"operating system not found"

[doctor P]

I have this problem with windows XP where if I leave it
for around 20min it will go to a black screen
saying "operating system not found". I can just turn off
the power and start up again okay but I lose whatever I
was doing. This has happened from time to time but more
frequently recently. Anyone know what's going on?

-Dr P

 

[Malke]

I have this problem with windows XP where if I leave it
for around 20min it will go to a black screen
saying "operating system not found". I can just turn off
the power and start up again okay but I lose whatever I
was doing. This has happened from time to time but more
frequently recently. Anyone know what's going on?

-Dr P

It sounds like your hard drive is dying. You could have a different
hardware issue, like with the power supply or motherboard, but I'd
start by backing up all your data onto something useful like a cd-r.
Then test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the drive
mftr.s website. If it is bad, replace it. If it tests good, then its
time to move onto more hardware diagnosis. Post back if you need help.

Cheers anyway,

Malke