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General discussion

Is this what I think it is??

by kjsurvivor Feb 3, 2010 12:28AM PST

This morning I found my desktop in a "locked up" state.
It was in the middle of a scheduled anti-malware scan, the mouse would move but all icons were un responsive.
I did a hard reboot and after the initial start up screen the monitor went black with no cursor. I tried again and got a message saying
"disk read error" press cntl-alt-delete to retry.
I did this and back to the black screen !!!!
I'm really hoping that this isn't a HD failure!!
What do you think???

I'm using windows XP and an intel quad core processor...

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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First, boot the PC
by samkh Feb 3, 2010 12:57AM PST

using a CD to see if hardware other than the HDD is ok.

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Ok But what type of disk...
by kjsurvivor Feb 3, 2010 1:56AM PST

should i use??
I do have the original windows disk or is there something else ?

Thanks for the response...

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Try a Linux bootable CD
by Willy Feb 3, 2010 10:01AM PST

While you can use a windows disc, it maybe better to use some "LIVE CD" version of Linux, like Ubuntu or Knoppnix. For that matter any bootable media is OK, provided it boots. if it does, it pretty much lets the h/w seem OK. If not, then you need to narrow down the fault. If it doews works, then windows has been corrupted or attacked. You need to visit some Linux webpage to get a .ISO file in order to make the Live CD from another system. Report back with results.

tada -----Willy Happy

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It won't boot from disk....
by kjsurvivor Feb 8, 2010 3:46AM PST

So when I install the XP cd it just goes to the same
"disk read error" screen.I don't think it's going to the cd to boot up.
Do I have to change something in the bios in order for the pc to use the cd for booting??

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Boot order
by Willy Feb 8, 2010 5:51AM PST

Verify in bios the "boot order". The CD needs to be the 1st boot device. please check that.

tada -----Willy Happy

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That's what I thought but...
by kjsurvivor Feb 8, 2010 10:09AM PST

How or where do I go to check the bios and "boot order"

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Enter bios area
by Willy Feb 8, 2010 1:36PM PST

Depending on your system, there is a proper "key sequence/combo" that has to be pressed. You gave no info on your system, BUT maybe the Del, F1, F2, or F10, etc. in some order/combo. Your manual or visit to the support website will provide that. usually, that key sequence/combo is done during the initial boot-up, it may even state it during the boot-up what to nit, if so, do it. Reboot, if you have to to get at the bios area if missed. -----Willy Happy

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