Disk Error, press any key to continue...

[kookbox]

My computer won't boot. All I get is a black screen that says, "Disk error, press any key to continue". Is there any way to bypass this message to find out if the hard drive is dead or if the OS just needs to be repaired? Any other possibilities of what the problem might be? I tried holding down the F8 key to get into safe mode but that doesn't do any good.

Thanks!
Lynn

 

[linney]

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

There are several command you can try in the Recovery Console if it loads.

ChkDsk /r , FixMbr, FixBoot.

266745 - Error Message When You Run fixmbr Command

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;266745&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Your drive manufacturer will have free diagnostic software which is bootable from floppy (or CD) which will thoroughly check the hard drive.

How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP (Q314079)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q314/0/79.asp

Q305595 - HOW TO: Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/5/95.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

Otherwise it may be time for a new hard drive.

 

[micker377]

Dual post - see Hard Drive Issues.