32-Bit Disk Access Produces Spontaneous Reboots

Having problems with spontaneous reboots, sometimes infrequent and sometimes I even get hung in a continuous boot-loop. Finally, I moved the hard disk to another machine. The hard disk is the only item moved--even left the cable behind. The problem followed the disk. An installation of Windows 98, Second Edition was uneventful. Installation of Windows 2000 (multiple-boot configuration) produced problem with a spontaneous reboot that came consistently at a certain point some time after entering the product ID number.

After turning off 32-bit disk access in the main board BIOS, Windows 2000 installed successfully. Obviously, turning off 32-bit disk access isn't the desired alternative. It slows the machine. Data Lifeguard test was negative.

Main boards used were Asus P5A and Amptron PM-599LMR. Both are Socket 7 with AMD 550-MHz processors.

• DLGDIAG 4.12 - Data Lifeguard Diagnostic
  Current Date & Time: 4/15/2002, 10:43:18
  ******** Begin Extended Test 4/15/2002, 10:44:26 ********
  Model: WDC WD300BB-00AUA1
  S/N: WD-WMA6W1898012
  Firmware: 18.20D18
  C H S: 58168 16 63
  Drive: 0
  Baseport: 0X1F0
  DCM: HSBBEGHB
  Build Date: 19-MAR-01
  Family: 37
  SMART is ON.
  Test stopped as of 4/15/2002, 11:04:03
  NO ERRORS DETECTED FOR THIS DRIVE.
  Final Code For This Drive: 0000
  Test Complete.

Any suggestions?

 

Got an RMA from Western Digital today.

 

Received the replacement drive and it produces the same result. I requested another replacement from Western Digital, except I told them I wanted the same size drive but not the same model.

They agreed and will ship it as soon as they receive these two back.