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From: rps@homxc.UUCP (R.SHARPLES)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.att,comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Help needed with AT&T 6300 hard disk problem!!
Message-ID: <2306@homxc.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 30-Nov-87 07:57:31 EST
Article-I.D.: homxc.2306
Posted: Mon Nov 30 07:57:31 1987
Date-Received: Thu, 3-Dec-87 04:53:34 EST
References: <2225@killer.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Holmdel
Lines: 47
Xref: mnetor comp.sys.att:1921 comp.sys.ibm.pc:10624

In article <2225@killer.UUCP>, strianta@killer.UUCP (Spiros Trianta) writes:
...
> Then one day it really hit the fan. Could not do anyththing with drive C, 
> without getting TONS of said errors. Diagnostics said DISK & DRIVE CONTROLLER
> TIME OUT (?). I low- and high- level formatted the drive with no avail.
> Format went thrui once and said not ready, immediately after said OK. Still
> same problem.
> 
> Now that I use the system from floppyu only, after half an hour or so of use the
> system (drive) makes funny seeking noises, but without me referencing it. The 
> seek light does not come on. The noises are similar to the ones done while tryiotrying to reboot. 
> 
> A friendly technician said that probably the controller is shot. What is 
> your opinion, Oh Net? AT&T won't sell me the advanced diagnostics, at least the few authorized dealers in the Indy  area won't.    
> 
> I would like some opinions or educated guesses before taking the box to service.
> Any help will be appreciated, and as usual, I will summarize if interesting
> facts arise. Remember, it is an AT&T 6300 with its original 20 MB hard disk
> and controller from AT&T. I think the controller is an RLL western digital,
> while the drive is a seagate.
> 
> Thanks much!
> 
> Spiros
> -- 
>   
> Spiros Trianta           
> ...!ihnp4!killer!strianta

It is probably not an RLL controller, just your basic Western Digital 
PCXT controller.  I would call the hotline about the diagnostic disk
(800-922-0354) they have sent me several disks of specialized software
to solve various problems.

Second, I would try swapping the controller with one from work, assuming that
someone at work has a PC6300 and wouldn't mind you borrowing the 
controller overnight.  If that doesn't fix it, try your controller with
a known good harddisk (after backing it up!).

Russ Sharples
homxc!rps

NOTE:

The above in NO WAY reflects the opinions of AT&T.
These opinions are my own and the results of un-scientific and 
highly irregular analysis methods.