Desktop down - help needed to diagnose problem

maxi_isa

My computer froze and will not re-boot because of a "disc error". I assumed it was an hdd failure because of a similar experience a couple of years ago. However, when I took the unit for relacement at a local repairer, the guy checked the hdd by connecting to another computer and was able to access the files.

So I brought it home and connected it, via an enclosure, to my laptop. The (maxtor) disc was recognised and "working normally" but I can't access or display files because of an "I/O device error".

Thinking the operating system may have been corrupted, I also tried the repair option using the original windows xp disc which did not work. I don't want to re-install the os as I will have to write over the HDD and lose all my files.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions on diagnosing the problem and finding a cure.

closed

disc or disk? what is the exact message when you try to boot?

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools

maxi_isa

Thanks for your prompt reply.

When the problem first occurred, I got a blue screen and either with that or on attempted restart the message was ...

"Drive 1 not found"
"Drive 3 not found"

Now the message is "A disk read error occured"

closed

doesn't look good, try seatools

maxi_isa

Thanks Closed.
I've tried seatools but keep getting a "fatal error" when trying to run. Pity because it looks like a useful diagnostic tool.

debitcardmayhem

Is it an IDE drive or SATA, if it is IDE check the cable on the motherboard, and ensure it is secure

maxi_isa

Thanks dcm - it's a SATA

macman

No data backup? Since you say you had the same problem a couple of years ago, it would have been a wise move to set up a backup routine then.
All hard drives fail eventually, it's not if but when.
Hope you can get it sorted.

maxi_isa

Yes I have backup so my data is ok.
I just want to get the computer running again.

macman

OK, good but your original post says 'I will lose all my files if I have to do a reinstall'.
Luckily you are not in that position then.