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''Unable to read from disk or disk error, press ctrl+alt+del to...
So... I am building a KN8-SLI based comp for the son, and had an issue with my RAM (thanks for the help ''gymowner''!), and solved that, but now, after starting my WinXP Pro install and formatting the drive for NTFS (full fromat, no FAT32 avaialable as a choice), then copying the XP files, the computer restarts, goes through POST, then gets to ''Hit any key to boot from CD...'' and then follows that with a message that says ''Unable to read from disk or disk error, press ctrl+alt+del to restart'' , which of course just starts a never ending restart cycle to error message to restart (at least I think it does), I didn't actually restart it more than twice in a row without trying other fixes... which were: chkdsk /r in Windows Repair form the XP install disk, as well as fix boot and fixmbr. I had 2 drives on it, and the one I am trying to use is a Maxtor 100GB. I tried removing the other one, and I tried a new ribbon cable, and RIGHT NOW I am using Maxblast to ''zero-write'' the disk all the way through so we'll see how that goes. Gonna try a differnet HDD after this. I also searched forums for 2 hours and found one that has been ongoing for 4 YEARS with no difinitive solution (AIN'T MICROSOFT GGREAT???!!?!???!), lots of ideas, and very few that appear to thave worked for the people posting.
Well... 3 HDD later, similar issues. I get through the first phase of installation and then after the first restart it comes up with either could not read disk, or problem loading OS, and the installation fails. It has done this with 3 different HDDs (100GB, 200GB, 13GB [yes...13]) None of them work in this installation, but I am pretty sure they are all good. I hooked at least one up in another computer as slave and ran error checking from the tools menu in "my computer" and no problems id'ed. I flashed BIOS in between too, hoping that might make a difference- nope! I know it is not the install disk because I used it on another machine the day before I tried this one...Any ideas at all what is causing this install to fail? I am out of ideas- even the crazy onesWell... 3 HDD later, similar issues. I get through the first phase of installation and then after the first restart it comes up with either could not read disk, or problem loading OS, and the installation fails. It has done this with 3 different HDDs (100GB, 200GB, 13GB [yes...13]) None of them work in this installation, but I am pretty sure they are all good. I hooked at least one up in another computer as slave and ran error checking from the tools menu in "my computer" and no problems id'ed. I flashed BIOS in between too, hoping that might make a difference- nope! I know it is not the install disk because I used it on another machine the day before I tried this one...Any ideas at all what is causing this install to fail? I am out of ideas- even the crazy ones
actually I fixed this problem. It basically came down to the exact right combination of partitioning with PartMagic and then the Windows Install program didn't like it, said it could not install to the partition, would I like to make a new partition? I did, and then voila! It worked. Not 100% sure what exactly I did differently to make it workj, but it did. Sorry I didn't write down the exact steps for future searchers of this thread, but ultimately using Partition Magic 8 did the trick.
actually I fixed this problem. It basically came down to the exact right combination of partitioning with PartMagic and then the Windows Install program didn't like it, said it could not install to the partition, would I like to make a new partition? I did, and then voila! It worked. Not 100% sure what exactly I did differently to make it workj, but it did. Sorry I didn't write down the exact steps for future searchers of this thread, but ultimately using Partition Magic 8 did the trick.
Do you have partition magic? If it gives you error #108, just resize it with Acronis Disk Director or the GNU Parted LiveCD to be a little bit smaller with some unpartitioned space, so it will align on the cylinder boundaries.Do you have partition magic? If it gives you error #108, just resize it with Acronis Disk Director or the GNU Parted LiveCD to be a little bit smaller with some unpartitioned space, so it will align on the cylinder boundaries.
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1. It is possible that your hard drive is faulty and have bad sectors or unable to read due to cable error or motherboard. 2. Try to re-seat the hard disk and if that doesn't work go to repair shop and get it checked, if problem is found ask them to recover the data if you need it and if possible. 3. Get a new hard drive.
This is called a disk error which generally means your disk has failed. You need to get your data off it if it is not backed up. You will have to replace the disk.
A local computer shop might, just might, be able to install it into a second computer and read the data. The more you fuss with it the lower your chances of getting any data off it.
If this answers your question, I'd appreciate 4 thumbs. I do this for fun and do not get paid.
The computer cannot find the operating system, the disk error message means it cannot find the hard disk, you most likely have a faulty hard disk or less likely a faulty disk controller.
You can test the hard disk by removing it and connecting it to a USB hard drive adapter and plug it into a working computer's USB port. If this computer cannot detect this drive as an external drive then you will know your hard drive is faulty ad you need to buy a new one and install Windows and programs etc..
Well... 3 HDD later, similar issues. I get through the first phase of installation and then after the first restart it comes up with either could not read disk, or problem loading OS, and the installation fails. It has done this with 3 different HDDs (100GB, 200GB, 13GB [yes...13]) None of them work in this installation, but I am pretty sure they are all good. I hooked at least one up in another computer as slave and ran error checking from the tools menu in "my computer" and no problems id'ed. I flashed BIOS in between too, hoping that might make a difference- nope! I know it is not the install disk because I used it on another machine the day before I tried this one...Any ideas at all what is causing this install to fail? I am out of ideas- even the crazy ones
actually I fixed this problem. It basically came down to the exact right combination of partitioning with PartMagic and then the Windows Install program didn't like it, said it could not install to the partition, would I like to make a new partition? I did, and then voila! It worked. Not 100% sure what exactly I did differently to make it workj, but it did. Sorry I didn't write down the exact steps for future searchers of this thread, but ultimately using Partition Magic 8 did the trick.
Okay, I hope you didn't erase any important files.
Do you have partition magic? If it gives you error #108, just resize it with Acronis Disk Director or the GNU Parted LiveCD to be a little bit smaller with some unpartitioned space, so it will align on the cylinder boundaries.
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