Hardware Analysis - Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Larry Parker — 2008-11-26T04:56:16-05:00

I'm not sure if we will ever sort out the DWF problem. And, it is my opinion that, Microsoft just did'nt do enough to sort out the many variables while using their product. Sometime ago, I had this DWF problem with Windows 98 (s.e) and with the assistance of a Microsoft
Tech, the problem was fixed after many steps. I also noticed, while using Windows XP Pro (service pack 3) with Automatic Updates .... afterwards, I received a DWF.
I then used a system restore program (rollback rx) which restored Windows back to it's original state, removing the updates. I can't remember which updates were installed during the Automatic update process ... But, the DWF problem has not returned. I used to hear that, you should always update but, I question ..... which ones ?

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Keith Gravestock — 2008-11-22T21:42:05-05:00

Greetings all!

This problem has clearly been around for a while and it is also clear there is no obvious solution! My problem only started when I installed a 500gb hard drive. It had been running fine until then. System is as follows:

Asus M2N32SLI deluxe MB
Nvidia 9600 GT video
Seagate 250 SATA drive
Seagate 500 SATA drive
Windows XP Home SP3

The larger drive has only just been installed and almost from the word go has exhibited problems. Music and video files were copied to it and games installed on it. When playing a game, it will lock up and come up with the DWF message. The machine becomes usable again, but the drive disappears. It reappears when rebooted.

When playing a video, moving the slider to fast forward the film results in media player locking up. It has also resulted in media player playing the film but the system then locks up and has to be physically turned off to do anything with it.

I have upgraded the system BIOS and tried everything suggested in this forum and by MS all to no avail.

Looks as though I shall just have to keep investigating to try and find a solution although a couple of things have occurred to me whilst writing this:-

I might try re-partitioning to create 2 x 250 gb drives.
Looking for updated SATA drivers - although I have 2 drives they are not configured as RAID

Unless anyone else has any bright ideas, I will keep you posted.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Laval LAW — 2008-11-04T16:14:55-05:00

SOLVED for ME!!! Code 51 + delayed write failed error with my RAID 1 setup

Config : Q9650
8Gb Corsair XMS2
XFX8800 GT Alphadog
Promise TX2300 + 2x WD RE2 500GB
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500Gb
Vista 64

Here are my trial & errors before I came up with a config that seem to solve the problem

-First I removed the RAM and swapped with 2x1Gb thinking that it could have been an addressing pb because of 32Bit drivers, problem still occurred, I reinstalled XP with SP3, but still same pb.

-Then I disabled write cache, NCQ without any success.

-I recreated the mirror partition, without any success.

-Finally I reformatted the partition but NOT with the default cluster size, I specified 8Kb blocks and it seems that the pb is SOLVED !!!

- Now I reinstalled vista 64 and i still don't get the error anymore.

All this is still under observation, i'm verifying the system logs often and it's been 2 days now that the problem did not occur. I'll try some more stress tests, video editing, archiving etc... and will keep u posted about the results.

Hope my finding helps.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

dc digital — 2008-11-01T05:07:42-05:00

Check your write caching & safe removal settings for your HDs. You can right click on any drive in windows explorer go down to properites, click, go to hardware tab - shows all your drives, click drive - properties - policy tab. check 'write caching & safe removal' settings. Perhaps thats it.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

G. Keller — 2008-07-16T01:34:43-05:00

Greetings all,

I've had the same thing with the whole Delayed Write Failed, even though I've rebuilt my machine three times after it first started a few weeks ago. I noticed it started after I downloaded SP3 for XP Pro and updated my ATI X800 drivers. Anytime I tried to download large files or install anything (like C&C 3) big, it would pop up several of those windows. Of course, it kept going, but there's data corruption. I checked the registry entry for LargeSystemCache and it was initially 0 so I tried 1...no luck...changed it back to 0 on next reboot. I also noticed that if it rebooted on its own because of the freezing on all programs, it would get to hardware detection before going into XP and just stop right there, CPU light just lit up like a christmas tree, eventually going off but NumLock wouldn't turn off so I knew the system was locked up tighter than a safe deposit box in a safe in Fort Knox. I'd reboot it manually and it'd be fine.

HD: 80gb WD PATA/IDE drive (brand new, not 3 weeks old and I took it out of the bag)
Video: ATI X800 w/ latest Catalyst Control Center + driver
MB: Gigabyte K8U

Giving the UltimateBootCD a shot and praying it stops this error...and yes, I fully agree that MS & ATI needs to start working on something that'll work as a fix, not a work-around. Wait, take that back, they should've already been working on this and had SOMETHING out there for the countless people that are going through this. I mean, seriously, it's only all over the web and probably saturating MS and ATI support forums.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - ACTUALLY SORTED OUT!

steve firth — 2008-06-21T12:22:45-05:00

Having been driven mad by my sata II WD 500g internal hdd spiting out DWF messages after a couple of days of use (mostly brought on using bit torrent) I think I've got it sorted ...

I have an ASRock dual vsta motherboard which has 2 x sata I and 1 x sata II ports on it and tried every relevent (and some damn right hopefull) solutions I managed to calm the problem but not solve it.

I read about buying a new card to run it off and talk of tech level problems with incompatible mobo components ... having run out of other ideas I simply plugged the hdd into the "wrong hole" i.e the spare sata I port and touch wood its been fine so far.

so in summary when there's not a simple tweak or obvious software clash, If the problem came on slowly it's probably physical failure, if it happened in the first few days it's likely it's compatiblity

imho ofc :p

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

akm — 2008-06-08T17:32:19-05:00

A common thread here which, seems to relate to my particular problem with DWF, is the 'USB' device question.

Problems associated with DWF, eg after DWF occurs and locks my laptop, then need to disconnect USB hub in order to get PC (fairly new Dell Latitude D830 with XP SP-2, not ready to risk SP-3 yet) to boot.

Not sure what the circumstances that lead up (or down) to the DWF except that it seems to occur more during overnite backup attempts to remote HDs connected thru the USB connection.

Not a PC geek so have no idea what kind of Xs and Os are effected, but the USB connection (pun intended) seems to be near the heart of the problem.

If any ideas out there would really appreciate the followup.

Ps: Would never hold my breath for MS. They seem to be only interested in 'sales'.

Mouse?

Mick Seymour — 2008-05-30T08:44:03-05:00

This thread has literally been going on for years and is causing us all real headaches. However, I think I've found the reason for my specific problem after reading it in it's entirety and following every piece of advice and link posted in it, although the answer came from what was not there rather than what was.

To cut a long story short, I recently bought a Microsoft wireless optical USB mouse to replace a wireless PS2 mouse. That had to be returned within a week as the scroll wheel stopped working. I exchanged it for a Logitech LX5 wireless optical USB mouse because the shop didn't have the MS mouse any more. It appears that, at least from the rough timing of the start of the problem, the Logitech mouse on USB is the culprit. I removed it from the USB yesterday and attached it to the PS2 port with the supplied adaptor and my Norton backup to the LaCie worked last night for the first time in ages. Only time will tell if this is the real fix for my specific delayed write failures.

Why did I suspect the mouse? One of the links to an MS support page said there was a hotfix for a problem but that fix did not fix the following:

The USB host controller uses the periodic scheduler for USB 2.0 devices.

This typically occurs when devices that rely on the periodic scheduler are attached to the host controller. These may be isochronous (Isoch) devices such as audio devices. Or, they may be interrupt devices such as mouse or keyboard. This problem is not fixed by installing the download that is available in this article.

So, obviously a known problem but no answer from MS.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Ken Wilkins — 2008-04-07T13:15:18-05:00

This MS KB talks about AGP video and UMA considerations.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/895932

As far as not being able to boot, check out Bart PE. Do a search. It's great.

boethos

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

garry coyle — 2008-03-13T18:12:44-05:00

HELP. I mean HHEELLPP.
My sister bought this Dell latitude d 600 from ebay.Boy did she get robbed. After trying to get a refund or help all failed,so i said ,seeing as she is struck with this DOOR STOPPER,id give it a go. Well it was sure screwed up but after an format,clean,and re installation of registered windows xp pro-sp2-.Wow all was fine. Then i went to the Dell website for drivers/downloads and again i was shocked to see such a performance.
Then it all started downhill.
I am getting delayed write all the time to a point where i rebooted and it said no os
blah blah and i reinstalled the xp again Now it was running for like 12 hours and i was thrilled.I started to install some programs like norton,limewire, nero seven and it waas fine.Then i went to upgrade ie6 to ie 7 and media player 11 and BANG Bang, delayed write errors all over again.
My problem is my hands n fingers are so. hehehe.
Please anyone out there with a sense of humour and a little knowledge,help out this ol man,please.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Cat Blue — 2008-01-12T04:59:17-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year everyone! My experience with DWF started when I connected an external hard drive, a 500GB Western Digital My Book Premium, to my computer via USB 2.0 cable. At first, everything was fine. I used the hard drive mainly as a back-up for my main computer. However, the main computer is an old model (a Dell Optiplex GX240) and it only had about 20GB of memory. My iTunes folder alone was taking up the majority of that memory, so I finally moved all photos and the iTunes folder over to the external drive. That is when my problems began. One evening I tried to download a free TV show from iTunes and the Delayed Write Failed error message appeared. After an exhaustive Google Search on the issue, I found this work around:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
3. In the details pane, right-click the SystemPages value, and then click Modify.
4. In the Value data box, type the following value, and then click OK:
FFFFFFFF
5. Exit Registry Editor.

What happened next is that my external hard drive (E:\ in my case) disappeared from My Computer and Device Manager. At first I was a bit panicked, thinking I had lost all my pictures and music, but I calmed down and did the computer �magic fix.� That is, I turned it off and on a couple of times, disconnected and reconnected the hard drive and voila, my external drive finally reappeared in My Computer and Device Manager. Whew! All the files in the external drive were there and I have since been able to access them just fine without the DWF error.

However, there is a new twist, and this is what I need help with. I do not get the DWF error anymore, but now the transfer rate to download files is INCREDIBLY S-L-O-W. How slow? A 45 minute TV show on iTunes, takes an HOUR to download! It is like my formerly fast USB 2.0 is now acting like a USB 1.0. Has anyone experienced this? I am thrilled to have gotten rid of the error, but these slow downloads are crazy-making.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Rob Dean — 2008-01-02T19:47:55-05:00

Since my last post on this topic, I've had to reinstall XP on the same machine and the DWF has come back on any significant write activity (I've successfully transferred multiple multi-gigabyte files off the drive without a problem). Although trying the original steps I'd found to clear the problem, I can't get rid of this on my Lacie drive (internal a WDC drive). So I've clearly under documented what I had on my old setup.

However, I have tried the following:

- Same drive on same D620 with different USB cables including an expensive hi-speed one: has no effect on the occurrence of the DWF.
- Same drive on different USB ports and on a USB-connected USB 2/HiSpeed hub: has no effect
- Same drive, same cable on a Dell D600 running SUSE 10.3 to same NTFS file system through the ntfs-3g file driver: no problems appearing, drive works normally for read and write

I've also acquired the Iomega 500Gb drive (internal a Seagate) which does not show the DWF problem anywhere near as much (very occasionally whereas with the Lacie it appears almost immediately).

All this leads me to suspect the drivers being used on Windows at some level (whether generic USB mass storage or something specific to the Lacie drive), since switching the hardware to Linux gives me a perfectly usable drive. I'll probably try some of the other hotfixes listed here, but right now, if I could dump Windows, I would.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

RAJEEV VASU — 2007-12-16T14:51:15-05:00

I also did experience this problem after a clean install of XP.This message began appear everytime I started the front end of an MS Access Application( Back end is placed on another computer on the network).I ,however, observed that the data updated successfully to the back end.There was no damage of any sort.I further observed that the same message appeared whenever I started a Dbase4 application installed on the same partition(last extended partition).I investigated this problem by copying and moving one test file from other partition to this partition.There was no problem.When I tried to copy the test file back to its original partition the message began to appear continuously,but the file copied successfully.I moved everything from the problematic partition to other partition, though there were continous messages, everything went smooth except one Dbase file damaged.Luckly,I had backup.I formatted the partition (not the quick partition this time) and re-installed the applications.The problem gone forever.While installing windows in a hurry I quick formated the drive.I,suppose,something went wrong while quick formatting.

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Thomas Anselmo — 2007-11-30T22:07:44-05:00

After trying just about everything, the problem turned out to be Norton Internet Security on the server. It was interpreting certain file activity as an attack, and killing the network connection, which caused the client computer to get a Delayed Write Failed error. Once I disabled everything on Norton Internet Security on the server, the problem went away. I did contact Norton Chat and discussed this with them, but they wouldn't believe it. They just told me that Norton Internet Security doesn't do that. What was particularly annoying is that when Norton disconnected the network, it didn't say that it was doing that, nor did it log it. FIVE times I turned Norton off and the problems went away. FIVE times I turned Norton on and the problem came back.

For a more detailed writeup of every registry change and thing that I tried, go to my website page http://www.panoramiccomputing.com/TomAnselmo/Computing/YouNeverWrite.htm

Tom Anselmo

Re: Delayed Write Failed / Error - FINALLY SORTED OUT!

Damien Olley — 2007-11-25T13:40:21-05:00