Heres the scoop. For about a month my PC had been randomly crashing. It would just completely freeze even when left idle. Finally, it appears that the hard drive drew its last breath and fails to even power up whatsoever. The computer obviously does not detect it and won't even get past the IDE detection screen when I leave it plugged in. Is it possible that the problem lies in the controller card? I have been considering purchasing an as-is idential drive and swapping out the controller cards to find out. It's an IBM (now belongs to Hitachi) Desktar 60GB drive

While it's possible, the overwhelming odds is it's the hard drive. "...but in my defense, it was dark, I was drunk, and it was delicious!"

I think the deskstars do have problems. Does the hard drive spin-up? listen closely when you start your system

There are two controllers on most MBs. Try swapping the cable to the other controller header. If still no go, try connecting the HD to another system to find if the drive is good. If the drive spins up but won't POST try installing as a slave. You may be able to retrieve some files. If files are your main concern post back indicating this.

Thanks for the fast replies. Yeah, I suppose its just wishful thinking on my part. Like you said, its probably the hard drive itself. The disk doesn't even spin up, no noise or vibrations whatsoever. All of my jumper settings are correct, drive doesn't work on other PC's etc. Guess I'll have to suffice with 60 less GB for a while. Thanks anyway everyone.

You could by the exact same hard-drives and swap the circut boards that are on the hard-drives, I doubt that the machanical portion of the hard-drive is damaged, so you should be able to keep using it once you swap the circutboard. But most hard-drives today, use wierd screws and a standard screw driver will not do the job.

Circuit City has 80 gig Western Digitals for $30 after rebate. Maybe you won't have to go so long? :-) "...but in my defense, it was dark, I was drunk, and it was delicious!"