Hard Disk Problem

When i switched on my pc this morning it stalled and i had to unplug it. When Windows finally lanched i got a message saying

Windows detected a hard disk problem. Back up your files immediately to prevent information loss and then contact the computer manufactorer to determine if you need to repair or replace the disk.

I only bought the pc at the end of august .

First off is there anything i can do to fix it? with it being this close to chrismas i don't fancy taking it back right now.

2. I'm not fully sure on how to back up files, any help would be welcome.

Also am i completly screwed?

Hi Lee2008, [external image: Posted Image]

Here is a simple link to backup your files, but your system would be under warranty. I realise it maybe inconvenient to take it back, but if you interfer with it, you will void your warranty then your Manufacturer will not execute that warranty.

To post with information we need, please use the link at the bottom of my signature giving more detail of system information so we know what we are dealing with.

We hope you enjoy this forum and post again with questions at any time.

Happy Festive Season to you.

Best regards,

Hi Lee2008, [external image: Posted Image]

Here is a simple link to backup your files, but your system would be under warranty. I realise it maybe inconvenient to take it back, but if you interfer with it, you will void your warranty then your Manufacturer will not execute that warranty.

Is it possible to leave it untill the new year to take it back or will it get worse? and the link says windows XP i'm on Vista. Is it just the same?

Before doing this thread, Windows asked me to back up but when i tried to back up on a disc it said there was an error

To post with information we need, please use the link at the bottom of my signature giving more detail of system information so we know what we are dealing with.

Is this for now or incase i have another problem?

I've been told by someone i know

First thing you want to do is reboot again to see if it Boots up normally or not…
If it doesn't…start looking for a new hard drive, don't Defrag or Error Check it..it will most likely kill it.

If it does Boot alright…go ahead & Defrag the drive & reboot again..if all is still ok..
Go ahead & Error Check the drive for bad sectors…in XP Right Click on the Drive/Properties/Tools..under Error-Checking click the Check Now button..check both boxes than Start..with both boxes checked it should tell you to reboot…test will take 15min or longer.

Is this ok to try?

Hi Lee2008,

Number one, please only deal with one forum/adviser if you are needing help. If one tech is telling you one thing on another forum and we are attempting to assist you here, the information would be conflicting to say the least. I will not comment on your "friends" advice as it is not mine.

Leaving return of your computer to the New Year is fine, but in the meantime don't interfer with it or your warranty will be void.

Here is a link for Vista backup. I googled to find these links so remember google is your best friend.

The link at the bottom of my signature is for you to post the most significant information to make it easier for us to assist you with your problem. I do not know the Manufacturer of your system to guide you to executing the warranty, information such as your system specs is always an advantage to us.

• Right Click on My Computer
• Properties
• There you can see your system information
• Post it back in your next reply

Best regards,

Manufacturer: Dell Model: Inspiron 530S Processor: Intel® Pentium ® Duel CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz 2.00GHz Memory(RAM): 2037 MB System Type: 32bit Operating System

Lee2008,

Good job, now you could have told me you had a Dell in the first instance. You will have full Dell Support information along with the paperwork that came with your computer.

Have you got the OS CD? If you have, let me know, if you have not buy one or demand one from Dell as here in Australia it is illegal to supply a computer without the OS CD.

I know near holiday time it is unfortunate that your computer has acted up as service at Dell at the best of times is poor, but believe me if you interfer with the settings, or open up the case, they will void the warranty and then where will you be?

Post back with good news I hope if you have the OD CD.

regards,

I'll just check, they gave me a bunch of cds. Is it possible to fix it with this?

Is It The Operating System Disc?

Lee 2008,

Follow this link using your OS CD. Run the scan inserting your OS CD before exeuting the scan.

There will be no report at the end if all is well, reboot and see how you go. This is not interfering with your warranty, it is just checking that all is well with your OS.

Best regards, and hopefully this will correct any problem you may have.

Lee 2008,

Follow this link using your OS CD. Run the scan inserting your OS CD before exeuting the scan.

There will be no report at the end if all is well, reboot and see how you go. This is not interfering with your warranty, it is just checking that all is well with your OS.

Best regards, and hopefully this will correct any problem you may have.

Hi the link is for XP does it matter? will this mean i don't have to take the pc back if there is no report? and do i have to back up before trying?

I've run into a problem. I tried to backup but was told the recovery disk is full. It was at about 50% before i started.

Lee2008,

Here is the scan in full detail Lee. Just go ahead with it, back up your important folders if there is not enough space to do the complete backup. It is all about your Operating System which covers Vista. I run it once a month on my systems, it is not a big deal.

Backup/archive/copy

To be on the safe side I strongly recommend that before doing anything at all you check that your back up/archive/copy of all your important data, drivers, files, settings, work, etc is 100% up to date accurate and reproducible, (even if your back up is even only a day or so out of date, it's worth updating it now.)
Also don't forget to check that you have all your application Installation CD's to hand together with the product keys (including those for Windows itself)

Windows Protected System File Checker SFC

• Start
• Run
• type:sfc /scannow (note the space between the c /)

Have your Win XP installation disc handy as if damaged files are found they will need to be copied across from your disc, if SFC can't find correct copies elsewhere.

Windows XP Installation disc not available or wrong Service Pack or SP1 when SP2/SP3 is needed. Please note that windows does not show a report at the end of the scan if all is fine with your system.

There are work- arounds to this problem but the easiest, by far is to borrow one and use that. It is perfectly OK to do this, for the purposes of running SFC,and if you ask around all your friends, you are likely to find someone who will be able to help you out.

SFC no disc, no friends able to help.

Well you will need to do it the harder way and as a registry edit will be required it is essential that you back up your registry before you do anything else. Then in the event of trouble it will be easier to repair your registry. Download ERUNT from here: link and take a moment to familiarise yourself with the programme and how to repair your registry with it if it should become necessary. At the same time it would be wise to create a System Restore point, post back here if you need instructions on how to do this.

For the alterations needed to run SFC If you go here link you will find detailed instructions on the copying of files and the system changes you need to make. When you have followed all the instructions, reboot you machine and try to run SFC again, and please let us know how you go.

Post back with more questions if need be and an update.

kind regards,

Lee2008,

Here is the scan in full detail Lee. Just go ahead with it, back up your important folders if there is not enough space to do the complete backup. It is all about your Operating System which covers Vista. I run it once a month on my systems, it is not a big deal.

I think i know how to back everything up but there's no space left and i'm not sure how to free up space. There was 50% before i started but zip now.

Clearing out your Hard Drive with Vista

I found the above link in 10 seconds by using Google

It is good to learn Lee, that is why I am advocating you use Google to research what you need to know.

Don't misunderstand me, I am happy to help, but to progress with computers it is a good feeling to help yourself. The same feeling as I have if I can help you out of a spot.

Best regards,