When I start my desktop, I'm getting this message (and a dull chord sound about every two minutes or so):
Dr 1 Serial ATA

Hard Drive Self Monitoring system has reported that a parameter has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell recommends that you back up regularly. Parameter may be out of range or may not indicate a potential hard drive problem.

Press F1 key to continue; F2 key to run the setup utility.

It may be connected with a my recent attempt to install HDD Life. I installed it but what comes up when I try to use it is the message that it cannot do a complete diagnosis because it's the freeware version, which I had previously installed. I tried to unistall the freeware, using the software provider's recommendations, i.e., removing the PROGRAM in control panel, then reinstalling it, but that doesn't do the job.

The COMPUTER is a Dell Workstation 380 with a 160 GB hardrive that is only six months old, with a 300 GB"slave", also new. I'm using Windows XP, the newest rendition, that I got from Dell when I bought the computer in February. Please help.
Mike

Uninstall the program completely. Then do as suggested and backup all critical data to off disk media. Then boot to the recovery console and run chkdsk /rHi Allen,
I've tried without success to remove the HDDLife program. When I do try it ends with this message:"There is a problem with this WindowsInstaller package. A script required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor."

When you advise me to back up all data, do you mean all files? Is there a Windows program for this or do I just copy and paste?

Finally, WOULD it help matters to disconnect the one hard drive on which all my programs are now and install XP on the other hard drive?

When I do boot, now, without the abovementioned move, and hit R, what am I trying to do, or will everything run as it needs to and repair as it should?
I appreciate your help, and patience. Thanks again,

Mike

IQuote from: mbrand on October 17, 2009, 12:49:33 PM

Hi Allen,
I've tried without success to remove the HDDLife program. When I do try it ends with this message:"There is a problem with this WindowsInstaller package. A script required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor."

Have you tried reinstalling the program and then uninstalling it?

When you advise me to back up all data, do you mean all files? Is there a Windows program for this or do I just copy and paste?

Yes, I mean any files you need to save (photos, documents, etc) just in case the drive actually is failing - though I tend to think it's just a scare tactic from the free version of that program intended to get you to purchase the paid version). Your best bet is to copy them manually unless there are a LOT)

Finally, would it help matters to disconnect the one hard drive on which all my programs are now and install XP on the other hard drive?

Toward what end? If it would be to use the newer drive permanently and just copy the files from the existing drive to that one and then format the current drive then sure, you can do that

When I do boot, now, without the abovementioned move, and hit R, what am I trying to do, or will everything run as it needs to and repair as it should?
I appreciate your help, and patience.

When you press R you'll be asked to which Windows installation you want - press the number 1. You'll be asked for a password - press ENTER. Then you'll be taken to what looks like a dos prompt. At that point enter chkdsk /r and press ENTER
Thanks again,

Mike

I