Windows boot problem

[Bobby]

I have a recurring problem when I try to boot my PC (XP SR1). It doesn't
always happen but occurs about 50% of the time (and increasing).

I get one of three errors:

1. "A disk read error occurred."
2. "Disk boot failure."
3. "OS failed to load." (less common)

If I retry about 5-10 times, it sometimes boots. At other times I have to
switch off for 15-30 minutes and try again (when it often works first time).
Sometimes it boots first time of asking.

When it boots it's OK. My PC works fine. But even when warmed up, if I
reboot, it sometimes misbehaves again (and sometimes not). So it's becoming
something of a lottery. But the problem seems to be getting worse.

Any ideas what is causing this? My gut feeling is that there is something
wrong with my HD (probably the on-board controller). I guess it could be the
controller on my mobo (which is an integrated controller)?

It's a new(-sh) HD. An ATA 133 60Gb device. About six months old. Should I
ask for a replacement? But, if I do, how do I get by without a HD? Is it
reasonable for me to ask them to send me a new drive?

Cheers.

Bobby

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I have a recurring problem when I try to boot my PC (XP SR1). It
doesn't always happen but occurs about 50% of the time (and
increasing).

I get one of three errors:

1. "A disk read error occurred."
2. "Disk boot failure."
3. "OS failed to load." (less common)

If I retry about 5-10 times, it sometimes boots. At other times I
have to switch off for 15-30 minutes and try again (when it often
works first time). Sometimes it boots first time of asking.

When it boots it's OK. My PC works fine. But even when warmed up, if I
reboot, it sometimes misbehaves again (and sometimes not). So it's
becoming something of a lottery. But the problem seems to be getting
worse.

Any ideas what is causing this? My gut feeling is that there is
something wrong with my HD (probably the on-board controller). I
guess it could be the controller on my mobo (which is an integrated
controller)?

It's a new(-sh) HD. An ATA 133 60Gb device. About six months old.
Should I ask for a replacement? But, if I do, how do I get by without
a HD? Is it reasonable for me to ask them to send me a new drive?

Cheers.

Bobby

Go to the hard drive manufacturers website and look for a diagnostic utility
to check the HDD. It sounds like it may be in the process of failing. Make
sure you get all important data backed up ASAP.

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.

 

[S.Sengupta]

Hi!Bobby!
use chkdsk/f command to fix the errors.
You may use Hard drive utility tool to fix the problem.
regards/
ssg MS-MVP
pronetworks.org