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Dead HD on raid 1

post #1 of 5
7/23/06 at 3:06am
Thread Starter 
Hello there
I was a happy owner of one Sager 8790 until now . The specs are:
Order placed on 03/20/2004, Sager 8790-C 17" WXGA+LCD Processor: P4 3.2GHZ Northwood CPU Video:256MB ATI Radeon Mobility9700
RAM:1024MB 400DDR Dual Channel (2-512MB)
Main Hard Drive: 60GB 5400RPM
Media Drive: 8X DVD/24X10X24 CDRW Combo Drive
Bay 2 Hard Drive: 60GB 5400rpm with bracket
RAID: Hardware Raid 1 configured with OS pre-install
Operating System: Windows XP Professional

Even being an average user (no games) I decided for this machine due to the enthusiastic admirers in the forum. After all, if it is good for them, it will be great for me. After over 2 years of flawless use (not heavy) I have this problem, and even being a semi ignorant in computer technologies, I believe one of the HD crashed, and that’s because I am not deaf. It started with a continuous clicking noise and now it’s definitely sounding different (loud and deadly), takes a long time to boot and to turn off, and also to open applications. How do I know only one is broken? The machine is working…
During the booting I get this message for a few seconds:

ID MODE SIZE TRACK-MAPPING SATUS
1 1X2 Mirror 60000M 7294/255/63 Critical

Problem is detected with Array : 1

Critical Status:
A disk member of a mirrored array has failed or is not responding.
The array is still functional, but fault tolerance is disabled.
Before continuing, power off the system and confirm that the drives and cables are properly attached before replacing the failed drive and rebuilding the array.
1)Identify which drive has failed with the <3> Define array menu option.
2)Power off the system, replace the failed drive.
3)Restart the system and enter the FastBuild (tm) setup menu.
4)Choose the <5> option to rebuild the array with replacement drive.
____________________________________________________________
Press <Ctrl-F> to enter FastBuild (tm) Utility or
Press <ESC> to continue booting…

I am thinking, since I probably will have to replace the HD, why not go for an upgrade? Will the Seagate Momentus 5400.3 (Perpendicular Recording) ST9160821A 160GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5”ATA-6 Notebook Hard Drive fit my machine? Will I have heat issues? It’s enough to follow the above instructions? (I have raid 1) It’s the BIOS compatible with 160 GB? I will replace both 60 GB HD, the good and the broken, following this routine:
1. Identify the broken 60GB HD.
2. Replace it for the new 160 GB HD.
3. Rebuild the array ( how complicated it is to do it?)
4. Remove the good 60 GB HD and replace it by the new 160 GB HD
5. Place the second new 160 GB HD and repeat the rebuild of the array.
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post #2 of 5
7/23/06 at 8:10pm
If you change the size/attributes of the new drive - you will either have to waste 100GB (anything over the 60GB of your good drive) of space or buy a matched set and reinstall everything. Raid installs to the lowest common denominator. Search for other threads on this topic for more information.

On the other hand, if the HDD is an Hitachi, go to their web site and download their diagnostic tools, run them, and then accomplish an RMA. I think that you should still have time on their warrant for a replacement. You will; however, have to pay shipping and follow (VERY CAREFULLY) their packing instructions. They are real sticklers on this and have been know to reject RMAs because of non-compliance.

Rebuilding the RAID is a function of the RAID BIOS. I believe that you enter it with an F1, when prompted. Select the rebuild option and then wait...and then wait some more. It will take a bit of time to resync the two drives after you have replaced the faulty on with a new one.

Good Luck..

I replaced one of my drives earlier this year - Hitatchi took care of it without any problems.
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post #3 of 5
7/24/06 at 10:04am
Thread Starter 
Thanks G
Things changed a bit. The machine is no longer booting. I will disasembled and test the HDD outside, also check if it is Hitachi. What do you say if I get the two 160GB HDD and copy the good one on them and simple fit one in each slot. Will that work? I think you already answered that but it will be that simple? Do you know if tha 160GB HDD will fit in the case?
Thank you again.
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post #4 of 5
7/24/06 at 10:45am
They should work. Size wise they are all a standard size now-a-days. I know that the 8790 can handle a 100GB drive and believe that it can overcome the 137GB "Hurdle" as it is a relatively new machine. I have a couple of external 320GB, as well as 250GB drives attached to my 8790.

I'd say, if you have the funds - go for it.
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post #5 of 5
7/24/06 at 10:34pm
Thread Starter 
I received an e-mail from Rob at Sager tech support. They never tested a 160 GB in the NP8790 and can not guaranty if the BIOS will detect and run thr drive correctly. I will stay on the safe side and go for 2X120GB HDD and use a external HDD like you.
Again thank you for the help
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