Almost immediately after the computer is turned on, before Windows starts, the message "IDE #0 Error" may appear. The number in the message may be different: "IDE #1 Error", "IDE #2 Error"... The computer will not continue to start Windows, or any other operating system.

This message indicates a problem related to the computer's hard disk drive, CD drive, or DVD drive. "IDE" (Integrated Drive Electronics) is the name of the drive interface. Generally, drive #0 is the hard drive, and drive #1 is the CD or DVD drive.

It's possible that the electrical connection between the computer and the drive may have become unstable over time, due to factors including heat and vibration. Try reseating the drive, if possible, as follows: 

CAUTION: Be careful not to use excessive force when removing or disconnecting the hard disk drive. Using excessive force, or pushing or pulling the drive too much in any direction, can bend the pins on the drive's electrical connector. This can damage the connector or the drive, and / or make it impossible to reseat the drive to the computer's mating connector.

1. Turn the computer off, if it's on.

2. Remove any additional memory from the computer.

3. Remove or disconnect any other accessories or peripheral devices, including PC Cards, and anything connected to iLink/Firewire ports, USB ports, PS/2 ports, parallel printer ports, and serial ports.

4. Consult the computer's User's Guide for instructions on how to remove the drive. In most cases, the hard drive is not designed to be removed. It may be located under a cover (secured by a screw) on the bottom of the computer.

For help finding the User's Guide for the computer, see the bulletin Obtaining downloads and support docs from the Toshiba Support website .

5. Try reseating the drive, if possible, by partially separating its connector from the mating connector in the computer. Gently reseat and re-separate the connectors two or three times. Doing so may remove oxidation that may have developed on the surface of the connectors, allowing the electrical connection between them to be re-established.

6. Turn the computer on. If the operating system (Windows) starts normally, reseating the drive has probably successfully re-established the drive's electrical connection to the computer.

If the error message still appears after performing the steps above, the computer requires servicing. To make arrangements, contact a Toshiba Authorized Service Partner.

IDE Error messages can also appear after an attempt to upgrade or swap an IDE drive with another drive not specifically made for the computer. The error may occur due to an incorrect ;master/slave setting on the drive, or for other reasons. Drives compatible with Toshiba computers are available from ToshibaDirect. The following link leads directly to the ToshibaDirect Accessories page.

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