Losing HDD boot sector everytime I start Windows

[lostpapers]

I have a HDD with a strange behavior.

This is a data drive. Everytime I start my system, when I access this drive the first time, Windows ask me if I want to format it.

This is a typical NTFS boot sector problem, so I fix it with the backup boot copy by using "testdisk".

This happens either I plug it as an external USB or as a internal SATA drive

However this is becoming annoying and I would like to understand why. any idea?

 

[thoughtdisorder]

Can you share some specs, like what OS you're using, etc....

 

[lostpapers]

Sure!

Windows XP SP3
ASUS P5Q Pro / RAM 2Gb / CPU Intel e8400
8800GT

Anyway, I'm starting to suspect also some strange behavior from "eraser". It has happened also at work, without any possibility for a virus to be shared.

It is not a coincidence I suppose

 

[KainXS]

could be a virus

 

[KBD]

It is not a coincidence I suppose

if the exact same thing happened there too then no. Suggest you check your PC throughly for virus, malaware, etc. Use your AV, HijactThis, boot into safe mode and scan if you have to. Some of those malawares can be very tricky.

 

[Konceptz]

who makes the drive? You might want to look on the manufacturer's site and download some diagnostics tools. Sounds like you either got a bad sector, or failing drive in the works. If it was a windows issue it would more then likely effect both drives in the system. Also by you testing it internally and externally you have started to rule out the possibility of it being an issue with your sata/raid controller on the motherboard.

 

[lostpapers]

After being careful with "Eraser" use, this issue has not happened again.

It seems there was a bad interaction between drive and eraser.

though, I'll continue to monitor carefully

Thanks for your answers