i have a read failure on my hard drive...

ok heres the scenario...im reinstalling windows media edition on a gateway 838 GM modle DT...well after the pc copies all files to the system it restarted saying this...

windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

\windows\inf\biosinfo.inf

then it goes on to say if i want to run a repair...I never ran a repair so i dont know how to do a repair...

so i ran a extended-self test on the hard drive and it came up with READ FAILURE...but all other tests passed on the hard drive,MB,CPU and MEMORY...

so how do i fix this or do i need a new hard drive...

 

Personally, I would buy a new hard drive. The cost is minimal.

Wil

 

Are you using the original Windows installation disk supplied by Gateway? Check for dirt or scratches on the disk.

You are doing a clean installation (reformat)? I suggest starting again, this time remove the partition for the C: drive and remake it. If you want to do a "repair reinstall ", you will see the option to "Repair the current installation of Windows" after you agree to the Eula.

When you first start the installation disk, you will see the option to go to the Repair Console. Enter chkdsk C: /r that will test the disk.

Matt

 

You can also try and run the Seagate Utility.

 

Is their software as reliable as some of the others? (PowerMax, Drive Fitness, etc.)

 

Are you using the original Windows installation disk supplied by Gateway? Check for dirt or scratches on the disk.

You are doing a clean installation (reformat)? I suggest starting again, this time remove the partition for the C: drive and remake it. If you want to do a "repair reinstall ", you will see the option to "Repair the current installation of Windows" after you agree to the Eula.

When you first start the installation disk, you will see the option to go to the Repair Console. Enter chkdsk C: /r that will test the disk...

matt...its not the org. cd but its a new windows xp media center cd...i did do a clean install then tried it again...i didn't try the repair yet but i'll let you know if it works...ANYWAY,THANKS GUYS FOR YOUR HELP...IM VERY GREATFUL FOR THIS WEBSITE...sorry about the caps...didn't know it was on...

i am a novice and im trying to learn as much as i can...does any1 know a good easy to read and understand book on troubleshooting windows and bios errors...i would appreciate it very much...

 

Windows for Dummies isn't bad, but then I haven't seen the current version.
I have a feeling when Pete wakes up (he's over yonder in England, so he's resting up right now - I don't mean to imply that he sleep walks, that would be me!) he'll tell you I'm wrong. If he does he'll be right. Right about the info and right about my usually being wrong.