I have a problem with a e-studio 28, I have a message connect pc to install firmware or something like this. I dont think a problem wuith the hard disk, but I dont know witch partition table use to try fix the error.
try to replace the HDD. i had the same problem. you dont need to format the new HDD drive on a PC. You must format the drive after you`ll mounted on the copier. if you have a SM is easy to mount the drive. If not, give a e-mail.