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From: sonny@charybdis.harris-atd.com (Bob Davis)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware,comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
Subject: Re: HD will not spin up (sometimes), banging it helps; Suggestions?
Message-ID: <4668@trantor.harris-atd.com>
Date: 26 Oct 90 13:50:21 GMT
References: <1447@pedsga.UUCP>
Sender: news@trantor.harris-atd.com
Reply-To: sonny@trantor.harris-atd.com (Bob Davis)
Organization: Advanced Technology Dept., Harris ESS, Melbourne, FL
Lines: 35

In article <1447@pedsga.UUCP> mikes@pedsga.UUCP (Mike Shulman <shulman>,SPCSYS,7586) writes:
>
>  Well, like the subject line says, I seem to have a masacistic HD. It's
>a Seagate ST125 (20 Meg, 3.5 format), and every once in a while when I
>turn on my computer it refuses to spin up. The solution seems to be to
>take it out and bang it hard a few times. Then re-install it, and it
>works like a champ...until the next time it feels like doing this.
>Now, I've heard that this is a known problem with some older HDs of some
>brands, so I was wondering - is there also a known solution? (Aside from
>buying a new HD, wiseguys!)
>  Thanks for your replys!
>
	I have a Seagate ST-138R 32M RLL drive that developed this
problem after one year of use (after warranty). And for the past
year I have had to "kick-start" the *@#?! thing...I always have the
most Angelic Thoughts of Seagate as I go through this daily ritual 
for the gods of Mediocrity, paying daily penance for my Abject Poverty.
And, Folks, it ain't like this problem is infrequent. One hears of the
problem ALL THE TIME. WHY DON'T THEY MAKE THE PRODUCTS RIGHT? Haven't
corners been cut a bit too close somewhere in not giving the spindle
motors quite enough torque? Or something like that?
	On a more helpful note, it probably is not a great idea to continue
beating the drive into performing its intended function. I don't know
about your ST125, but on my ST138R, I can actually spin the platters
by using a credit card to reach in above the cable connectors to move
an exposed "drum" connected to the platters. Spinning the "drum" for one
full turn and then putting the drive back into the machine usually does
the trick for me.
	You have my sympathy.
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