IDE Hard Disk Controller Failure Error Message

General Troubleshooting steps. Always do this first!

Due to vibrations during shipping, the connections of the cables and cards can loosen. If a cable comes even partly off, or a card pops even slightly out of its slot, you will have problems with your computer.

If you just received your machine, follow these preliminary steps:

1. Take the cover off the computer. (Note the static electricity precautions mentioned below.)
2. Carefully push on all expansion cards to make sure they are properly seated in their slots.
3. Carefully push on the cable connectors to make sure they are firmly in place.

Refer to Chapter 1 of your Gateway 2000 System Users Guide for details.

Take precautions against static electricity.

The components inside your system are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD). Static electricity can cause irreparable damage to your system; however, if you follow these preventions and precautions, you should prevent such damage.

Static Electricity Preventions

1. Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronic stores).
2. Turn off the system power.
3. Touch the back of the power supply fan, located on the back of the case.
4. Unplug all cords from the wall outlet.
5. Remove the case cover.

Static Electricity Precautions

• If you're replacing or adding parts, Remove the parts from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay parts on the outside of antistatic bags since only the inside provides antistatic protection.
• Avoid static-causing surfaces, such as plastic and styrofoam in your work area.
• Always hold cards by their edges and their metal mounting bracket. Avoid touching components on the cards and the edge connectors that connect to expansion slots.
• Never slide cards or other parts over any surface.

Keep a log

If you have a recurring problem, keep a log of what happened, when it happened, and what you were doing when it happened.

To correct a hard disk controller failure:

Controller failures occur when the computer is either unable to communicate with the hard disk controller, or has errors when passing information to the hard disk controller. With IDE hard drives, the controller card is part of the drive.

1. Listen for the hard drive motor to begin spinning. The platters in your hard drive spin at a speed of 3600 revolutions per minute. Since the platters must be up to speed within the first few seconds of the power up process, the "spinning up" is loud enough to hear.
2. If you do not hear it spin up, check the hard drives power lead. If the lead is plugged in tightly, try using a different power lead. If it still doesn't spin up, consider having someone else listen, just to be sure. If the drive doesn't spin up, you probably have a problem with the power supply. Call Gateway 2000 Technical Support.
3. Disconnect and reconnect both ends of the ribbon cable at the back of the hard drive.
4. If the ribbon cable connects to an expansion card, remove the card. Rub the gold contacts on both sides of the bottom of the card with a pencil eraser, then reseat the card in the slot.
5. If the problem persists, call Gateway 2000 Technical Support for assistance.

The information in these articles is provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, and all warranties are hereby disclaimed, whether express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. Gateway 2000 will not be liable for any damages whatsoever, whether direct, special, indirect, incidental, or consequential (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of, or related to your use of, or inability to use the information in any such article, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states and jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you. You may not further distribute, reproduce, rent, sell, transfer or license these articles.

If our documentation hasn't helped you,
this might be a good time to send
an e-mail to Technical Support.

Copyright © 1996 Gateway 2000 Inc. All rights reserved.
Please see our Legal Information. Please send feedback to Webmaster Central.