problem with start-up.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

hi,

when i switch on my laptop, the screen "windows did not start successfully
....." is shown then the option of "use last known good configuration to start
windows ...etc". this screen is shown repeatedly when i choose the option
"use last known good configuration to start windows." Then the windows xp
logo is shown and the green bar at the bottom indicating windows xp is loaded
and the system jams and i have to restart the system and repeat the
process...again and again.

also at start-up when i press f10 to load phoenixBios - setup utility
and run the HDD self test and choose execute long test ... test status fail
is the outcome .

in the case of a hard disk failure ... can you please advise what steps to
take to restore the working of the HDD otherwise replacing the HDD altogether.

thanks for your reply,

S Mehta
 
If the HD has failed, it depends as to whether you have the expertise to
remove it & fit a new HD
 
hi,

yes, i have the expertise to fit a new hard-disk. But the problem is - why
is this happening ... is it definetly a case of hard-disk failure. Or
something else is causing this problem ... like new software ... etc..

thanks

s mehta
 
hi Pegasus,

the answer that i am looking for my problem is : can this problem be fixed
with some software programor any other way? also what is exactly the cause?

i am considering hdd replacement as a last resort!

thanks

s mehta
 
If you know the make of the HD, there will be a free utility on their site,
which will create a bootable floppy or cd, for you to test the HD.

If this reports errors, its very unlikely to be either repairable, or worth
trying to repair.

You stated that the default Test Status reported 'failed'
 
Through another computer (either a friend's or other) download a Knoppix
CD and use that to boot via the CD-Rom drive on your laptop.
You may have to set your BIOS to enable booting from CD first.

Knoppix will present a splash boot screen with a 'knoppix:' prompt where
you can press F2 or F3 for extra options.
One of the options is memtest, which will test your RAM.
You can also wait and let Knoppix boot to desktop.
From the desktop, on the lower left of the screen, click the black
computer monitor icon, it will start Konsole.
1. In Konsole, type 'su', press Enter.
2. Type 'smartctl -h' for help on using SmartCTL
3. Assuming an IDE harddrive; type in 'smartctl --smart=on --
offlineauto=on --saveauto=on /dev/hda' (hda is your primary harddrive)
OR:
3. Assuming a SATA harddrive; type in 'smartctl --smart=on --
offlineauto=on --saveauto=on /dev/sda' (sda is your primary harddrive)

This enables the SMART system on your harddrive.

NEXT:
1. Assuming IDE harddrive, Type 'smartctl --test=long /dev/hda'
OR:
1. Assuming SATA harddrive, Type 'smartctl --test=long /dev/sda'

To start SMART extended testing.
The test is non-destructive, it will leave your data intact.
You will have received an estimated time of completion from SmartCTL.

Wait at least until this ETA, and then:
1. Assuming IDE drive, Type 'smartctl --attributes --log=selftest --
quietmode=errorsonly /dev/hda'
OR:
1. Assuming SATA drive, Type 'smartctl --attributes --log=selftest --
quietmode=errorsonly /dev/sda'

To receive a summary only of encountered errors.
To review the entire log, omit '--quietmode=errorsonly' from the above.
Here is a table you should read explaining all attributes reported:
http://smartlinux.sourceforge.net/smart/attributes.php

SMART errors indicate iminent drive faillure. When this is reported, you
should immediately back up your drive if possible, and replace it either
under warranty or not.
You cannot safely continue working on a failing drive.

Note that once booted into Knoppix, your harddrive will show up on the
desktop as a disk icon, you may click this icon to open up a file
explorer to review the contents of the drive.
You may also want to plug in USB harddrives/pendrives to copy files from
the internal harddrive to the external storage; this will work in the
same way as the icon on your desktop.
 
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