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Data Transmission Errors

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7 replies

by bpaton

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Shortly after installing an 80GB drive on an offsite machine the following message started to pop up on the desktop.

"The Ultra ATA Integrity Monitor has detected an excessive number of data transmission errors between hard drive(s) %s and the processor.
Recommended Actions:
(1) Move non-Ultra ATA devices to the secondary controller.
(2) If errors persist, replace the standard 40-pin IDE cable with an 80-pin Ultra ATA cable."

"Error Number: 1736-199
Disk Controller 0 Hard Drive 1
Model: Maxtor 6L080L4
Capacity: 80054 MB"

My problem lies in trying to assign a priority to getting out to the site to implement the "Recommended Actions". I would normally vist the site in about 1 month but I am not familiar enough with this type of error to assess the risk in waiting that long.

If the transmission errors can affect only the data sent to the 80GB drive it is not a major threat.
If the errors could corrupt system or application files on the 20GB drive it is a greater concern.
If the error message indicates a potential for catastophic failure then I need to rearrange my priorities.

Any advice appreciated.

7 replies

by opatzg9

Obviously there's a problem otherwise the message would not b popping up. As a customer relations stand point, get out there and fix that yesterday.
Does your job depend on this customer being satisfied with your performance? It sounds critical enough even if it isn't and showing an immediate response can only reflect well on you for your support. Waiting could cost you the customer as well as your job should it fail before you get out there. CYA! Thats what we do.
Good luck!

by paulp

He's a simple question...
What would be easier - correcting this problem even if it's only by removing the new drive, OR rebuilding the system from scratch using the certified backups you have?

by bpaton

The pragmatic suggestions in answers (1) and (2) beg the question. I am trying to get a technical understanding of the problem before deciding on an appropriate response. This is a family enterprise and it is more important to me to understand why the problem is occurring than it is to impress people with a prompt workaround.

by rexter

From a technical standpoint the transmission errors can cause data corruption on the 80GB drive. If the 20GB drive is on the same controller it to can have data corruption, depending on whether the problem is the controller or the 80GB drive even if there are no errors directed to the 20GB drive there is always a chance. The error could be caused by the use of a normal 40pin data cable. Or the drives jumpers could be configured incorrectly for example one drive configured for "cable select" and the other as "Master" or "Slave". When you do get to the system I would recommend that you put the two drives on seperate controllers and use an 80pin data cable with the 80GB drive. In any case if the data on the computer is critical than fix theissue as soon as possible to prevent data corruption.

by bpaton

Tried all combinations of new cable and jumper settings on primary and secondary controllers without any improvment. Diagnostic test in Windows showed "Drive Protection System Test" failed on 80 gb drive. DPS test in setup confirmed drive failure and it was replaced. Thanks for your help

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