How to rebuild a dead hard drive?

[kenchie]

Hi -

The hard drive in my new pc has been killed by a partitioning session that crashed. I now have a screwed up boot sector and partition table. I am unable to install an OS on it - what is the best way to wipe the drive completely so I can start again?

Thanks!

[Lucio]

Does the partitioning software you're using include a boot from CD option? If so that may be the best way to wipe everything.

[kenchie]

Hi -

Thanks for the reply - I used Paragon Partition Manager 8.5 which was a download so I don't have a cd!

[aidanjt]

Use a Linux LiveCD to reset the partition table if windows is goofing up.

[kenchie]

I've tried that as well, but live CDs don't appear to like my sata cd drive. Has anyone use Boot & Nuke?

[IAmATeaf]

If you have a floppy disk download killdisk and let it trash over the disk, then just re-install.

[aidanjt]

It's more likely to be an antiquated kernel being run that doesn't have libata support for whatever auxiliary chip is being used for SATA connectivity. Try connecting the SATA optical drive to one of the Intel ports. And also make sure you have a current LiveCD.

[Agent]

Although worth a giggle TeePee, Ive removed it just in case someone does try it (you'd be surprised mate)

[aidanjt]

Although worth a giggle TeePee, Ive removed it just in case someone does try it (you'd be surprised mate)

No kidding