When I started up my Windows XP Media Center computer this morning, I got a message right after i turned it on, that stated all the devices on the computer but at the end "Hard disk failure is imminent. Please back up your hard disk and have it replaced!" and then it made this weird noise until after i logged on. After that, it works fine. I defragmented the computer and i moved it back two restore points, but the message still comes up. What does this mean and what should I do? Help Please.
2007-03-18 05:43:08 · 5 answers · asked by xbabieblueiceyx 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Steve Gibson's program "Spinrite" http://grc.com/spinrite.htm would be a help diagnosing and correcting the problem, but if a harddrive is dying, best back it up and get a new harddrve.
2007-03-18 05:50:31 · answer #1 · answered by prince 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prince is right, that message you received at startup meant exactly what it said.
Newer hard disks support a feaure called SMART (Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) which allows them to detect problems before the drive dies completely.
The fact that it was making weird noises just confirms that- make a backup to an external drive or DVDs fast! Just because it made it through a defrag doesn't mean the problem is gone- you should contact the manufacturer of your drive speak to their technical support- they might be able to tell if it was a false alert, or diagnose the problem further. Chances are that hard disk will need replacing.
2007-03-18 13:35:21 · answer #2 · answered by C-Man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you need to do a system repair. You will ender need a windows media center cd or the cd that came with the computer when you bought it.
Configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM drive. For more information about how to do this, refer to your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer. Then insert your Windows XP Setup CD, and restart your computer.
1.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
2.
Press ENTER when you see the message To setup Windows XP now, and then press ENTER displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen.
3.
Do not choose the option to press R to use the Recovery Console.
4.
In the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
5.
Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.
6.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.
2007-03-18 12:51:52 · answer #3 · answered by Linds 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
U should ask a computer tech 2 check it out cauze it may cauze a virus
2007-03-18 12:48:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did you try to scan your PC for Anti-spyware or for worms.
2007-03-18 15:22:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋