Disk Read Error Occured

[Roger]

My new Windows XP Pro machine now won't boot up.
Was working well with 3 working copies of Windows XP Pro. on a 200MB SATA
drive.
There are several other logical partitions full of data.
It failed to boot after doing cluster size alteration using PM8.
Is it possible this operation increased partition size to an extent that it
would no longer fit within geometric constraints?
Windows recovery Console (on OEM CD) indicates all healthy partitions.
FDISK also shows no problems.
Bios however will not start the boot procedure.(AMI Bios)
Any help appreciated.

Roger

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

A) Why would you change the cluster size?
B) Have you tried changing it back?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Roger]

Thanx for your prompt reply.
I was in a BIG mess!
I cant actually iterate the steps clearly but briefly..
I used PM8 rescue to set the cluster size back to 4k for the main "C"
partition.
Upon reboot the Windows CD launched (I didnt realize it was left in the
tray)
It started "installing" and I tried to abort this. However I gave in and
let it install a new edition of WinXP.
At this stage I thought all was lost.
Upon completion (30 min approx) it rebooted and needed actuation which I had
to do over phone.
Relaunch and "bingo" my old copy is unmodified and seems to go just as I
left it.
I noticed that the other active partitions would only boot to a WinXP
desktop(and then nothing) so used PM to set cluster size back to 4k on these
two parttions. Now they also will boot to original status.
I will not alter the cluster size from the standard (4k) for active
partitions in future!.
.... Then again I am a "compulsive "tinkerer"
Its great to have this Newsgroup and people like yourself at hand for when
we "tinkerers" get into trouble.
...Roger