Date   : Wed, 13 Apr 2005 21:20:52 +0100
From   : Ian K <BBCmail@...>
Subject: Re: Possible faulty disk drive

In article <E1DLmhW-0004bH-00@...>,
   John <blip@...> wrote:


> Hi All

> Just got my hands on a 5.25 Opus 40/80 track drive to revive my stored
> disks with the 'new' BBC and I'm having some problems.

> Even on previously unused disks I am unable to format some, with the BBC
> reporting sectors not found etc, even when the format appears to run
> through successfully.

> As the drive is used more (within the same session), performance seems
> to improve, although disks seen as unreadable stay that way. The
> readability of commercial disks seems much better. Heat related issue,
> perhaps.

> My first question is this : If these disks have been stored in a fairly
> dust free environment for 16 years, should they have deteriorated and if
> so, is it likely the commercial disks would survive better OR is this
> disk drive damaging my disks - I'm sure on the new disks that a worn
> track is appearing around a third of the way in when these are being
> formatted and general wear On the old disks... the drive is pretty noisy
> most of the time.

Provided they have been stored in reasonably warm dry and clean conditions
they should be mostly OK. Mine are. The drive should never mark the
surface of a good disc if it is it is the drive is faulty and shouldn't be
used. It is likely the head or some other part of the mechanism is damaged.

> Second question : Would the drive motor benefit from any sort of
> lubrication?

> Third question : Can I recover data from the disks if damaged? The BBC
> appears to know there is data on the disk, can even see the catalogue
> sometimes, but is clearly struggling.

Yes you can. there is quite a variety of software about. There is a disc
called Basils which contains a whole range. This will only recover data
from the portions of the disc surface that aren't damaged though.

> Finally, should I cease and desist till I get my hands on another drive
> rather than risk continuing with those few disks that DO work?

Defiantly.


Regards
Ian K