Error 0200: Failure Fixed Disk - Only on reboot/Hard reset

[ncalsurfer]

I'm having a strange problem with my T43 Type: 1875-D6U (Intel 915 video chipset):

The problem is the classic "Error 0200: Failure Fixed Disk" error.

However, it only happens in the following instances:
1. if my system "hangs" or "freezes" for any reason and I have to reboot
2. If I install any software updates and have to reboot.
3. Sometimes when connected to an external monitor or docked, initial boot will have incompatible resolution with monitor and I'll have to restart in safe mode. Sometimes this works, sometimes I get the 0200 error.

The *only* resolution so far has been to let the machine sit powered off for 30-60 minutes and power on. This almost always works.

This happens both when docked in mini-dock or dockII and when undocked. I'm running the original factory drive HTS541040G9AT00, 40GB.

I've taken the drive out and tested it connected to another computer and it comes up fine. Works great in a USB enclosure too.

Any thoughts?
TIA

[richk]

Is the firmware in the drive OK so that you don't get the 2010 boot error? What is the BIOS version you are running? The service manual lists 4 possible causes:

Reseat the drive (which you have done)

Reload BIOS defaults (hit F9 in BIOS screen) I would also flash BIOS and embedded controller to latest version

Bad disk drive

Bad motherboard

[ncalsurfer]

I'm not sure why I would need to check the firmware of the drive as it IS the original drive which shipped with my machine. It only started giving me this error recently.

I've reseated.

I can't see how it's a bad motherboard (I don't want this to be be true) as it only happens during a hard reset or a quick shutdown->restart scenario. I think if it was a bad motherboard it might be more sporadic or dependant on some shifting (i.e. happens when I put it into the dock or take it out, but not on a solid surface out of dock...)

Bad drive... I guess this could be it. Anyway to test the drive and make sure?

Thanks much!

[richk]

The only reasaon I asked about the drive is the fact that the T43 is really particular about the firmware. If yours was an early T43 with an early BIOS and just recently updated your BIOS to a new one, I thought there could be an incompatibility. I am looking for something wrong that isn't a motherboard. suggest the Hitachi Drive Fitness test to test the drive. It is a free download at the hitachi site. You need to be able to create a bootable floppy or a CD from an ISO file.

It seems somthing isn't resetting the disk controller Have you recently updated the BIOS or Embedded Controller? If you boot to the BIOS screen, versions numbers for both are visible.