I am getting the message A disk read error occurred, press ctrl+Alt+ Del to restart.

Bev

It is a Dell Dimension E510. Windows xp

Thanks

kev88

Could be a failing hard drive.

First try using Dell Diagnostics extended test on the hard drive.

The instructions for using Dell's Diagnostics Utility, are HERE

Bev.

Test showed the folowing errors:

Read test: Fail Error code 650F:0244 Msg Block 6578439: Uncorrectable data error or media is write protected

Verify test: Fail Error code 650F: 1A44 Msg Block 6578439: Uncorrectable data error or media is write protected

kev88

Error code 650F:0244 indicates the SATA hard drive has failed and you need install a new drive.

Bev.

Bev

I kind of expected so. My computer has two hard drives that are supposed to mirror each other for better data backup/safety. How do I know which one is bad, and how do I get the data off? I read somewhere that I should get an external drive enclosure, put the hard drive into the enclosure and then connect it to another computer to get the data off. Does this sound okay to do?,

Thanks,

Neil

kev88

Neil.

When the diagnostics are run, the serial number of drive that's failed/has errors is usually shown, it can be noted and after opening the case, the serial numbers of the hard drives can checked for the failed unit.

Hopefully you have RAID 1, the second hard drive, is a clone of the first, therefore your data should be safe.

Yes, using a powered USB 2.0 enclosure and attaching it to a working computer, is an excellent way of recovering the files and folders, but if the hard drive is toast, then you could be out of luck.

Bev.

hard drives is not that much all u need is the software dc rom's but easy 2 fix just take time

can it b the bios is not set 2 use the hard drive iv fix a pc that cant use the hard drive i fix it by going in the bios & it wuz set 2 boot useing usb not the hard drive way u can tell if your hard drive is bad open your case & if u her a boop.......boop.... or a od sounds come from the hard drive then yes it may b bad look at this http://youtu.be/V-erRT31eEA then no luck

u may have 1 hard drive but it is split 1 az a back up then u cant use none of them

Hi dalewhite1,

Thanks for your input, but as this is an US-based forum, we do ask that you write in English.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!