Is not very specific. It can mean the HDD was erased. It can also mean the HDD failed.
Try this. Go get any bootable Linux CD (called LIVE CDs) and boot that. If that boots, some like UBUNTU will show the drive on screen and you can look at it.
As to the restore media, try duplicating them, try the dupes then remember that drives may fail to boot after a few years.
Bob
HP laptop
Pavilion dv5000
Windows 7
When I boot up my friends laptop I get a black screen with text saying "Operating System Not Found". I am new to Windows 7, I tried getting it to Safe Mode by tapping F8 after starting... nothing happens. I tried tapping F11 at startup hopeing to get to a system restore or restoration but black screen appears.
He has a pair of disc which he believes are boot disc. The writing on the disc faded. I did insert one and nothing happend, I inserted the wnd and it seemed like the fan was running faster.
Again this windows 7 is new to me when it comes to settings and troubleshooting.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to get me up and running I'd appreciate it. I'd be happy with Safe Mode and or System reovery.
Thanks Again
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic