> > hda: irq timeout: status=0xd0 { Busy } > > ide0: reset: success > > > I don't really know what causes this error, but I receive it also. The only > cure I've found was to recompile the kernel with "Use DMA by default when > available" /disabled/. > > I've been told that this can be fixed with the hdparms package, but it's > never worked correctly for me.
For what it's worth, I had this error back in the days of Debian 1.3 (I don't remember the kernel version, probably 2.0.something). It finally got to the point that the computer wouldn't do anything, not even root login or shutdown. I turned the computer completely off for about 5 minutes, checked all the IDE cables for loose connections, and haven't had the problem since. If your system is on all the time, it MIGHT be worth a try, although I fear that it was probably just something weird that the computer did.