Try running chkdsk /r.  At the Dell logo press F12 to enter boot menu > select CD drive to boot from > insert Windows disc > after loading select "R" to enter the recovery console > at the C: type "chkdsk /r (don't forget the space) this will take hours depending on the size of the drive but it will check your volume for errors and then attempt to repair them while keeping your info safe. 

Hi,

 

Where can I get a windows disc,as none came with my laptop?.

I have tried using chkdsk but not with the windows cd.

 

thanks

You can call Dell and they will send you any discs that came or should of come with your system including a Windows disc which you will need to run the recovery.

Try this: go to start, run: cmd

at dos prompt type: chkdsk /f

It should come back and tell you that it will complete the check disk on the next reboot.

 

Yes, any Windows disc will work.  You NEED the disc for the chkdsk /r so it can replace any corrupted Windows files and it will take from 2-20 hours depending on the size of the drive and the damage on the disc.

Hi.

 

I have tried running chkdsk a new times, inlcuding /r and /f but all to no avail.

 

Even getting a cd from dell is tough, would any windows xp home edition cd do?

Hi,

I have the disk now, but it asks me for an administrator password. i dont have any password on the laptop, how can I find this.

 

thanks

Just press Enter if your system is not password protected and then when it asks which copy of Windows you want to repair press : 1 then Enter (assuming you only have one version of Windows installed).

Hi,

 

I have only one version installed. However when it asks for password, if i just press return it exits the system.

 

I dont have password on my computer. thanks for all your help