Experiencing some computer problems

[Jakkal]

I've having some trouble with my computer. I'm not sure what's wrong with it exactly, but it's looking like either the motherboard is bad, or one of the two hard drives (I was told it's probably the thing on the mobo that the hard drives connect to). It could be a software issue too but I'm not really sure.

While it was running it gave some kind of warning error about not being able to save a backup file on my backup hard drive. But then the computer started bluescreening. The event manager gave this repeated error for it:

The driver detected a controller error on \Device\Harddisk0\DR0.

I've been told that DR0 is the main hard drive, which is not my backup drive. So, that's why I'm thinking it might be the motherboard itself. While the computer was up and running, I did run virus scans on it, through AVG and Malwarebytes. They came up with nothing.

I don't really have a quick way to test or just replace the motherboard, we're going to try to take the hard drives out and put them in another machine to see if they still work okay.

Until then I just get to limp along. I can still get on SL via my laptop. Can't really do much else on the lappy though. So updates and resends and other issues might be slow for the next little while.

Oh and any thoughts/advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

[Tygerwolfe]

I think you're going about it the right way - the first thing is to make sure that the hard drives work OK, (and to back them up if they aren't already). If that's ruled out, and it is the MB, then you're going to have to replace it.

I'm currently saving up to build a new, powerful desktop (I currently work on a docked laptop and my desktop is just old and gathering dust), so I've been doing a lot of looking in to motherboards and processors and the like. If you've been wanting to upgrade, this might be a good excuse.

[FeralMistwalker]

What kind of processor do you have? What form factor of motherboard? I buy them cheep on eBay all the time, usually under $50, I could keep an eye out for you.

[Jakkal]

I think it's an AM2 processor, I know it's an AMD. It's only about 3 years old (When the system was built, not sure when those processors/mobos were made). Still haven't had a chance to test the hard drives yet.

I've had pretty bad luck with buying computer parts off ebay so I'd rather steer clear of that. We have a tiger direct store here in Raleigh that I tend to go to when I need parts on the fly. Alternatively, I use newegg.

[FeralMistwalker]

I've had good luck with eBay, but that could just be me

Try http://3btech.net/ , I've bought many parts from them and their prices are dirt cheep. Also, free shipping on all orders

They have some decent AM2 motherboards starting at $29.99. I've bought quite a few items from them, motherboards, processors, cases, etc and have always had great service. Very fast shipping also.

[Jakkal]

Huzzah, my husband has fixed the machine. He had to reset the cmos, then we discovered a program was trying to install something (Not a virus, it was my cd burner software from Roxio). But it wouldn't install, so it was putting the computer in a reboot cycle.

Had to hand-remove the program and its components in safe mode, then officially uninstall it when the computer ran in normal mode. Now it all seems to work correctly, including both drives.

[FeralMistwalker]

Awesome, congrats!

[shadojosh5]

also make sure all your wires are in good condition and secure...oh byw switch to avast antivirus.Ive been useing them for a while now and im very satisfyed