Disk error

[richgarlitz]

I have a PC that will power on, but I get an error message that there is a disk error. The instruction is to hit, "Ctrl, Alt, Delete". It doesn't boot. I get the same message right back. Anyone know what to do?

[nix]

have you tried booting Linux live cd?

[richgarlitz]

Don't have a Linux cd.

[richgarlitz]

Further info. This computer has been in storage (in-doors) for about a year. I powered it up and it booted and was operating. I shut it down and then was not able to get it to re-boot. I have Win XP on it.

[Broni]

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 (or http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic28744.html)
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, unfortunately, you're out of luck, because Toshiba doesn't provide any diagnostic tool.

[richgarlitz]

Unfortunately, I can't boot up the computer so that I can run anything. It just keeps giving me the same message. It is powered-up , but will not run.

[Broni]

You didn't read my reply carefully enough:

Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.

You don't boot to Windows, but to created disk.

[richgarlitz]

Sorry, but I can not run hard drive diagnostics because the computer will not run. I can not create a bootable disk. I can only get the message "Disk read error; run Ctrl, Alt Delete". That's it. I have hit the F2 & F8 keys, but nothing will happen.

[Broni]

Create said CD, put it into your CD drive and restart computer.
If BIOS boot order is set correctly, you won't see any "disk error" message anymore.
Instead, you should see:
Press any key to boot from CD

[BC_Programmer]

just to be clear, the disc is created with another computer, not the one you're trying to fix.

[Broni]

 

[richgarlitz]

Thanks all for your help. I did not understand you meant to create a disk on another computer; my bad.