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Archive 2008 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

VanIsle
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p.1 #1 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

Looking for some advice on my recent hard drive failure... I dont belong to any computer forums, and you fm'ers have helped a lot in the past.

key specs of my system:
MB: Asus P5W DH Deluxe ( manual )
Hard Drive 1: WD Raptor 10K SATA ; Operating System & Programs FAILED
Hard Drive 2/3: 2 identical 300GB SATA Drives 7200K ; Raid 1 Array using "Asus EZ Backup"; for photo storage and my documents folder
Hard Drive 4: An old IDE drive for extra storage
Dual Core CPU, 2GB 6400 Corsair RAM, video card can handle vista no problem.

So the good news, is that it was the OS drive that failed, so my photos should be in tact. The bad news is the 10 or more hours it will take me to reinstall XP and photoshop/lightroom and all the other little programs I use. Bookmarks, emails etc etc. As such, I want to plan my approach well, so I dont have to do this again in the future.

My questions:

1. Is now the time to go Vista? I have been smart enough not to touch Vista yet, but I hear that SP1 is almost (please correct me) ready. I wouldnt consider it, but since I am going to have to spend many hours reinstalling an OS, perhaps this is a good time to switch?

1a. If I do go Vista, I see that the Business and Ultimate versions have "Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore" which perhaps would have saved me all this trouble of reinstalling my OS. Is this feature worth the extra price for the business or ultimate editions? I dont care about Media Centre, as I have a separate HTPC.

1b. Will my HTPC, which is still XP play nice with Vista as far as my local home file/printer sharing and wireless internet are concerned?

1c. I will want to do a clean Vista install. If I go Vista, will I be able to do a clean install, or do I have to put on XP and then "upgrade"?

1d. Will Vista play nice with my Photography software? CS2, Lightroom, Canon photo download utility, PTGUI, Color Eyes Display software and XRITEdtp94 colorimeter

2. Should I consider a Raid 1 array for my OS as well, in order to avoid this nightmare again in the future? Referring to 1a. I see that there is some kind of complete OS backup feature in Vista ultimate... would this or another reason be compelling enough not to bother with a raid 1 array for my OS?

2a. My HUGEST concern with this whole project is that I dont want to lose my photos on my backup drive. My last offsite backup was a long time ago. I have heard RAID can be finicky, so my ultimate concern would be that in trying to set up a new Raid array for the O/S drive, I might somehow "un-raid" the backup drives losing all my photos. This would be catacstrophic. So if your advice for me is to do a RAid 1 for my new OS drive, I need to be infinitely careful I dont screw up my existing RAID array. The answer to this is one of the main reasons I am posting.

2b. I am new to RAID. I was able to make my backup RAID work using the "Asus EZ RAID" because its pretty user friendly. If I set up a new raid array for the OS drive, I will have to do it in the BIOS. Again I am afraid to screw up my existing raid array. It seems I would set the new RAID up on the Intel ICH7R Southbriudge, or Jmicron JMB363 SATA controller. Link to MB manual is at the top of the post.

2c. So back to 2. Given my concerns, should I consider doing a RAID 1 on my new OS hard drive(s)?

3. Partitions. My wife uses this PC as well. It seems to me performance goes exponentially downhill after she uses the computer (despite me begging her not to install smileys and all kinds of other crap). Should I consider a partitioned setup where I have a separate OS for "general computing". I am thinking perhaps partition 1 I could have an XP install, which I would use strictly for Photoshop/Lightroom etc. The idea would be a simple clean fast install. Then on partition 2 I could do another XP install for wife/general computing. Or I could install Vista on the second partition for the same purposes. What do you think? Would there be issues where I access a file from Vista, then I wont be able to use it when Im in XP etc? Could I do 2 separate Vista installs (2 partitions) with only one Vista license? Whats your advice here?

4. I know the Raptor drive has a 5 year warranty. But I am concerned about data privacy. I assume I would have to send the defective drive in... can I be assured they will treat my data with the required level of privacy?

4a. Is there any chance they would recover data from the defective drive for me?

Sorry for the long post. I have a LOT of work to do to fix this mess, and want to make sure I do it right.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Jeremy

Edited on Mar 03, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Mar 03, 2008 at 12:24 PM

claudermilk
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p.1 #2 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

Well, you started out right by isolating your OS from your data. In that situation, I'd just get another single drive and load XP back on it. Perhaps partition & have a separate OS for each of you. I would not go with Vista yet and I would not bother with a RAID for the OS. If you maintain a backup of the OS drive as well as the data drive (which I do), it would be easier as well.

Mar 03, 2008 at 12:33 PM

HinduG
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p.1 #3 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

1. No I would stay away from vista. It's so-so, but I much prefer XP.
2. I would skip RAID for the OS.
3. That seems overkill. Consider setting up a restricted user account for her, so she can't install spyware, adware, and screw up the machine.
4. No you can not be assured. Perhaps they are ethical, perhaps not. I would not trust them.
4a. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Data back up is always the responsibility of the user.

Mar 03, 2008 at 03:50 PM

VanIsle
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p.1 #4 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

Thanks guys.

I was thinking the same thing as far as not trusting my data to send them the defective drive. It kind of begs the question whether hard drive warranties are even meaningful. Im pretty choked that the fancy pants raptor drive failed.

So a few follow up questions...

I think I will def go for an XP install for my photography stuff. Does Vista use the same file system as XP? What I am getting at is, if I decide to do a Vista install on one partition, and an XP install on the other, will I have any trouble with files that I would access from both OS's (i.e. stuff that is on my raid 1 storage drive)?

If I were to go to the trouble of 2 XP installs (2 partitions), would I be able to use 1 windows XP license, or would I need another license? Same question regarding Norton products.

I dont really want to go with a restricted account for her, cause of diplomatic reasons

.. i figure let her have her own XP, and she can do whatever she wants to it.

Mar 03, 2008 at 05:09 PM

bacilonur
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p.1 #5 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

I'd go with XP. I have no experience with Vista and would like to keep it that way. Both use NTFS identically.

They'll likely trash your drive. I wouldn't worry about sending it in to be replaced.

Instead of a restricted account/separate XP, why not just get her a $350 EEE and a cheap 17'' external LCD? That was my solution.

RAID 1 is based on the proposition that each drive is mirrored with no parity bits or split mirroring, so technically you can play around all you want with them as long as one is left intact. Are you using a dedicated RAID controller or an onboard solution? Either way, you should be able to just plug one of them in and have all your data available. I prefer proper software-based backups over using RAID for reasons of simplicity. My favored setup is a quad 18GB 15k SCSI RAID 5 for the OS and e-SATA 500GBs for backups. It's a cheap setup that beats the pants off a Raptor any day.

Mar 03, 2008 at 05:15 PM

HinduG
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p.1 #6 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

Those raptor drives aint cheap.

If anything, send it in, and get a replacement and sell it to me

Mar 03, 2008 at 05:21 PM

VanIsle
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p.1 #7 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

if i have a new xp install, and as mentioned I have another XP install on my HTPC... would I be able to use the remote desktop connection, so that my wife could be at my photo computer, but simply log onto the HTPC by remote connection and use that for her machine? or do i need windows server to be able to do that?

and what about having 2 XP installs on partitioned drive... need 2 licenses?

thanks again

Mar 03, 2008 at 06:16 PM

claudermilk
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p.1 #8 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

I'd call MS and ask. I'm not sure, but would expect 2 licenses. Here's a thought, assuming she does just basic stuff (email, web surfing, basic word processing), why not just get her a completely separate machine? Something real basic that can handle what her needs are. Then she can trash it all she wants & not mess with your HTPC setup.

Mar 04, 2008 at 12:40 PM

VanIsle
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p.1 #9 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

yeah i looked into the Asus EEE's.. not bad. Money wise not looking to spend a lot right now though... so I wonder whether she can use the HTPC via the remote desktop connection? The HTPC is an overstatement... basically its a cheap and cheerful box so that my kids can play webkinz on the 52" LCD in sight of my wife to keep an eye on them. Just use that box for surfing the net on the big tv. Not really concerned if she screws it up. Will i be able to have her connect to that via the remote desktop connection?

I got an advanced RMA from Western Digital last night... my replacement raptor drive is already in the mail. Funny thing, they have an "upgrade" offer. The awesome offer was I could "upgrade" from my 10k RPM 5.9ms 74GB raptor drive to an 80GB 7200k 8.9ms SATA2 drive

oh and pay them $38 for the privledge...

I also ordered a 500Gb drive to put in an external case. That way I can do weekly backups of my 300GB storage drive, and the OS drive. I never bothered backing up the OS drive, because I thought you couldnt just dump that data on to a new drive and make it work... I thought the os had to be reinstalled if you got a new drive. maybe you can correct me on this.

thanks again for your advice

Edited on Mar 04, 2008 at 01:14 PM

Mar 04, 2008 at 01:06 PM

Anon Moss
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p.1 #10 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

You can make a bit for bit 'ghost' or copy of your entire drive, including; OS,
applications, e-mail, and settings... then use that to start fresh again after a crash or reformat. It is much simpler (and way quicker) than reloading all your software individually and redoing all your settings.
Keep the copy in a couple of safe places like external drives or disks and update them from time to time as needed.
There are many third-party 'backup' vendors and freewares to choose from.
XP pro does have system restore and backup features that work, but the 3rd party
programs are more sophisticated and have more features/options.
cheers,

Mar 04, 2008 at 02:25 PM

VanIsle
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p.1 #11 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

do you have one in particular to recommend?

Mar 04, 2008 at 02:32 PM

adamo99
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p.1 #12 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

I don't know why you guys are afraid of Vista. On a good box, with items on the HCL, it works flawlessly. If your CPUs are EM64T/64-bit capable, get the 64-bit version, add a bunch of memory, and you're all set.

Mar 04, 2008 at 04:32 PM

CGrindahl
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p.1 #13 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

VanIsle wrote:
...I also ordered a 500Gb drive to put in an external case. That way I can do weekly backups of my 300GB storage drive, and the OS drive. I never bothered backing up the OS drive, because I thought you couldnt just dump that data on to a new drive and make it work... I thought the os had to be reinstalled if you got a new drive. maybe you can correct me on this.

thanks again for your advice

If you clone the boot drive you should have a second bootable drive you can use. From my understanding, you can do that with a firewire drive but NOT a USB drive. I'm not a techie so I could be wrong about that.

You would also want to partition the external drive so that you can easily copy back and forth. Create a smaller partition for your "bootable drive" and then the larger partition will be available for other purposes.

Regularly backing up both the OS and data makes good sense. Had you done so in the past, you wouldn't be spending ten hours to rebuild your boot drive. But that is better than losing one of a kind photos and documents. Good luck.

Mar 04, 2008 at 04:53 PM

Anon Moss
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p.1 #14 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

Here's a link to a recent PC Magazine review:

Mar 05, 2008 at 02:28 AM

claudermilk
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p.1 #15 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

adamo99 wrote:
I don't know why you guys are afraid of Vista. On a good box, with items on the HCL, it works flawlessly. If your CPUs are EM64T/64-bit capable, get the 64-bit version, add a bunch of memory, and you're all set.

Because in general it's a PITA and POS. I'm being forced to deal with it on a family member's PC and I hate it with a passion already. Stupid simple stuff XP did without a peep Vista is giving me headaches on, it's like going back to Win95 on some of this stuff, plus the constant "are you really sure you issued that command" security overkill. Sigh. Anyway that's irritation talking, but I am sticking with XP that just works for as long as I can, and will continue to suggest the same until something changes on the Vista front.

Mar 05, 2008 at 11:16 AM

Anon Moss
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p.1 #16 · Need computer help: dead HD, what next? (kinda long)

I just talked to a rep at 'shadowprotect' (based here in Salt Lake), and he said that you can use their software via firewire or USB. I'm using the little WD Passports (250gig/USB) for my backups, and he said that was fine - it's what he is using.
Based on the reviews I've read, I would really like to buy their product...BUT unfortunately it's currently $80 and the rep told me that it can only be activated on one machine at a time unless you buy additional 'licenses' at $80 a pop. I have 3 machines...so that's $240 - ouch! He said that they have been geared primarily towards marketing to enterprise clients, but with the strong PC Mag review they are receiving more attention, and may have to rethink their marketing strategy/pricing.

Mar 05, 2008 at 12:57 PM


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