A1200 new hard disk

[Brian]

Load HDToolBox, define new drive type, define new, read configuration. Drive info might not be read correctly so make sure that Cyls, Heads, BpT and BpC correspond with what is printed on the drive. Size will often show wrong or even negative numbers, ignore that as long as the other is correct. OK it, Ok next, partision drive (if using old FFS then remember not to pass the 2GB per partision, as the drive is only 3Gb there's no "max 4Gb" problem).

[Brian]

Well.. the IDE interface on an A600, A1200 and A4000 uses SCSI.device. Don't know why but I guess it was easier to do it that way back then even if it have confused loads of ppl ever since.

You never need to low-level format a drive... never... in fact, doing so can destry some drives.

The fact that you can't save to the drive in HDToolbox do indicate that something is up with the drive, could be that it's dead as you say but could also be one of few drives that just don't like the Amiga and it might work perfectly in a PC. :/