Hard drive format without installation CD

[tweedytl]

Well when Broni asked how can you format and leave Windows on it at the same time his reply :

I kind of just assumed it was possible.

After reading SuperDave's post and the Help and Support topics, I think I actually need to run a recovery, rather than format the Hard Drive.

[drmsucks]

Well when Broni asked how can you format and leave Windows on it at the same time his reply :

I kind of just assumed it was possible.

After reading SuperDave's post and the Help and Support topics, I think I actually need to run a recovery, rather than format the Hard Drive.

Whoa - your hard drive just failed it's test. To confirm, go to Samsung's site and look for their hard drive diagnostic software, download and run it. If you have a choice, run a "long" test.

Results                     Test Name                                        Error Code
Failed                       SMART short self test                         HD521-2W

[Broni]

Yep, no reason to run recovery, if HD is going bad.
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287#samsung

[tweedytl]

I went to http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287#samsung and tried to download the ES-Tool, and found this:

Execution

    * ES Tool is a DOS based utility so it is needed to prepare a bootable 1.44-MB diskette in advance.
    * Download ES Tool.exe on the diskette prepared from the internet.
    * Reboot the system by above diskette.
    * Execute the program by typing A:＼> ES Tool.exe in DOS prompt.
    * Please Back-up your data before executing this program.

I've already backed up my data, but I don't understand the first 4 instructions.

[drmsucks]

If you don't have a fdd, go here: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/download/supportDownDetail.do?group=&type=&subtype=&model_nm=SP2504C&language=&cate_type=all&mType=SW&dType=D&vType=L&cttID=220644&prd_ia_cd=05040200&disp_nm=SP2504C and download the .iso for a CD. You'll need to burn the .iso image file to a CD. Boot from the CD and follow the directions.

If you need a program to burn the .iso file, use this: http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

[tweedytl]

OK, I burned the ESTOOL program onto a CD, then booted from that CD at start up. I ran the full diagnostic. When the test finished, I was told that an error had been found and that I should run ERASE HDD, after making a back up of everything. I had already made backups of all the data I wanted to save, so I ran ERASE HDD.

When that completed, I restarted the computer and went to the boot menu. 3 options appeared:

SM-HL-DT-STDVDRRW GSA-H2OL (I belive this is the CD in the CD drive)
3M-SAMSUNG SP2504C (I think this boots from the main hard drive, like usual)
Ut165 USB2FlashStorage 0.00

When I tried the first 2 options with the ESTOOL CD still in the computer, lots of lines of text went past really quickly and then I was taken to the ESTOOL program.

I took the CD out and tried the first 2 options again. They both took me to a blank screen with just a few lines of text:

Disk error
Press any key to restart

(After pressing a key)

Reboot and Select proper Boot device
or Insert Boot Media in
selected Boot device and
press a key_

I thought ERASE HDD would only delete files and programs, but I think it's removed Windows as well. Is there any way I can get it back?

[drmsucks]

I thought ERASE HDD would only delete files and programs, but I think it's removed Windows as well. Is there any way I can get it back?

Windows = "files and programs."

I am unclear as to the status of the hdd - good or bad? Run the diagnostic again.

Erase probably did delete everything on the hdd - including Windows and the Recovery Partition.

If this were mine, at this point, I would: a) call HP and order recovery disks, b) buy a new hdd, if there is any doubt about its status.

[tweedytl]

I ran the diagnostic again, this time it said there were no errors. I'll use some recovery disks to load Windows OS onto the hard drive. Thanks for all the help.

[SuperDave]

I ran the diagnostic again, this time it said there were no errors. I'll use some recovery disks to load Windows OS onto the hard drive. Thanks for all the help.

I thought you had no disks.

[tweedytl]

I realised I could use the disks that came with the computer I'm currently using  . The label on the computer says 'Windows Vista Compatible' so it should be all right.

[drmsucks]

I realised I could use the disks that came with the computer I'm currently using  . The label on the computer says 'Windows Vista Compatible' so it should be all right.

Don't think that will work...good luck!

[jsranchmn22]

Well here it is 2011 and I am having same issue. Glad I found this thread! I have a HP a1310n. Inspired by this thread, I went back to original documents received with desktop. It instructed me to create system recovery discs as follows:

Windows XP: Start > All Programs > PC Help & Tools >HP PC Recovery CD-DVD Creator. It is recommended to use DVD which I happed to have. This requires 2 discs. If CD used, it requires 16.

I am now making recover discs and will report back.

I have no doubt this messed up computer will attempt to report bad hard drive to me but I doubt I have a bad hard drive. It is just a mess!

Ok burned disc 1, HP instructed me to label it disc 1, Recovery.

After burning the discs I will attempt to to do a Full System Recovery on current recovery hard drive. If unsuccessful, I have the discs.

I will start a new thread with this post. Just wanted this info connected with this thread since it came up high when I did a Google search.