krestenbuch@users.1go.dk (Kresten Buch) wrote in message news:<193b9902.0401251023.6fb515@posting.google.com>...
> Hi
>
> I just installed Mandrake 9.1 on my pentium 1 166 MHz PC.
> It works all fine but just before Mandrake boots this messages appear:
>
> hda: timeout waiting for DM
> hda: timeout waiting for DM
> hda: drive not ready for command
>
> The computer hangs for a short time and then it goes on whitout any
> problems.
> What is this.
> I read some on the newsgroupe that this could mean that my disk is
> broken? I read about doing something wrong when compiling the kernel,
> but I just used all the standarts from the installer.
>
> Another thing is that my computer has been broken a and I have
> replaced the computer and saved the disk. Could this have anything to
> do with it?
>
> I sure don't hope my disk is broken but if if it is I would like too
> have a warning about it. Pleace help me, I don't know where to start.
> I will send log prints if needed.
>
>
> Venlig hilsen Kresten.
> Denmark

Since you said that your computer is already broken before your hdd
was, this seems to be a defect in power input to your computer. Most
computer users not aware of the ground connection in the power supply
input to the system. If the earth connection is not presented, or
bad, it will surely strike your motherboard, processor, monitor and
hdd. Some times the hdd may become defective, if you move and shake
the system cabinet while it is running. Don't mis handle the hdds
handle with care.
The not read from hdd error can be overcome by low level formetting it
using disk manager for seagate dlg for western digital alike softwares
mostly given with the softwares. Some other bad sector removal
softwares are also available in the net as free or shareware. Have a
confidence, your hdd can be repaired and usuable has a secondary
storage device.