what do i do if i get the "blue screen of death"??? is this my hard drive crashing or operating system?

Question

I have microsoft XP and i turned my computer on yesterday and got that blue screen that they call "blue screen of death"... i hear no obvious noices of clicking or anything like that (so does that mean it's most probably the operating system?) if so... how likely are the chances i'll be able to recover my files?? and will i need a new laptop or can this be fixed?

i realize each situation might be different but any insight into this will help me. thank you!

it says:

INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
and this is what i read off window's website:

Just as the name implies, this error indicates that Windows NT is having trouble reading from the hard disk. This error can be caused by a faulty device driver or a bad small computer systems interface (SCSI) terminator. If you've checked for these problems, but are still receiving the error, check to make sure that a virus hasn't destroyed your boot sector.

http://dxhtml.com/blue-screen/index2.html

that's what i get but i think instead of: Irql_not_less.... i get the "inaccessible boot device" but i can't remember for certain. i've tried to leave my computer off.

oh and yes, i've tried going into "safe mode" but it still went to that screen

Answer 1

This is usually an indication of the HDD going bad. The best fix is to replace it and if you have a good XP disk with the numbers, you can put a new hdd in and run setup on it and at activation go to activate by phone and explain to the operator what has happened. The chances of you getting it reactivated are real high.
You can insert a boot disk and run to the first setup up screen and hit R then log on to the 1 partition and hit enter at the password (no password) at the command type in fixmbr and hit enter then type exit and at the restart, do not touch any keys. It should boot from the HDD. Even if it does, it doesn't mean this will not happen again.
After you get your new hdd and it up and running you can change the jumper on your old HDD to slave and put it on the middle connector on the flat ribbon as a second drive to get your info off of it.

Answer 2

Generally, and you are right about all sorts of reasons for this, you will not have an irreparable problem.

You say you got it when you booted your machine? Have you tried again? If it happens again, try booting in safe mode. When you switch the machine on, start hitting P8 and you should get some menu choices. Use the up and down keys to set the highlight on safe mode, I think it will be option 3, and enter. This starts your machine in safe mode which is a very stripped down version of the operating system. See if you can do this. I have found that often, just by starting in safe mode allows you to restart with the full operating system. But, if you can start in safe mode you can access your files and if you have a write device, you should be able to copy your files.

EDIT - do you have a boot disk? If not, I have to suggest you try something like the computer MD or geek squad. They will have an alternative boot device as it sounds like you have a real problem. Even if you do have to junk the computer, you may still be able to recover files on your hard drive. The hard drive can be removed and attached to another machine as a secondary drive and the files copied from it. But you do need a techie to do that.

Answer 3

It could be your OS, or your hard drive, or your RAM, or even a driver conflict. It's very hard to tell without additional information. Please include what the exact error is.

**Edit**
Innaccessible Boot Device means that your hard drive is probably bad. If you NEED data off of it, try taking it to a professional and they MIGHT be able to retrieve at least some of it.

Answer 4

If it comes up a lot, its probably your operating system. just dont rush your comp. cuz if you do, it'll probably happen again; it always happens to me when i click too many things at once.