hdd error {DRDY err}

[Asrael]

My system has two identical Maxtor 200GB SATA drives.

Ubuntu is installed on the Primary, which runs perfectly.
However when the second hard drive is connected Ubuntu won't boot. I get an error screen which reads:

[272.854943] ata2.00: status: {DRDY err}
[xxx.xxxxxx] ata2.00: error: {UNC}
[xxx.xxxxxx]ata2.00: exception Emask 0x0 SAct 0x0 SErr 0x0 action 0x0
[xxx.xxxxxx] ata2.00: BMDMA stat 0x24
[xxx.xxxxxx] ata2.00: cmd c8/00:08:00:00:00/00:00:00:00:00/e0 tag 0 dma 4096 in

the x's are all different numbers. The message repeats several times. Sometimes it says Buffer I/O error on device sdb1, logical block x (where x is a changing number)

In the forum a similar question has been asked before by others, but not answered.

I have tried switching the cables, the result was the same as before.

Since I can't get Ubuntu to boot with the second drive connected I can't use any tools to analyse or fix the disk as far as I know.

My guess is the disk is broken, am I correct?
If not how might I fix this?

Thanks in advance,

Asrael

[docmarine]

I am getting the same error my self when trying to install Xubuntu.

Previously I had Ubuntu running on this machine with no problems whatsoever. I have 2x 120 gb disks SATA running off a "pesudo-RAID" card configured with each disk in "striping mode"

Any help is appreciated....

[mushroomcloudwarrior]

I'm having the exact same problem. I'm on a dual booting Dell inspiron 1500, and Windows won't start either (which leads me to believe that it's a hardware problem). Googling 'DRDY' error gives a lot of links that says it's something to do with hardy. Are you running Hardy as well?

Here's a link that might help: http://ge.ubuntuforums.com/showthread.php?t=812562

I don't know how my laptop could be damaged, I'd left it in my room, and the power got drained off, and it wouldn't start normally anymore.

Please do let me know if you've had a similar problem.

[ciyo65]

I'm having the exact same problem. I'm on a dual booting Dell inspiron 1500, and Windows won't start either (which leads me to believe that it's a hardware problem). Googling 'DRDY' error gives a lot of links that says it's something to do with hardy. Are you running Hardy as well?

Here's a link that might help: http://ge.ubuntuforums.com/showthread.php?t=812562

I don't know how my laptop could be damaged, I'd left it in my room, and the power got drained off, and it wouldn't start normally anymore.

Please do let me know if you've had a similar problem.

I have a similar error. The link you referred is not working.

[mushroomcloudwarrior]

I have a similar error. The link you referred is not working.

I'm afraid I can't help you here,

In my case, I managed to boot using Ubuntu (it took about 20 minutes to boot up) and then copy the files I needed. I then called Dell support and found out that the computer had crashed 2 days out of warranty, I don't know if it's standard procedure, but I managed to get a new HDD delivered the next day.

I'm convinced it's a hardware problem, although not aware if it can be fixed. I wish you luck!

[chris-man]

I had a similar problem so I'm not sure if this will help you.

I downloaded and burnt the live cd, SystemRescueCD although any live cd with the right tools should work.

Then run:
e2fsck -f -c -v /dev/sda1

substituting /dev/sda1 with your device with the error.

This will force a check of the drive even if fsck believes the drive is ok.

For this and more tips see http://linux.chrissweeney.co.uk/

[bobberJR65]

I too had a similar error. The last thing I had changed was with Firefox-Mozilla, and I suspected that was the cause. My trusty Ubuntu network guru insisted I need a new hard drive. This old laptop is 5 years old!

Until I have the chance for further investigation I have completely removed Firefox from the system.

Hmmmm. So far everything is working...
Maybe it wasn't the hard-drive after all.