Hard Drive Error Messages

Problems are coming back. Ref:
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?p=202220#post202220

TIFs listed more in a properties check of the folder than what was visually shown in the folder - as well as in "disk clean-up ". TIFs are shown as about 5-10MB, but "properties" listed as about 1GB in the TIF folder.
Opening of programs is slowing to a noticeable lag of close to a minute, in some cases. Windows folders are starting to lock or open slowly "“ and even a jpeg locked not quite half open.
When I tried to open a web email program that had timed-out, last night, I got a "blue screen" message: "A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.â€
“Kernal_Data_Inpage_Errorâ€
Then it goes on to say to reinstall newly added hardware or software, etc "“ but I didn’t add anything within the last couple days. I rebooted and the message came up again.
It rebooted again before I got the whole message "“ but I think I have the error signature and error report contents written down "“ if they are needed: "C\Windows\minidump\mini010105-01’dmpâ€, etc.
I ran NAV, Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware yesterday.
No viruses found, about 30 critical items removed w/ Ad-Aware.
The sfc /scannow failed before finishing, as did a System Restore to an earlier date. Also trying to copy files w/ Easy CD Creater failed twice quoting "unknown hard error" "“ or such. Has my HD become toast? In the meantime, if this is clears up, I will start saving everything because this looks scary.

Are there any solutions? What do you suggest?
Thanks,
Charlie

 

Pete,
Things seemed a little better after a long shut down. I was able to copy files to 3 CDs – but it took about 7 disks to do this. During the last attempt it shut itself down and apparently started the scan-disk on C drive by itself. I did see a couple errors it fixed – or deleted. But I didn’t see it end – so I don’t know if it finished successfully – or crashed before finishing.
It’s getting much worse. It was locking and crashing in Easy CD Creator during the loading of the files - before I even started to record the files. Got a 4th notice in the last 2 days that it had recovered from a serious problem (forgot wording). Then the “Error Signature” and “Error Report” came up again. Tried removing the laptop battery and pressing “reset” w/ a paperclip (as tech support advised once). Then using a dialup modem – no phone numbers were found – although there should have been 5 or 6 registered. I picked a new number – but couldn’t logon. It crashed again and this time it didn’t recognize my administrator password that I set up. Said no profile found for this account. Then it appeared to open as administrator – but showed a limited amount of icons – similar to what I see using the “guest” account. Also said welcome and click here to take a tour of XP – as if I was a 1st time user. Type in scandisk command and picked it to run after a reboot. But when rebooted – said it couldn’t run – couldn’t find volume.
Never got to run diagnostics. Don’t know what to do next – but cry.
btw- think “Kernal_Data_Inpage_Error” is right - I'll check notes when I get home.

Charlie

‘

 

In the meantime take every opportunity to back up your data - good practice anyway, but your HD may be on it's way out.

Based on your report of the phenomenon, i agree, something in your storage subsystem is about to die (file system corrupt, hard drive, controller).

 

OK - My mistake. My notes say "kernel" - for what it's worth.

 

No - but good news. I let it sit for a day - the opened it and the disk scan for Cdrive ran. 2 hours later, and several errors resolved - it is running better than it has in a month or 2. All icons are not showing on the desktop. And "favorites" are not showing up in the toolbar. But they are there - I just have to figure it all out. Will run memory test later - just got it up tonight - and I'm burning CDs to backup files, while it is working.
Thanks a lot. Pete. You saved me a lot of grief.
Charlie

 

I thought I spoke too soon. Loging on tonight , I get this:

"SMART Failure Predicted on Hard Disk 0: TOSHIBA MK4025GAS-(PM)

1720 – S.M.A.R.T. Hard Drive detects imminent failure (Failing Attr:05b)
Please back up the contents of the hard drive and run
HDD self test in F2 setup.

Press F1 to continue. "

Can I follow this instruction, and start backing up?
Is there anything else to do at this point except hope I have enough time left to copy everything I want?

When I get to a point, I want to wipe the HD clean and replace it. What's the best course of action?

Thanks,
Charlie

 

Do follow the F1 instruction and backup your stuff. After that I wouldn't mess with trying to rehab the drive if it were mine.

 

I had less than 24 hrs from "imminent failure" notice till it quit. I get the failure message - but neither "safe mode ", "last known good configuration ", etc. gets anything going. So I guess I have to replace the HD and install an unformatted disk.
I have an hp Pavillion ze4430us laptop. It has a Quick Restore system recovery 5 CD set and an Operating System CD (Win XP Home SP1). The original HD was 40GB – but I may want to upgrade to a 60. I’m not real sure about price and availability with good support. I see decent prices on the web – but want to assure compatibility, some support and a guarantee to operate properly. It looks like after removing screws, the HD slips out from the back edge of the laptop. May need to reuse the hp HD holder. Documentation says “IMPORTANT: Create a Utility Partition before installing any software”. It also says I can press ESC, on restart, to display Boot Menu and can select device (CD) and press “enter”.
This is what I know – now tell me what I really need to know - and do.
How can I be sure to get the right drive if I buy on the Web? I see IDE, SCSI, Serial ATA, etc.
I don’t understand the “Utility Partition” note. Can someone explain?
When I’m ready to boot from the CD – will I get prompts? It sort of leaves you hanging there.

Thanks,
Charlie

 

How is this partion created? What do I do to make this? This must be created 1st, it seems. Is this easy enough to do - or is a service tech job?

I have removed the HD. I went to 3 electronic stores, including where I bought the laptop. NOBODY has a laptop HD in the store. I find this curious, since laptops are the top seller now. They are more or less "universal" - in that one size fits most. I found a place to ORDER one - but they say they will not give me any instruction or support in the installation. Suppose everyone wants the business of installing themselves?

If I have taken out the HD - is there any chance there is any other sensitive personal info that can be found if I take it to the shop? I think everything was on the HD - but are there other chips that hold any info?