The Dell 8xxx series has had a lot of problems with HD/HDC's; it's possible you're running into one of those. It's a lot easier to test the HD
than it is the controller, but either way you'll need a second known-good system.
Quick cheap test would be to replace the cables with new ones. That's $15 bucks or so unless you happen to have some lying around (or can beg/borrow some
from a friend).
You can also drop that second HD into a friend's machine and see what happens. If it repeatedly works just fine, chances are the drive is okay.
If it turns out to be the controller... you're semi-hosed. You can purchase a drive controller card and switch off the built-in one, but that's not
the optimal solution, and may not be cheaper than replacing the motherboard.
I'd try the cable and HD tests first. If the HD turns out to be wonky, there's free software that'll let you move the partition to a new one, and
new drives are cheap these days.
--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs
than it is the controller, but either way you'll need a second known-good system.
Quick cheap test would be to replace the cables with new ones. That's $15 bucks or so unless you happen to have some lying around (or can beg/borrow some
from a friend).
You can also drop that second HD into a friend's machine and see what happens. If it repeatedly works just fine, chances are the drive is okay.
If it turns out to be the controller... you're semi-hosed. You can purchase a drive controller card and switch off the built-in one, but that's not
the optimal solution, and may not be cheaper than replacing the motherboard.
I'd try the cable and HD tests first. If the HD turns out to be wonky, there's free software that'll let you move the partition to a new one, and
new drives are cheap these days.
--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs