HP Pavilion dv7 doesn't boot anymore

My Pavilion dv 7 doesn't boot Windows Vista anymore. I've run HP Diagnostics Tools, the memory test passed , but it crashed during the hard drive test. Once it also crashed while the HP Diagnostics menu was open. Furthermore it doesn't boot windows safe mode.

Are these indicators sufficient to tell that only the hard drive is the problem?

 

It could.

It could also indicate that your MBR is corrupted. You would need a retail Vista installation DVD inorder to run the repair tools and you can find links to obtain the .iso within these forums. An easy process, IMO that only takes a few moments to correct. You simply boot from the DVD and choose to "repair your computer" rather than "install Windows". Next, choose to "repair your exsisting Windows installation" or "detect problems that prevent Windows from starting" when prompted. If this does not resolve your problem, then yes - IMO, I believe replacing the HDD would be a safe bet and one that I would persue.

 

In addition, even if you can repair the drive, this is a sign that it's likely to continue to degrade. A drive in this state can often be used reliably to store data, as a second drive, or external (in an enclosure), but may continue to degrade if used to run an operating system.

I'd consider buying a new drive, especially if you can make use of this one where it's not going to be running an OS, but you may yet get a few more years out of it, depending if it's a simple file system error, or actual damaged sectors that caused the problem.

ps. I just had this same problem on my DV7 4060us. I removed the Toshiba 500GB and installed a Hatachi 750GB 7200rpm drive ($75 at amazon). I haven't seen a lot of failed toshiba drives, but mine is definitely in bad shape. It's also worthy to note that my HP 1yr warranty ended in July, but the drive has a 3yr warranty from toshiba... they may not honor it if they know it was purchased in a new computer though, I haven't tried that yet, but will after I try recovering data.