Re: disk read error

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance


Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\) wrote:
> [B]If the hard drive has failed, chkdsk won't run and if he already
> has bad...
>
> Here's my take on the problem (which I have yet to solve):
>
> Tuesday night: Shut PC down normally. No apparent problems
> Wednesday: Nobody used the PC
> Thursday morning: Turned PC on, heard one beep, screen went black,
> and message displayed:
> A disk read error has occurred
> Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart
> Following that instruction resulted in the message repeating, and
> never got beyond it.
>
> An internet search resulted in a lot of guessing by "experts", mostly
> about fried hard drives, but nothing concrete to really solve the
> problem.
>
> Using Symantec Recovery disk, I ran a virus check (none found). All
> disk utilities were able to ?see? and ?read? all directories and
> files, so the 200 Gb hard drive appears to be in good shape. I was
> able to run all Norton Utilites, and did a complete surface scan.
> Everything checks out okay.
>
> Using the original XP installation disk, I was able to reach the
> Repair function, and log into C:\Windows. Not sure what they mean by
> ?log into?, but all directories and files are visible and accessible.
> Also, I am able to Change directories to ?D? (CD) and ?A? drives, and
> view all content.
>
> I viewed the boot.ini file, and it has what supposed to be there.
>
> I ran the diagnostic files that came from Western Digital, and the
> drive and all media checks out okay.
> Clicking F8, I am able to get into the BIOS, and all looks good
> there. Since I apparently cannot get beyond the BIOS, there's no way
> to start the PC in SAFE or other diagnostic modes.
>
> Everyone points to hard drive imminent or actual failure. None of
> the above checks seem to substantiate those conclusions. From the
> speed with which the error message appears, something being checked
> in the BIOS is not acceptable.
>
> Any ideas?



--
bsamstag
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