N97 hardware problems

Just bought a new N97 last Friday and already having all the main problems that are had with the phone i.e the GPS lock problem, keyboard rattle and the phone's camera already has a scratch in it. I havn't even had it a full week yet. I emailed the place I bought it from and asked about the new backplate that fixes all but the keyboard problem adn they said there is no way to tell what batch of phones have the new backplate on them.
My question is does anyone know when the revised N97 might reach the market? I'd say if you could get one that has the v20 firmware preloaded on it from the factory then I would have the modifications. How long does it generally take for the new firmware to reach the current market? Thanks.

I ripped a strip from an envelope (i.e. 2 sheets of paper thick) and placed that over the battery then placed the cover on. This seems to get rid of the squeeking when I am typing on the keyboard.
Hopefully it does not catch fire! (it shouldn't)
The upside is if anyone asks for a piece of paper - i've got mine.
I love my purple screen, 1/2 day battery, sketchy touch screen and $800 price tag - I call it my Lumia 900

Similar Messages

N97 GPS Problems - Hardware or Software?

Sorry to start yet another thread on the N97 GPS problems, but reading through all the threads there seems not to be any clear conclusion as to whether or not the issue is a software/firmware one, in which case potentially fixable, or a hardware one, in which case the phones have to be sent back and replaced.
My personally feeling is that it's hardware. Some people have no issue but many have a problem. I have the same issues with losing the satellites, poor GPS accuracy, etc. both with Ovi Maps 3.01 and with Google Maps, which again to me points to a hardware fault. Updating firmware from v10 to v11 made no difference to GPS performance.
So, I wonder if people agree with me that it is a hardware issue and the phones have to go back, or if there is some hope of it being a software issue and thus being fixed?
Anyone had any success in sending back an N97 for replacement because if the GPS issue? Mine is a UK 3 branded N97 black, free as part of a contract, and I have a feeling that 3 are likely to resist replacing the phone if they can.
Mark

I believe that the GPS problem in N97 not a hardware problem but a software problem with the Nokia (Ovi) Maps 3.
Below explanation why:
I have been using Nokia Maps 2.0 on my previous phone – E71 for more than one year. It worked pretty well and stable. One important remark – it is important to configure the server for AGPS under Settings well...
About one and half month ago I decided to install on my E71 the newest Nokia (Ovi) Maps 3.0. And ... immediately my problems started. The GPS performance worsened – I was continuously getting messages about GPS lost, recalculating and usually concluding that I am on a parallel road to the road which I was actually driving – horrible...
Also my colleague with N82 made the same mistake (installed Maps 3.0) and got the same problems.
Because of this problems I have removed this new version on my E71 and went back to Nokia Maps 2.0. And guess what? - The problems were gone!
Two weeks ago I bought my N97. It comes only with Maps 3.1 so I was expecting problems. And ... indeed I have them all. Bad thing is however that I cannot go back to Maps 2.0 on N97...
I tested GPS accuracy with three different phones (N97, E71, E75) and two versions of Nokia Maps. What I can see is that its normal to be about 80-100 meters on average. This is not a specific N97 issue! And apparently should not be a problem because Nokia Maps 2.0 works great even if this application shows accuracy of 100 m. Probably thanks to the Assisted GPS.
So my conclusion is that it is not a hardware problem but a problem with (a part of) the software of the Nokia (Ovi) Maps 3.x ! Maybe with a GPS Driver? Or the functionality of the assisted GPS?
Message Edited by concordia on 16-Aug-2009 04:04 PM

N97 GPS problem!

There has been already some discussion about GPS but I want to start new one topic-
I would like to know is there any N97 or anybody which N97 GPS is working fine without any problems?
Today I made my first real navigation trip and I saw that my N97 with newest maps and phone sw was useless.
GPS signal is going to lost very often and my position arrow is coming too late for corners and turns. Also speed shows very often 0km/h and sometimes it goes totally grazy when poistion is lost and it's starting to calculate route again and again and it never ends without starting whole navigation from the beginning.
Well when I was returning back to my home today i decided to use my Nokia LD-3W Bluetooth GPS receiver and when I used that and also phone's A-GPS then MAPS worked very well. None of problems.....
I truly hope that this GPS problem exists on every released N97 at this time because then it would be most propably SW related problem, not HW problem. Of course it can be also HW problem but I do not belive that.
Also some other Nokia phone models have had almost similar problems (with early sw versions) but those has been fixed by phone sw later on. But I must to admit that not so bad that I faced with N97 today.....

I believe it is a hardware problem. I use GPS Data all the time and it never fails that my N95-3 and E71-2 both get a good GPS signal that doesn't fluctuate constantly or randomly go in and out. It doesn't matter what application I'm in either, whether that be Google Maps, or Nokia Maps. The N97 has a diffiicult time finding and keeping hold of a GPS signal. Both of my N97's (first and second) are exactly the same.
The antenna is the problem. There is no doubt in my mind. All the software in the world can't make up for an antenna that can't keep a signal. It can mask the problem to a certain extent, which supposedly Nokia Maps 3.1 does, but it doesn't solve the real issue here which is **bleep** hardware.
Even on days and nights where there are not clouds in the sky, I get the "GPS does not work well indoors" error message while driving around in my car, trying to use the "GPS Data" application. My N95-3 and E71 never tell me that.
Nokia, as much as I like them, screwed this phone up hard, and to be honest, they've been doing it for some time.
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/10588_Getting_the_Service_Centre_low.php

My iphone 5s vibrates so loudly but my friend's iphone 5s vibrates just fine. can anyone tell me if it is any hardware problem?

i have bought an iphone 5s few days ago and i noticed that vibration of my iphone is different from other iphones. my iphone's vibration is so loud and noisy it is kind of rattly noise whenever i recieve a call or a text message, So i checked one of my friend's iphone 5s and it vibrates just fine. can anyone tell me why is it so? is it a hardware problem or what?

Do you have the same vibrate settings as your friend?
You can check this by going to Settings > Sounds > Text Tone

For the second time (I've been to the Genius Bar once already) my WiFi isn't working on my iPhone 4S. This is really infuriating and costly!!! I see others have the same issues. Can't Apple do anything about this? It's obviously a hardware problem!

For the second time (I've been to the Genius Bar already once with this) my Wifi isn't working. They gave me a new iphone last time, but the new one has the same issue as the old one, I'm guessing. I've tried resetting the network but that doesn't work.
I see others have this issue too.
If this is a hardware problem why doesn't Apple fix it? Or do I just have to wait another year for another upgrade?
Currently it's not costing me anything - yet - because I've got the Apple Warranty but this is totally frustating!!! I bought the original phone (which has been replaced in July 2012. The new phone (without working Wifi) is a month old.
Will try Restore via ITunes before (I will invariably) have to return to the Genius Bar for another Iphone 4S unless someone has an ingenius solution here?..?

sematson wrote:
If this is a hardware problem why doesn't Apple fix it? Or do I just have to wait another year for another upgrade?
For what reason, other than making yourself look foolish, would you ask questions that we users could not possibly answer as we're NOT Apple?
Basics from the manual are restart, reset, restore from backup, restore as NEW. Nothing more "ingenius" to suggest than these steps that Apple has outlined in the manual. If these steps don't work, then go back to the Apple store.

My iPhone 5 dies at 20-24% it doesn't go all the way to 0%. Will apple replace my phone or fix my phone for free since its hardware problem and I have no money. This is my second iphone 5 replacement.

My iPhone 5 dies at 20-24% it doesn't go all the way to 0%. Will apple replace my phone or fix my phone for free since its hardware problem and I have no money. This is my second iphone 5 replacement. I have no apple care so I'm worried. My phone has NEVER touched water! I only get 1/5 of battery use. I've also spent 30$ at the apple store on screen protectors for nothing! I really don't have 220$ nor 50$ I am on a strict budget. I believe I have to pay 220 not 50 ford a phone replacement for accidental damage. I don't know what category this falls under. I really need a new phone or battery. HELP! Will I have to pay? Also my screen lighting is all topsy-tervy every I put my screen on highest it won't work I have to wait about a minute? Forgot to mention that my apps exit out by themselves all the time when Im using them.

So, have you tried a reset? Restore from backup? Restore as new? You seem to have a few problems but do not mention any action taken to resolve them. What have screen protectors to do with anything?

When I open Mail the screen flickers random blue and gray appeared on the screen. I took a video too. Will that happen again? Is it hardware problem? This ipad2 32GB was replaced yesterday and I think it is refurbished. Are replace product refurbished?

I got my ipad2 replaced yesterday. And this new ipad started giving me problem by crashing aps. Then I restored the ipad twice but the problem was still there. I called apple and they fixed it by doing Reset All Settings. But now I have this weird problem. When I open Mail the screen flickers random blue and gray appeared on the screen. I took a video too. Will that happen again? Is it hardware problem? This ipad2 32GB was replaced yesterday and I think it is refurbished. Are replace product refurbished?

There is no way for anyone here to know if your replacement iPad is a refurbished unit. Per Apple's replacement policy, replacements can be refurbished units. If you feel the unit is not working correctly, take it back, let them check it out and if found defective, they will replace that unit.

I need to replace my iPhone 4S due to a hardware problem. Will I be offered to upgrade to iPhone 5 for an extra fee?

Hey everyone. I have an iPhone 4S that needs replacing due to obvious hardware issues (shuts down randomly on its own). I have shown the panic.plist reports that it generates on another forum and they have confirmed the kernel and hardware problem.
Since replacing it is the only way to go for me, I was wondering whether Apple still offers the option to upgrade to the next model when going to replace a phone with warranty. What I mean is, if I go to an Apple Store and ask to replace my handset for a new one (with my warranty/receipt) will I be offered to upgrade to an iPhone 5 for an additional fee? Can I ask for this option?
Thanks!

FedeMJ wrote:
...I was wondering whether Apple still offers the option to upgrade to the next model when going to replace a phone with warranty....
Apple has NEVER offered this as an option.

ZEN Vision 'Hardware Problem' error mess

Model No: ZEN Vision - PMC-HD0002
Error occurred as a result of a firmware upgrade.I can access 'recovery mode' &?have attempted several further firmware upgrades.It loads, rebuilds, reboots, starts then the 'hardware problem' error message returns.The device is currently stating, in 'recovery mode', that the following firmware is loaded v.42.0_0.0.9.I have removed all data (format all), run 'clean up' & 'rebooted' then upgraded firmware but with no success.?Any ideas will be greatly received & appreciated.

hi.
i have exactly the same problem.
did you manage to find any answer?
how did you access the recovery mode?
your response will be greatly appreciated.
thanks!

Problem with my iPod touch: Frozen screen, unable to access anything as slider does not work, will not accept a full restore. Apple Store advised that it is a 'hardware' problem and I could trade-in!

I am a relatively 'new' user. Touch was a gift, I used it in a simplistic way - listened to music took a few photos, added a few calendar events. After a year I then decided to be more proactive and found a few free apps (Solitaire) - then had a the frozen screen problem which I though was connected to low battery, but it wasn't. I recharged it, still could not access, then tried a full restore and got an error message. Took it to a Genius Bar and was told it was a hardware problem and as it is out of warranty I could trade in or just buy a different product. As this is my first Apple product is this usual? Do Apple products have a very short shelf life - I anticipated that it would last me longer than a year! Has anyone else had this problem? Was it able to be resolved? Or is it worth trying to get it repaired - and if so who can do it - Apple Store did not offer that to me as an option?

Sure sounds like a hardware problem. It happens some times. The iPod is just an electrical device.
Apple will exchange it for a refurbished one for this price. Apple does not repair your iPod.
Apple - Support - iPod - Repair pricing
A third-party place like the following maybe less expensive. Google for more places.
iPhone Repair, Service & Parts: iPod Touch, iPad, MacBook Pro Screens

"DPC_watchdog_violation" happens almost everyday, tried re-installing, is this a hardware problem?

Hello, I'm from Hong Kong. You guys must be wondering why I'd post in a foreign forum instead of local one - I cant find any support from my local forum. I cant even find this model form my local Website.
First of all, I brought this laptop (Envy 14) in 2013 from my so called "University Notebook Scheme". But once I got my first Envy, problem arised - my screen keeps flashing. I went back to the store and replaced it with a new one. Yet, this "new one" keeps having "DPC_watchdog_violation" almost everyday, no matter what Im doing - browsing the Net, using iTunes, even when Im using Microsoft Office for my assignments.
I've tried many solutions suggested: updating software & drivers, and reinstalling the windows; nothing works. Instead, more problem arised throughout these 2 years: my screen starts to flash, sometimes I cant even turn my computer on (power button on with a black, turned on, screen). I cant update my windows - "Failure configuring Windows updates, Reverting changes" and got stuck in the update loop.
I'm scared to do anything with this laptop now, even typing this "problem discription". I stored every files into the Dropbox for safety purposes. I save my Word documents every minutes, try to run as less programme as I could.
I've been wondering if this is a hardware problem, a serious one. Some of my classmates also got this Laptop from the University Scheme as well, most of them reported with the same issue (especially for the screen/display issue). With the notorious HP's repair and warranty service, I'm discouraged to sent my Laptop to them. I've even heard that I'll be charged even I'm still under warranty.
P.S. sorry if I have made any grammatical mistakes.

Additional Information for my Laptop (from WhoCrased):
System Information (local)
windows version: Windows 8 , 6.2, build: 9200
windows dir: C:\Windows
Hardware: HP ENVY 14 Sleekbook, Hewlett-Packard, 198C
CPU: GenuineIntel Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4200U CPU @ 1.60GHz Intel586, level: 6
4 logical processors, active mask: 15
RAM: 8351010816 total
Crash Dump Analysis
Crash dump directory: C:\Windows\Minidump
Crash dumps are enabled on your computer.
On Fri 27/02/15 7:02:39 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\022715-19390-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Fri 27/02/15 7:02:39 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\memory.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: iastora.sys (iaStorA+0x770DB)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\iastora.sys
product: Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver
company: Intel Corporation
description: Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver - x64
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: iastora.sys (Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver - x64, Intel Corporation).
Google query: Intel Corporation DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
On Fri 27/02/15 3:22:12 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\022715-15015-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Thu 26/02/15 7:39:23 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\022615-33093-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Mon 16/02/15 9:27:12 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\021615-23328-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Sat 14/02/15 9:37:59 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\021415-28265-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Wed 28/01/15 3:01:05 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\012815-19171-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Tue 27/01/15 2:44:44 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\012715-33937-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Fri 23/01/15 3:33:59 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\012315-63484-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.
On Tue 20/01/15 5:31:56 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\012015-18734-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ntoskrnl.exe (nt+0x5A540)
Bugcheck code: 0x133 (0x0, 0x501, 0x500, 0x0)
Error: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
file path: C:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
product: MicrosoftR WindowsR Operating System
company: Microsoft Corporation
description: NT Kernel & System
Bug check description: The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem. This problem might be caused by a thermal issue.
The crash took place in the Windows kernel. Possibly this problem is caused by another driver that cannot be identified at this time.

Upgrading from OSX 10.3.9 to 10.5.4, Software or Hardware problem?

I have a Mac mini G4, 1.42GHz, 1GB ram, running 10.3.9 I tried to install 10.5.4 from the grey disk that came with my newer iMac but I just get an error saying it cannot be installed. Is this a hardware problem with my Mac mini or a software problem with the disk only being lisenced for one computer or something like that?

Leopard requirements/10.5.x...
    * Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
minimum system requirements
    * 512MB of memory (I say 1.5GB for PPC at least, 2-3GB minimum for IntelMacs)
    * DVD drive for installation
    * 9GB of available disk space (I say 30GB at least)
Classic/OS9 Apps no longer supported.
Trouble is Apple no longer sells it, check eBay & such for the Retail version, not the Gray Discs...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mac+os+x+leopard+retail+10.5

3g is not working but 2g is fine - could this be a hardware problem?

Just recently updated to IOS6 and now can't get 3g, but I also dropped my phone at the same time.
I've tried all the resets and changed SIM and the issue is definitely with the handset either hardware or software installed on it.
Is it possible that I've dammaged the 3g antenna? I get 2g fine, and wifi fine, so I guess my question is does the iPhone have seperate antennas for 3g?
Thanks
Dave

It very likely could be a hardware problem.
Are you certain that you did not simply disable 3G? Check Settings > General > Network > Enable 3G to ensure it is ON.

Drive has a hardware problem that can't be repaired?

I have had a Lacie 1TB 7200RPM external drive for about 3 years now. In the last two days I got this message when I went into disk utility. "drive has a hardware problem that can't be repaired". I was able to back up all the info off of the drive.
Is this a drive problem or a hardware problem. I am using esata and an esata card. Not sure what the card is.
Any diagnostics.
I ran a verify and repair permissions and was told the drive is OK.

Do this:
Drive Partition and Format
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.

This drive has a hardware problem that can't be repaired

Hello all! I'm using a late 2009 27" iMac (2.8 GHz, 12 GB Ram). I've been noticing a lot of insanely slow speed lately, mostly in opening new folders or restarting. I ran the Disk Utility and it maked my internal 1TB drive as "This drive has a hardware problem that can't be repaired". Thankfully I have a 2tb backup external that has all my data on it, but now it's time to decide what to do.
1. Try and reformat my hard drive and reinstall the backup
2. Replace the drive with a new internal drive (and look for the best solution... thinking either a hybrid drive, SSD+internal or a 7200 RPM drive)
3. Throw my iMac into the sea.
4. Cry
So basically my question is:
Is my drive dead and should i even try to help it? (I don't qualitfy for the TB repair from Apple and my Applecare is up)
What are the best performance upgrades for an internal. 7200 internal? 7200 Hybrid? both an SSD and an internal drive?
Thank you in advance.

You will have to see what the SMART report is for the drive in Disk Utility. If it says "Verified" then the drive should be OK. All you need do is repartition and reformat the drive. On the other hand if DU reports the drive has an I/O problem then the drive is probably bad.
Initially why not just try this:
Drive Preparation
1. Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
7. Quit DU when formatting has completed. Install Snow Leopard.

N97 hardware problems

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