Prior to this the computer was clean and working perfectly.
This is a HP Compaq nx8220 laptop running Windows XP Prof SP3 .
I tried re-booting but this brought up the same "Disk Read Error" directly after the Black HP screen.
I tried pressing F8 to switch to start in Safe Mode at the HP screen but this did nothing and the Error message still occurred.
I am certain this occurred as a direct result of downloading the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
I then put in my Windows XP disk and pressed enter at the messsage "start from CD" which started the Windows Setup on blue screen and it continued to run Setup. I have now reached a screen which says Welcome to Setup and presents the options to either 1. Setup XP now. or 2. Repair XP installation using Recovery Console. or 3. Quit Setup without installing XP.
At this point I need some expert help.
I do not think I want to be loading the whole of XP over the top of my existing system.
I assume a repair route using Recovery Console might be a way to go to get my system up and running again, however I know nothing about Recovery Console except that it is installed on my computer.
Added to this I have no idea why I got a Disk Read Error problem in the first place (strongly suspect Windows Update) or how to fix it.
Can someone give me some assistance here please.
regards
bar457