HD 'disk read error' 2

[Tommyhat]

When i boot my computer it load fine for a few seconds then it tells me 'Disk read error. CTRL+ALT+DEL to reboot'.

I can only assume its the HD because theres no other media in in CD or floppy drive.

Is my HD cooked? If it is, is there anyway i can salvage Data from it?

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[georgewel]

Your hard drive could be the problem but I sure would try some other things first. knowing the operating system would help but here are a few suggestions. Tey running a chech disk to see if it will be repairable. Next try to repair the Operating System using its repair facilities. Or try using the command console which has several repair helps you can find these with help command. Also if you can download the manufacturer's testing software (runs by itself no OS needed) it may help you determine the problem. If all else fails there are several good recovery data companies who can recovery you files. Be sure to ask for a price estimate before proceeding as can be costly. Best of Luck

 

[Tommyhat]

It's XP home.

I can't really try any of those options because I can't even boot to the OS let alone a command prompt.

The only thing i MAY be able to do is get into the CMOS.

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[garebo]

For one thing, you could re-set the bios. Be sure to check your mobo manual on how to reset the bios as it varies.

Also, after re-setting the bios, if that doesnt help, then go back into the bios and set it to default, minimum settings, exit and save.

And let us know if your bios sees the hard drive.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[Tommyhat]

I'll give that a shot and let you know how it turns out!
Thanks

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[DoctorArt]

Tommyhat,

1.If your drive is an IDE hard drive, first check the jummper settings on the back of the HD. If you are using 80 pin cables, most times CS (cable select) should be the jumper setting. Unfortunately, master doesn't alway work with 80 pin cables.

2.If your computer does not recognize the HD, try to make it a slave to another drive on a separate computer(computer #2)but make sure there is plenty of space on #2s computer incase you need to copy data.

3.If computer #2 recognizes it as a drive under mycomputer, right click and click explore. Select all data and copy it into a folder on computer#2.

4.If this is possible, your hard drive has bad clusters or sectors, and not necessarily "cooked".

5. If computer #2 does not recognize it as a drive under mycomputer, right click the mycomputer icon and click manage. Select disk management if the drive is there, but says unallocated...it's lights out for your HD data.
5. If none of this is possible, and your hard drive cannot be seen by your computer, computer#2, chances are your hard drive is damaged.

Remember you can run diagnostic tests without having to go into windows, just boot off of your floppy. Find a computer where you can access the internet and download free diagnostic tests from what ever company made your hard drive.You can also try to ghost your drive the same way, but of course you need a ghost floppy as well.

Good luck.

 

[Tommyhat]

Thanks Doc-Art, i'll give those suggestions a shot too.

It may also be important for you to know this isnt a newly installed HD, it's been working fine for months now, just all of a sudden 'disk read error'

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