Disk error when booting

Question

When I boot my Inspiron 6400 I get an error. The error says 'A disk read error occured'. It then tells me to press ctrl+alt+del to reboot. When I first noticed it, I ran a complete diagnostics test. The results told me nothing was wrong.   What can be done to fix this?     Also: I've been following forum etiquette, and have searched for solutions, but I didn't find an exact match, or a newer post. Only outdated.

ejn63 · Answer

Did you run the quick 10-min test or the full drive scan (takes 1-2 hours)? Make sure you do the latter, not just the former.

ejn63 · Answer

If you don't have a backup of your data, remove the drive, mount it in an external USB 2.0 case and attach it to a working system and back up your data.

Then return the drive to the system and either reload Windows by the quick restore (CTRL-F11 at boot) or manually.

ColaJohansen · Answer

I ran the full scan, 1-2 hours. No errors were detected.

ejn63 · Answer

Personal data; if the Dell quick restore is not working, you'll have to manually reload Windows - boot the Windows CD and install.

The VERY FIRST two drivers you MUST then install are the Dell notebook system software and the chipset drive. Follow up with video, audio, modem, network, trackpad, etc. drivers and don't forget to do all Windows critical updates.

ColaJohansen · Answer

I always have backups of my personal data, so that's fine.   But I have another problem. When I ordered my PC, I didn't think I would need the CD's, so I didn't include them in my order.

ColaJohansen · Answer

Do you mean my personal data, or the PC's vital data?   And Dell's system restore didn't work. Message Edited by ColaJohansen on 09-08-2007 08:43 PM

ejn63 · Answer

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

ColaJohansen · Answer

I do not think I can order a CD in Norway, but thank you for all your help.

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