OpenCarolina

I was hired to fix a problem with a Windows 98 computer which would not boot. When I arrived the first thing that struck me was that the computers were Dell Precision workstations designed for Windows XP. Yet, they were running 98. I have often seen people try to run Windows XP on a computer designed for an earlier version, but never the inverse.

Anyway, after determining that the physical hard disk was the problem I began trying to save the data. I tried using Knoppix on site, but there was some problem with the hardware. I took the hard drive out of the Dell and went home. I attached the hard drive to my Windows XP machine, but Windows explained to me that the drive was not formatted, typical Windows crap. So, I tried Knoppix again. I connected my Seagate external hard drive (which I would highly recommend to anyone as a great backup solution), booted up, mounted the Windows partition (Linux had no problem with the partition), and I was ready to backup. Only one problem, the internal Maxtor hard drive was not ready. The data began to transfer, but then slowed and “stalled”. I tried many additional ideas: cp with another internal hard drive; sharing the drive with Samba; using a low level Seagate disk setup utility, but each attempt failed after a short time. Basically the hard drive would work for a bit, then stop responding (I got the furtherest with cp).

I am going to recommend my client seek out a data recovery specialist. I hate not being able to solve a problem, but since I don’t have time to setup a clean room, a solution is out of my reach. Sadly, not even Linux can repair a hardware problem.

I built a sound deadening box for my server. The reason I went to all this trouble is that the Linux server (Patton) living in my closet is not very quiet. Sure I could purchase a new computer, but I don’t have the money to do so right now. After taking some measurements of the computer I went to Home Depot. I grabbed a cart and started searching for wood. After wandering around the store for a while (men don’t ask for directions) I found something which looked promising. Particle board is interesting stuff: “wallboard composed of wood chips or shavings bonded together with resin and compressed into rigid sheets.” I picked up some 3/4″ particle board for my silencer (cost: $17.00). I got home and pulled out my rough blue print with all the pieces I needed to cut. I had no problems cutting the wood according to my specifications. I then took the pieces inside for final assembly. Using a power drill I pre-drilled the holes, then I used some wood screws to hold the box together (cost: $0.99). I only made one error in my measurements, I forgot to take into account the thickness of the wood. When you are using 3/4″ thick wood, it can make a big difference. I ended up with an unexpected airflow vent. It is actually quite a serendipitous “feature”, but it was a total accident.

Version 1.0 of my silencer worked quite well, but I wanted even less sound. I decided to use carpeting in an attempt to absorb even more sound. Back to Home Depot. I bought a roll of “unwanted” carpeting (someone bought it then returned it) (cost: $8.00). I also bought a squeeze tube of caulk that could be applied to wood in order to seal the gaps in my box (cost: $2.49). I got home, measured the interior of my box, then cut the carpeting accordingly. Next, I attempted to caulk my box. That did not work very well, the caulk would not come out. I scrapped that idea and began to staple the carpeting inside my silencer. The process went quite smoothly, Version 2.0 complete.

Time to test the silencer. I took it to my room and placed it over Patton…much better. After moving Patton back inside my closet and closing the door it is now silent in my room. Mission accomplished. I went to bed; no longer disturbed by random disk access or fans, I woke up refreshed.

Computer silencer: $30.00. Silence: Priceless.