disk read error occured

Question

I have windows XP pro, and when i turn the computer on the following message is displayed: A DISK READ ERROR OCCURED...Any suggestions

ejn63 · Answer

Boot the Dell diagnostics CD or use the F12 option at startup, and run an extended test on the hard drive - including a full surface scan.

Before you do that, if you have data that is not backed up, back it up immediately, as it is likely the drive is failing.

gary540 · Answer

My hard drive appears to be shot. Does Dell sell new hard drives. The part # I would need is N0738 or if that is not manufactured anymore then what hard drives can I get. The service tag for my machin is H8c0j41. If that helps.

Message Edited by gary540 on 05-19-2005 10:47 AM

Message Edited by gary540 on 05-19-2005 10:56 AM

ejn63 · Answer

No need to buy from Dell - you can buy a hard drive just about anywhere - Best Buy, Staples, etc. Avoid Maxtor and buy the same type as your current drive (SATA or EIDE) and it'll work fine.

gary540 · Answer

Is EIDE Ultra ATA/100 good? Thanks for all your help.

ejn63 · Answer

Yes, except for a 4700 or 8400 system, which needs SATA. Seagate has the best warranty; Hitachi, WD and Samsung also make good desktop drives.

CoMurph15 · Answer

I am having the same problem and am getting a new hard drive. I was wondering how you would go about backing up your files (or if I can even back them up) if I can't get to Windows on startup.   Thanks for the help.

shesagordie · Answer

CoMurph15.   Unless the hard drive runs, it's just about impossible to make a backup, you could try using   http://www.runtime.org/gdb.htm   This may be helpful   http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6255-5029761.html   Bev.

BergaHoo · Answer

When my harddrive went south I was able to use knoppix to read my toasted drive to get all of my data off of it. This would require that you have a dvd drive on your computer.

Knoppix was great it booted up my computer, recognized my external dvd writer and network. This allowed me to save everything off to either cds or my network. It was a gem. You can find download at knoppix.com

Storage, Drives & Media

disk read error occured

Was this post helpful?