Bad HD or bad MEM? What are symptoms?

[El_Brio]

I have had some serious computer probs lately. The worst of which is that almost nothing seems to install correctly on my computer. I get all kinds of COPPUPT INSTALATION MEDIA errors and crc? (maybe) errors. Since it only happens when I install programs I think it is either my HD or my memory going bad. How can I tell? I can't afford to replace them both. I would try to re-install windows but tried that and it won't install either. (and I don't really want to have my puter crash in the middle of a windows install again) What should I do? Anybody know of a HD diagnostics program? Thanks in advance!

El_Brio

[daveleau]

Most of the Hdd diagnostic prgrams I have used will erase a disk so...

Go to www.simmtester.com (http://www.simmtester.com) for a memory tester.

I bet this is a Windows problem. First I would reformat the master boot record, then try to reinstall Windows over top without reformatting. See if that works. Hdd death symptoms usually are easy to see (hear) since the drive will click alot. Ram problems can be seen with simmtester. I doubt it is a hardware issue though.

Good luck
Dave

[Over Clocked]

Usually computer components never go bad, unless you decide to put them to the extreme (Over Clocking!!). What you would want to do for this problem is

First - Backup Only important data, try to back up mainly text files and mp3s etc.. (not .exe files) The reason I say this is because most likely, if you have a virus, it would be spread through an exe.

Second - If you have a computer such as a HP or Compaq or Sony (name brands) simply put in your restore disk and restart your computer. You should get a message Like "Do you want to re-install windows or format and recover" You would want to select format and recover.

What this will do is completely wipe your HD and put it in the same exact state as when you bought it. With this process, you really only have to follow the messages and enter your windows registration number (Microsoft will give you a new one over the phone if you lost your original one 1-800-Microsoft)

Thirdly - You will need to take that data you backed up and put it back on your HD

This should fix all your problems and make you very happy. A note - don't backup your programs if you have the cd, just reinstall them from the cd.

If this does not help I would recommend deleting your master boot record and formatting manually to wipe out the chance of a virus or other things affecting your system (You would need to do this if your computer did not have a restore disk). If you need help with this just ask!

Well, Hope I helped!
Cole

PS
My motto is:
Why defrag when you can format?

[Richard_Cranium72]

Most HD mfg sites have diagnostic software to download.

As Dave said, this usually requires a clean disk to start with.

Thanks Dave for that link,, Haven't seen one like that in a long time.. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Richard_Cranium72]

The site is a little tedious to tromp through, sooo,, here's the link direct to the FREE download..
http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp

DrVette