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PC doesn't start if HDD is plugged in

Tags:
  • Windows 7
  • Hard Drives
  • Ubuntu
Last response: in Linux/Free BSD
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June 18, 2014 3:07:49 PM

I've searched online and haven't come across a solution. I inherited an old PC that I want to run Ubuntu on.

I tried booting from the install CD from Ubuntu's website and it just hangs after the splash screen that displays F10 for boot menu and F12 for BIOS. To the best of my knowledge, there is no OS installed. I successfully managed to boot from my Ubuntu CD after I disconnected the lone HDD. Been experimenting with the jumper cable settings but have come to no conclusions.

There is only 1 HDD. Just trying to find out if I can still reuse it to install Ubuntu on.

I'm fairly new to computers and this forum, let me know what else I should include in this.

More about : start hdd plugged

a b $ Windows 7
June 18, 2014 3:25:35 PM

It's entirely possible that drive has failed. Bad components (including hdd) can cause the system to hang.

Is it an IDE (PATA) or SATA hard drive?
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June 18, 2014 3:28:07 PM

Your mobo might be booting from the broken hdd
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June 18, 2014 4:00:55 PM

Hello SchizTech, It's an IDE hard drive. is there a way to check if it's a failed hard drive? Ideally without taking it out of the case?

finalruner, I've been trying to change the boot order to no avail. I'm not quite sure what to do at this point. I've even taken out the option to boot from Hard Disk drive but it still hangs.

computers are complicated =S
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a b $ Windows 7
June 18, 2014 4:07:49 PM

The fact that it hangs only with that drive attached is a pretty strong hint I'd say. If you get another IDE drive and it boots that's it. That is obsolete tech now of course but you should be able to find one on ebay
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June 18, 2014 4:21:03 PM

Thanks, probably will just leave it as is. maybe i'll hang an external off of it. i just want to run it as a kitchen calendar/reminder set up that syncs to family phones. Will try to run with flash drive or SD
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a b $ Windows 7
June 18, 2014 4:23:37 PM

One cheap thing to try is a different IDE cable. Is there another IDE port on the board to try also?
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June 18, 2014 4:47:09 PM

I believe so, but it's connected to a dvd drive. Will any of the ports just work?
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a b $ Windows 7
June 18, 2014 4:49:02 PM

The cable connected to the DVD drive, can you try the HDD on the second connection (adjust jumper settings to see if any work)?
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June 18, 2014 6:15:47 PM

yep, no go. I think I will scrap it and run Ubuntu off flash drive instead =(

I just want to note that i was pleasantly surprised by how fast the responses came and thanks for the replies!
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a b $ Windows 7
June 18, 2014 6:18:15 PM

no problem
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!