ts30t not booting

[obiwan]

ts30t, 98se, has drive image with factory settings. while using it, I heard what sounded like clicking noises from the hard drive. I powered off, it did not do so completely so I manually powered off.

on reboot error message: windows detected registry/configuration error, run scan reg which I let it do but it does not go anywhere.

powered off and then tried booting in safe mode, still cycling and I can hear the same faint clicking hard drive sounds.

Help :'(

[John]

Obiwan, it sounds as iff the it is a bad hard drive.  See if you can start using a boot disk.  

[portablecomputer.com]

I will second that last post. The hard drive is close to just complete failure. I would make an immediate back up of important files if possible.

[obiwan]

well I made copies of all files that have data that I could thru DOS. issues
1- should I try to restore windows thorough the bootup disk?
2- for future reference, if I can only work from DOS, how would I copy large files to say a zip drive or cdrw?
3- should I try drive image to try restoring factory default?

Thanks a bunch

[query]

If the drive is failing, you can try purchasing an adapter bracket to put the notebook drive in a desktop system, and then copy the files to another drive in that system.  Alternatively, there are notebook drive kits that come with cables and software for doing the same job.

If you have a ZIP drive, it can be used in DOS mode to copy files from the hard drive to it.  CD-RW won't work that way - it won't work from DOS mode.

If you can get the system to boot into Windows, you can also network the PC to a desktop and copy that way.

If the drive is failing, don't restore or rebuild an OS on it - save the data, replace it and then rebuild the system.

Most drive manufacturers provide utilities for scanning the drive for hard (bad sector) errors - but be careful using them, as some will lock a bad drive and render it unusable.

[obiwan]

well I was able to reinstall windows and the drive has stopped making the clicking noises. I cannot run scandisk on the d partition of the drive where drive image was.

How should I evaluate if I should just go ahead and replace the drive?

Also everything loads and then I get missing msnp32.dll prompt. does seem to affect anything though so far. Tried sfc but did not find anything to replace it

thanks for all the input

[John]

I would still replace the drive.  Also for reference here is a link for the DLL file issue.  MSKnowledge base.  

[obiwan]

So to replace the HD, do I remove the battery, yank the old one out and just stick the new one in? Is there anything else to it? any suggestions for where to buy one?

[scuzzy]

portablecomputer.com will likely have what you need, and more. Make sure you tell them that we sent you, since they often help our members.

[obiwan]

I did get a price from mce, but nothing to indicate if I could do it on my own.(and yes I did ask). Does anyone else know if all I need todo is to pull the old one out and pop the new one in?

[John]

obiwan, I believe that
 Portablecomputer has all the information you need.  I copied this from the manual for your computer.  


Removing and Installing HDD Modules
Eventually you may find that your Notebook is running out of HDD space.  The HDD module provides you with additional hard disk space.  The installation of additional HDD modules is relatively simple.  Please refer to Figure 6-8  and the following directions.
1.   Turn off the Notebook and disconnect the AC cord and any connected peripherals.
2.   Locate the HDD module.  Remove the screw and slide the module in the direction of the arrows.
3.   The are a total of eight screws securing the module cover to the module housing and two screws securing the housing to the hard drive. Remove all ten screws.  Now remove the module cover in the direction of the arrow.
4.   Gently pull out the HDD unit from its housing in the direction of the arrow.
5.   Store your HDD module in a safe, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.