Error code: 4hdd/11/40000000 SATA (0,0) ! What does it mean?

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Error code: 4hdd/11/40000000 SATA (0,0) ! What does it mean?

I have had my iMac for 6 months now and suddenly it was extremely slow on starting up. Like in 20 minutes! So then I tried my installation DVD which did not resolve the problem. I tried to reload OS X 10.6.4 and only ended in an I/O error. So I tried a restore from Time Machine on my external drive which was supposedly going to take 60 hours. It bombed out after 16 hours.

I then tried to erase and partition the HD twice and then tried the installation disk. Still an I/O error.

Then I tried to creat an image of the installation CD on my external drive with Disk Utilities with an error.

Not only did I have a problem with the iMac, but also a faulty installation disk.

Finally I ran an AHT (hardware test).

This is the error: 4hdd/11/40000000 SATA (0,0). I checked what the forums say, and it seems that no one is really certain, including APPLE. It can be a harddrive error or a cable error or controller error, etc.

Lucky for me I live in SA where our Apple iStore also does not know what the problem can be / what the code means. In the US and UK I saw that customers with the similar error got their Apple products replaced even after the 7 day return policy / warranty.

Today I went to the iStore only to find out that the repair can take up to 10 days.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Jun 3, 2011 9:10 AM

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Answer 1

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a brody

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82,941 points

Jun 3, 2011 9:12 AM in response to andrefromjohannesburg

I'd trust the store diagnosis.

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Answer 2

Jun 3, 2011 9:25 AM in response to a brody

Well the store haven't diagnosed anything yet. I should have mentioned that I haven't taken it in yet and only consulted them today. I will do that tomorrow morning. But I am worried that I will be with no Mac for 10 days. I work from home and this is disturbing. I will take it tomorrow. I don't like getting errors on a brand new Mac after 6 months of normal usage.

It seems that this type of error occurs often even on Macbook Air products. I am worried.

Any advice on a similar error, or should I just except that this is normal?

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jun 3, 2011 9:28 AM in response to andrefromjohannesburg

I believe it's a hard drive failure. Considering you are getting similar errors on your MBA I would be concerned about the power you are using. If you are plugging directly into a wall or using a power strip I would recommend investing in a UPS to ensure the power is constant and clean. Power spikes can be more damaging to electronics than power outages, just something to think about.

Roger

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Answer 4

Jun 3, 2011 9:41 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you Roger, it is something to keep in mind.

The MBA was an example of another person that complained about a similar error. I only have the iMac.

The power supply I am plugged into protects the iMac from spikes. If it is because of a spike, I can claim back from insurance, because the power supply plug I use is insured and protects equipment from spikes. I will have to wait for the the iStore.

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

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140,532 points

Jun 3, 2011 4:09 PM in response to andrefromjohannesburg

Your welcome.

Please let us know what it turns out to be.

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Answer 6

Jul 13, 2011 1:50 AM in response to andrefromjohannesburg

I've an iMac 20"(early 2008) that I believe has the same problem: it has started to be very very slow, and many appls freeze for minutes.

After a deep diagnosis(AppleJack, Disk Utility, etc.) finally I ran AHT and it results in the same error 4HDD/11/40000000:SATA(0,0). Before replacing the HD I would be sure of the meaning of this error code.

Let me know if you will find a solution.

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Answer 7

rkaufmann87

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140,532 points

Jul 13, 2011 6:54 AM in response to simonettil

It's a hard drive failure, in you case take to an AppleStore or AASP to have the HD professionaly diagnosed and be preparted to have it repalced. Of course you need to backup first using either Time Machien and/or a bootable clone. Don't wait to do this the longer you wait the more apt it is to have a total failure.

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Answer 8

Jul 13, 2011 7:35 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks rkaufmann87! In fact I've already ordered a new hd to replace by myself. Of course I got everything backed up with Time Machine. I will report on this thread as soon as possible after replacement.

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Answer 9

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jul 13, 2011 7:45 AM in response to simonettil

Wow do I need to start using that spell checker, yikes that was aweful!

Glad you have it under control, let us know how it turns out.

BTW make sure you test your TM backup before assuming it will restore OK. Backups can and do fail, I've had it happen with TM. You don't want to get to a point where it's time to restore to find you can't! This is a good reason to use redundant backups.

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Answer 10

Jul 13, 2011 7:59 AM in response to rkaufmann87

rkaufmann87 wrote:

Wow do I need to start using that spell checker, yikes that was aweful!

Glad you have it under control, let us know how it turns out.

BTW make sure you test your TM backup before assuming it will restore OK. Backups can and do fail, I've had it happen with TM. You don't want to get to a point where it's time to restore to find you can't! This is a good reason to use redundant backups.

For sure I will check the backup 😉.

I will keep you informed!

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Answer 11

macinco

Level 1

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Jul 21, 2011 6:18 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Had a similar error code to the one discussed in this post. very confused. thought hard drive was on the way out but allowed it to cool and was able to restart and reinstall operating system. luckily i was able to back up hard drive too as i hadn't in awhile.

downloaded a fan control program that allows me to keep cpu and hd cool and the machine is working fine.

folks at mac haven't been super helpful and swear my hard drive is on the way out.

do i believe them or roll the dice?

i live nearly two and a half hours from nearest apple store so i want to believe it is ok but i just dont know for sure.

any help would be appreciated

cheers

Mac in Co.

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Answer 12

Jul 21, 2011 6:55 PM in response to macinco

macinco:

Apple has been helpful. They told you your HD is on the way out. What you did is to artificially adjust the fan speed so that it goes faster and cools your computer. But the computer is designed so that you don't need and additional software to adjust the fan speeds. If you are still under warranty, back up you current HD and have Apple change it for a new one or one day the computer will stop working.

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Answer 13

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jul 21, 2011 7:00 PM in response to macinco

I agree Apple was helpful, they not have told you what you wanted to hear but they provided good advice. Make sure your backup is kept very up to date and get an EHD and create a bootable clone using SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner. You want this because if they internal HD does crash you will still be able to boot and work until you can get the internal HD replaced.

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Answer 14

macinco

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Jul 24, 2011 11:28 AM in response to rkaufmann87

appreciate the knowledge. i was kind of afraid of that. now i am having trouble backing up. thought i was succesfull but unsure. i have a maxtor 4 500gb external drive(only has usb port no fw). the power led is on, the drive spins, but the computer doesn't recognize?? very frustrating!!

not sure if this is approriate in this string or i should start a new topiC (happy to do so if that is proper ettiquette) but any help would be appreciated.

thanks again.

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Answer 15

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jul 24, 2011 11:43 AM in response to macinco

I think what you need to do is take your machine in ASAP to have the HD replaced.

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