Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

PC crash upon reformat

Feb 23, 2004 11:50AM PST

I decided to do a routine format, using the standard NTFS format option (not "Quick"). At about 83% the computer rebooted. Is this a hard drive problem?
I usually go with the NTFS quick format, and I eventually did this time, but is there a specific reason why the PC would crash in the middle of a format?
Windows appears to be setting up fine for now, although I am puzzled as to why it crashed earlier.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re:PC crash upon reformat
Feb 23, 2004 11:57AM PST

"Tip: If you are asking for help to troubleshoot a computer-related problem, please be sure to include all the necessary information (ie: operating system, model number, hardware, software, etc) that will help others identify your problem for a speedy resolution."

There are many machines with just big enough power supplies, too little cooling and "issues." Nothing in your post details the hardware or why the format was taking place.

Tell more.

- Collapse -
Re:Re:PC crash upon reformat
Feb 23, 2004 12:51PM PST

My specs:
Windows XP Home
Athlon XP +2400
60 Celsius avg CPU temp
4 chassis fans +1 PCI slot blower
420 Watt PS
WD 80 GB Hard Drive (sry, can't find box - 2 years old)
GeForce ti4400
A7V-266-E motherboard w/ default preformance settings

The PC was running all day, and has been for a couple hours since the reboot-during format. I'm really, just curious as to why this flaw would occur.

P.S.- I apologize for the unintentional double post.

- Collapse -
"why this flaw would occur."
Feb 23, 2004 8:00PM PST

PC designs and the software they run are not perfect. Examples abound and you can watch the results daily in this and other support forums.

The Athlon you write about is a common shop visitor with fixes being updated BIOS, BIOS defaults, moving the FSB back to 100/200 from 133/266 MHz and removing a stick of RAM. Repairs include new CPUs, motherboard, PSUs, bigger CPU heatsinks and more. Even with that, the software is not tolerant of any hardware error. Drive fitness test may have to be performed and more.

Bob