Anyone know what error code 2STF/1/4: is?

Question

Anyone know what error code 2STF/1/4: is?

I was running the Apple Hardware Test on my iBook because I was getting the folder with the flashing question mark on start up and this was the error that came up when it was checking the hard drive:

error code 2STF/1/4:

The hard drive wasn't making any noises that would suggest it was on it's last leg, but it also couldn't be located/appear when I tried to repair the disk via the install disk, tried to do the firewire target disk mode or when I tried to see if I could just reinstall the OS.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

iBook G4 and iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Posted on Jul 16, 2007 6:20 PM

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Answer 1

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jul 16, 2007 7:23 PM in response to Kristen Wilson

Kristen:

As you have already suspected, it could be the Hard Disk Drive, or the ribbon cable that connects it to the logic board, or in the ATA controller on the logic board itself. You can remove the HDD and place it in a firewire enclosure, connect it to another mac and see how it behaves. DT&T Computer Services has a good reputation and does free diagnostic testing. You can give them a call. If you still have AppleCare, you should call them.

Good luck.

cornelius

Message was edited by: cornelius

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Answer 2

Jul 22, 2007 11:30 AM in response to cornelius

Thanks. I took it to my local Apple Store and it is the hard drive. So I'm going to replace that and start over. Thanks for your input.

Kristen

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Answer 3

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jul 22, 2007 1:01 PM in response to Kristen Wilson

Kristen:

You are very welcome. When you have the work completed, please post back with an update. And, of course, should you have further questions, don't hesitate to post back.

Good luck.

cornelius

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Answer 4

Jul 27, 2007 6:30 AM in response to cornelius

Update:

So last night I installed the new hard drive (followed the instructions given at iFixit.com) which, aside from all the screws, was not that bad to do! However, when I went to install the OS software that came with my iBook, the hard drive still wasn't being recognized--nothing to select as a destination drive. So should I assume the problem is with something else such as the wire that connects the hard drive? I'm going to take it to a local Mac repair place and see what they say. I'm a bit concerned since the guy at the Apple store was convinced the hard drive was toast. I'll post back when I know more.

Thanks--
Kristen

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Answer 5

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jul 27, 2007 12:11 PM in response to Kristen Wilson

Kristen:

Congratulations on installing the HDD! It is a bit tedious, but not too very difficult.

In terms of the installation, your new HDD first needs to formatted. You have probably already done that, but just in case, here are step-by-step directions:

Formatting, Partitioning Zeroing a Hard Disk Drive

Warning! This procedure will destroy all data on your Hard Disk Drive. Be sure you have an up-to-date, tested backup of at least your Users folder and any third party applications you do not want to re-install before attempting this procedure.
Boot from the install CD holding down the "C" key.
Select language
Go to the Utilities menu (Tiger) Installer menu (Panther & earlier) and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
Select Partition tab in main panel. (You are about to create a single partition volume.)
Select number of partition in pull-down menu above Volume diagram.
(Note: 1 partition is normally better for an internal HDD. External HDDs usually have more than one)
Type in name in Name field (usually Macintosh HD)
Select Volume Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Click Partition button at bottom of panel.
Select Erase tab
Select the sub-volume under Manufacturer ID (usually Macintosh HD).
Check to be sure your Volume Name and Volume Format are correct.
Select on Security Options button (Tiger) Options button (Panther & earlier).
Select Zero all data. (This process will map out bad blocks on your HDD. However, it could take several hours. If you want a quicker method, don't go to Security Options and just click the Erase button.)
Click OK.
Click Erase button
Quit Disk Utility.
Open installer and begin installation process.
Choose to Customize and deselect Foreign Language Translations and Additional Printer drivers.
Check box to install X11 (Tiger) BSD Subsystems (Panther & earlier).
Proceed with installation.
After installation computer will restart for setup.
After setup, reboot computer.
Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
Select First Aid in main panel.
Click Repair Disk Permissions.
Connect to Internet.
Download and install 10.3.9 Combo Update or 10.4.10 Combo update as needed.
Computer will restart after updates.
Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
Select First Aid in main panel.
Click Repair Disk Permissions.

Cheers.

cornelius

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Answer 6

Jul 30, 2007 9:10 AM in response to cornelius

Ha! No, I didn't reformat...silly of me, I know. Didn't even think about it. But thanks for posting back and giving me the instructions! I'm going to tackle that tonight. All should go well.

Thanks again Cornelius!

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Answer 7

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jul 30, 2007 4:53 PM in response to Kristen Wilson

Kristen:

After installing an HDD in an iBook I am not surprised that you will have overlooked the formatting. Hope it goes well tonight. Kindly post back with update, and/or, of course, with any other questions.

Good luck.

cornelius

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