HELP! Hard drive problem

[Guest_imported]

I was installing a program a few days a and got an "error writing to disk" message. Everytime I start my PC i get a message that I need to run scandisk, but when I run a thorough scan, the PC freezes up about 25% of the way through the surface scan. This happens whether I scan from windows or not. I tried to defragment but it also freezes in the same spot. Any ideas what caused this or how to fix it?

 

[Gabby75]

ummmm hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems to me that your hard disk has an unreadable sector. You may be able to get some DOS based program to check out the disk more thoroughly, but its more likley a re-format of the drive will be required. I'd be slow to recommend that, as its quite possible the bad area will re-appear. Replace the disk and restore the backup I know you have!

 

[Guest_imported]

You don't think it's the boot sector? Can you start windows in safe mode? Is there a way you can bypass scandisk...Or this!!!!!:

When computer starts, press F8 after the massage Starting WindowsX" Appears and select Safe Mode Command Promt You will see this:

"Windows is bypassing your startup files"

C:\Windows>
Well you need to get to the Cabs folder to reinstall Windows

"cd" means "Change Directory", "options" is a sub-folder in windows
Type this EXACTLY:

cd options <press enter>
C:\Windows\options
cd cabs <press enter>

You should see this:
C:\Windows\options\cabs

Then type the name of windows setup:

Setup.exe <press enter>
Choose to install to the same directory, or if the error occurs in the Windows section, install in a new directory if you HAVE ENOUGH FREE SPACE!!!

 

[osuman]

I think Queasy is recommending a solution to Windows needing to be reinstalled. Unfortunately I think your problem goes deeper than that. I would recommending backing up all your data(the sooner the better). These types of symptoms could be a strong indicator that the drive is about to fail completely. Once your data is backed up, repartition, reformat, and then reinstall Windows. If you still have the same problem then you will need to get a new harddrive.