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August 15th, 2008 12:00
Disk Read Error
Hi,
I have a Dimension 3000 with Windows XP Pro. A couple of days ago my computer was infected by some sort of virus that would keep replacing my homepage. My antivirus program had expired, so I immediately went online and renewed my subscription and actually upgraded to Norton 360. I downloaded the software and initialized a full system scan. My scans typically take a couple of hours, so I went to sleep and let iy scan overnight. The next morning, the computer had a blue screen message, that is had to shutdown due to some sort of high risk. I re-booted the system and since then all I get is the following message:
Loading PBR for descriptor 2....done.
A disk read error occured
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart
I know the hard disk is done, but is it possble to reuse or should I dump it and get a new one? If i get a new one, how do I install the operating system?
shesagordie
12 Elder
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46K Posts
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August 15th, 2008 18:00
Dump the hard drive and replace it with a new IDE/EIDE drive.
How to reinstall XP.
Disconnect all the peripherals from the system except the keyboard, mouse and monitor.
How to configure a Dell Dimension series system to boot to the CD or DVD drive.
This XP reinstallation guide is excellent, or you can use Dell's XP Restallation Guide here.
While installing, remember to delete all existing partitions when you are prompted, then recreate the partitions and format the hard drive, following by installing XP.
After installing XP, you should install the drivers and applications in the following order,
Desktop System Software [if applicable]
Chipset
Video
Network Interface Card [NIC]
Audio
Modem
Then all other drivers and applications.
Followed by installing the Anti Virus utility, followed by updating the definitions and all the critical Microsoft updates.
Try to note the type of hardware devices you have, prior to reinstalling the operating system. This can help you select and install the correct drivers and applications.
Bev.
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Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
morninggal
14 Posts
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August 28th, 2008 14:00
You may very well have to do what Bev suggested but as a last effort try downloading super anti spyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/?tag=GOOGLE-SUPERANTISPYWARE) install the home edition and run that, I have seen where malware is actually the problem it sends you fake blue screen messages and messes with your internet. Sometimes when you run a scan it can’t quarantine a file, if you come across that boot up into safe mode (F8) and run the scan again from there and it will get ride of everything..
:)