Is Hard Drive Failing? Laptop.

[boston33]

I have a Laptop with Windows XP Pro.

Today, it won't get to the desktop. I get prompted to try safe mode. If I let it restart normally, I see Windows XP Loading for about 20 minutes. If I wait long enough, it will get to the desktop, but runs very slow. It did a blue screen memory dump once. It restarted on it's own and never got to the desktop. The bottom of the laptop is getting really how, although the fans seem to be working in the laptop. (I am going to try to backup the data as soon as possible).

I didn't add any new Hardware today. This l.top doesn't have any virus issues. It seems hw related. I am not sure how to t.shoot this? Do you think it is a failing HD? Thanks.

 

[G0AOZ]

Before you do anything further, BACK UP YOUR DATA!

You said "The bottom of the laptop is getting really how". I take it you mean HOT. This could be the result of restricted air flow. Fan may be turning but if the airways are bunged up with dust and dirt, then it'll have little cooling effect. Dismantle and clean out. You may also have more than one fan in the machine.

Once that all important back up has been done, try taking the HDD out and attaching it to another W2K or XP machine. Clear out Event Viewer and run a complete error check and surface scan on that disk. If it has bad blocks or other problems, they'll show up in Event Viewer.

Try running a memory check - MEMTEST86 or similar. How full is the hard drive?

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Amos43]

It could be that the drive is fine, and that your problems are the result of overheating RAM or CPU. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what to do with an overheating laptop. Try to contact your vendor for additional cooling options.