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    Disk read error on startup

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by TSE, Feb 18, 2011.

  1. TSE

    TSE Notebook Deity

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    Whenever I boot up, my DM3z says:

    A Disk read error has occurred, press control alt delete to restart.

    Nothing happens nothing I can do to get to desktop. Won't boot off CD or external...

    what do i do? :(
     
    TSE, Feb 18, 2011
    #1
  2. Bearclaw

    Bearclaw Steaming

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    try to do a recovery. You should be able to access BIOS though, and change boot order.

    Otherwise time to change HDD.
     
    Bearclaw, Feb 18, 2011
    #2
  3. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Do you have any USB devices or SD cards or anything plugged in? Remove ALL external media.
     
    Pitabred, Feb 18, 2011
    #3
  4. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    In addition to the above, try:

    Unplug notebook.

    Remove battery.

    Press/click every single button on the machine at least once.

    Remove and re-seat the RAM.

    Remove and re-seat the HDD.

    Install 1 stick of RAM, the HDD, and the battery and see if she'll boot up.

    Did this help?

    If not, then you not only need a new HDD, but you also need a restore DVD (or USB key). If you didn't make these either when you got your computer, then download the exact same version of Windows (from legal links on this site) and re-install your O/S and use the COI code on the bottom of your computer.

    If you have no important data on the HDD; try to re-install to it (it might just be a one time glitch that happened).

    If you do have important data on the HDD; then when your system is running on a fresh install on a new HDD, connect the old HDD (via an USB external enclosure) and copy the data over to the new drive.

    Good luck.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Feb 18, 2011
    #4