
I have tinkered with nothing.

I was going to back it up like a good boy!
Really!
I mean where else am I going to find the TBC Software????
Now I suspect the drive has failed and I am too late.
I have turned her on maybe 5 times since I got her. (So I don't do anything before I back her up!!!)
The guy I got her from was rough on her. The case is loose and the screw that holds it shut is missing.

I've never been so happy to own a computer in my life.
I Love AMIGA, Lightwave 3D and the Toaster!
And now my heart is broken.

I have no Floppies.

What can I do to test the HD?

I suppose I should try to replace the HD. Where to get drives...?

Anyone have experience replacing an Amiga HD? All my experience have been with one hand on the mouse and the other on the keyboard, although I do have loads of PC hardware experience.

Where can I get the DPS TBC Software?

I love Amigas so much it hurts. I was so thrilled to get this machine I can't sleep at night, worrying about her. I guess I'm kind of hung up on this, huh?

Slow, patient and caring advice is appreciated.
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: patrik on September 09, 2005, 03:06:35 PM
@hai_ok:

Here (http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/search.pl?product=tbc&company=dps) you should find the software you need.

Try to reseat the cables to the harddrive and controller and see if it makes any difference. This may sound funny, but press firmly on the boot-rom on the controller so it goes as deep as it can into the socket (one finger on the bootrom and one on the opposite side of the controllers circuit board).


/Patrik
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: hai_ok on September 09, 2005, 03:23:23 PM
@Patrik

Wow!!!
The Software!!! Woohoo!!!

Sorry. I'm just thrilled to see that it is out there!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!

I will try re-seating the card and the boot rom.

Would the contacts need cleaning?
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: patrik on September 09, 2005, 03:35:13 PM
@hai_ok:

If the connectors are gold plated and not tin plated, a simple reseating should do. Don't forget to reseat the cable between the controller and the harddrive too - it can just be a simple issue of cables/connectors working loose while transporting it or something.


/Patrik
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: hai_ok on September 12, 2005, 04:18:44 PM
I reseated everything.
No luck.

Does it sound like I should just be able to replace the hard drive?
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: patrik on September 12, 2005, 11:31:51 PM
@hai_ok:

Yeah, just get an old 1GB or so SCSI harddrive, partition it with HDToolBox found on the WB Install disk, format it and install Workbench.


/Patrik
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: TjLaZer on September 13, 2005, 01:51:07 AM
The drive  may still be ok, it could of got corrupt or lost its MBR or was erased by previous owner.  Get your appropriate Workbench disk and boot up and run HDToolBox
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: melott on September 13, 2005, 03:48:13 AM
Sounds to me like the HD is dying ...
I think your best bet is to try and salvage the data
using 'DiskSalv' (should be on Aminet).
I would get another HD (a good one ) and format and
install Dos then copy all the data from the dying HD.
I've had a couple drives do just what you are saying.
I've reformatted them and reinstalled dos just to have
it happen again a short while later.
You can probably salvage the files from the drive but
I wouldn't trust anymore.
Title: Re: Hard Drive Problem?
Post by: Amiga4k on September 14, 2005, 07:03:33 AM
What Workbench version is it asking for?
Where are you located?
I see your website is NewTek.com ?  VERY interesting.  Hmmm !!

I can provide some help, if you answer those questions.
Have several test drives available on the bench right now.
I could prep a drive with the version you need, and you can test the system. If you want to keep the drive, then we'll have to discuss it.

The test drive is free, you pay shipping both ways, and a refundable security deposit.

Suggest you email me.