Solution to Disk Read Error Issue

Sometimes, disk read error happens unexpectedly. In this case, the problem occurred when the owner instantly pulled out the laptop battery when the unit hangs instead of pressing the power button safely for seconds. This is what we considers improper computer shutdown. The result is unpredictable.

The unit's model is Satellite C650 installed with Windows 8. He said it suddenly hangs when he's trying to watch videos and did anything else. I guess there was a software conflict. And trying to restart the unit wasn't able to solve it.

So, what I thought of as a remedy was to attach it to a desktop computer as slave. The one is a desktop with Windows 7 installed and the other with Windows XP on it. Using desktop with Windows 7, it could hardly detect the laptop's hard drive and open so long without the presence of the laptop hard disk.

While using desktop with Windows XP, although it opens so long, yet it was able to detect the laptop's hard drive and automatically checked the drive for system errors, removing and recovering necessary data. It took so long to fix some errors and recovers some spaces which lasted for 12 hours as files are unreadable. I can't figure out what going to happen while doing this. I feel the bad sectors are causing the disk reading slowly. It turns out that the drive has eight bad sectors based on the outcome of the system file check done by the desktop.

When the drive was finally detected, I was able to get the chance to copy some important files before formatting the partitions of the laptop hard disk. Then delete the partitions and attached it to laptop hoping it will able to detect normally. But, unluckily the same error appears.

So, I had to take it back again to where it was recognized. Format it again then make three partitions - making drive E, F and G so I could install OS where it may normally proceed. Then take it back again to laptop hoping it will work this time. Luckily, I was able to install window 7 on partition G which means the bad sector prevents the OS installation from E and F.

In summary, when disk read error occur try to take the hard drive to other computer attached as slave. If it automatically performs system check upon opening leave it until it was able to fix and recovers the drive. After the systems check (fixing errors and recovery) you may try to take it (hard drive) back to its CPU or Laptop and check whether it opens normally. If not, take as slave again in another PC. Under normal condition, if it is present in the windows explorer you can have the chance to copy some important files before deleting partitions. Then format again and create 2 to 3 partitions as the case may be, to ensure software installation in either one of them that will run smoothly. Then take it back to where it is taken and try to install OS onto any partition. If you succeed in partition G, we assume that bad sectors are within the E and F partition.

If the drive is not really detected, then replace the drive with new one.

Repair or Buy A New One

I acquired my Epson T60 printer a year ago and really impressed with its performance and capabilities as a whole. I used it for document, transfer paper, and photo printing using pigment inks. So far I was able to recoup the amount I spent in buying it. 

It is already converted to continues ink system to avoid hassle of buying expensive genuine ink cartridges. However, it started to fail a few months ago (last year) when printing one time on a bond paper, not knowing that the tip of the paper is a little bit crumpled. The paper stuck which cause the head to create grinding noise that I hurriedly put it off. This happens few times especially when the printing option is set to draft. So, I avoided using that setting anymore.

Sad to know, when I decided to remove and checked the Printer Head, I found deep scratches that prevent the inks from passing through the holes resulting to bad print out. Nozzle checks are almost impossible to resolve the problem. So I removed and cleanse the head with Isopropyl Alcohol and force a little bit to clear the holes from scratches. I let it dry for a while then put it back to test it if works again.

Yes it did! The printing seems fine using the text and image, photo and best photo option with a little lines missing but works fine on printing black text. But I usually prefer best photo to get a better printing on image as photo option is not capable anymore of producing image quality print out. Until one day, my printer suddenly pop-up an error related to unrecognized ink cartridges. Usually, this is done by merely pressing the reset button for seconds but that won't work anymore though I tried it over and over again.

I sought for second opinion regarding unrecognized ink error from a certain printer technician and told me to change the chips attached to cartridges at a cost of P450. I bought a new chips but felt disappointed seeing the same error exist. I don't know what to think next. I asked another printer technician regarding my problem and told me that the problem might be on the printer head and the logic board. It means a major repair is needed for Epson T60 which summed into trial and error and no guarantee that the printer would be fixed. The head or the logic board is shorted. I don't know if it's true that replacing the logic board you need to change the printer head too for compatibility reason.

How much will it cost? The amount is tantamount to almost buying a new one. He quoted expenses as followed: Labor P500, Flex P300, Printer Head P5000 and the Printer board P2500. It really sounds risky to me and the probability is unsure. But thanks for his honest advice to buy a new one instead. 

He further said that in that scenario, if either the head or the logic board is replaced alone damaged may take place on one of them. He wants to avoid the liability on his part being a technician. But he said he can fix it. But that made me reluctant and made me think twice. 

It sounds goodbye to my Epson T60 Printer.

Creating Bootable USB Using Rufus

A USB is a removable device which can be use as an alternative storage device. A medium for storing important files and other documents which you can bring anywhere. Somehow, you can you use it also as bootable device using the applications and proper steps in creating bootable USB. In this way you can install an Operating System (e.g Windows XP, 7 or 8) without the need for CD/DVD drive.

I created a bootable USB before for my EEE PC 4G Netbook but I lost that device somewhere. Now, I need to format my netbook so I had to make another bootable USB using new one - a 4GB Transcend brand.

I've forgotten the steps I learned before in creating a bootable USB by way of using PetoUSB, bootsect and USB Prep8 which was shared by a certain blogger. It was a long procedure but very effective. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to record those steps here in my blog, that's why I need to find other articles that are simple and easy to follow.

In this website - Techgage.com, the writer shared about Rufus and other software's for creating bootable USB suitable for Windows 7, 8 and XP. From one of them, I decided to try RUFUS by downloading the application through their own website. Definitely, Rufus works great without any hassle. Very simple and easy to use.

Here's what I did to create a bootable USB drive:

1. Download the Rufus application.
2. Create an image file of Windows XP using Nero 6
3. Download Magic ISO maker 5.5

First, create an image file of the operating system (e.g. Windows XP) using Nero 6. The image file has an extension name like .nrg. Saved it to where you can easily locate the file.

Then, convert image file to ISO using Magic ISO maker.

Proceed to run Rufus application like the image below. Under file system select NTFS. Then under create bootable disk, select ISO Image. Leave all other in default then click start. Once completed you may now try using bootable USB to format laptop or desktop that has boot from USB feature.

If an error occurred while reading the drive, just remove then re-insert the USB device and try again. If errors continue, then there might be a problem with the USB port or the USB device. Try another one.