Motherboard or hard drive?

[tbyrd200]

The other day we had a storm, the power went out for a few minutes. When I restarted the computer, my hard drive was bare, it wasn't even formated. This has happened when the power goes out (not all the time). What I'm trying to figure out is if it is the motherboard or the hard drive. I have a Western Digital WD1600-JB hard drive and an Abit KV8-MAX3 (VIA K8T800) motherboard.

Thanks,

Ted

 

[Tmagic650]

Replace the hard drive... Then if the problem persists, look at replacing the power supply before going for the motherboard

 

[Tedster]

test your psu with a multimeter and testing tool.

 

[Tmagic650]

Nice advice Tedster, but unfortunately most computer users don't have access to such diagnostic tools... I fortunately have both a multimeter (Fluke 79III True RMS) and a PC/SPS Tester.

I get paid to troubleshoot, build and repair computers

 

[tbyrd200]

I have a new hard drive, and a new power supply.

Thanks,
Ted

 

[Tmagic650]

So tbyrd200,
Did the new hard drive and power supply fix the problem?

 

[nickc]

I would also recommend getting an APC Back-Ups this will help if the power is going out often as they come with a program that can be set to shut the computer down normally after the power goes out. or can be set to stay on as long as the bat. has power.