1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Problem with hard drive

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by XAIO, 2009/07/08.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. 2009/07/08
    XAIO

    XAIO Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2009/07/08
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    About a month or two ago, out of anger I hit my laptop. Yes, I have anger issues. No, I shouldn't have done that. I also understand that it might be the underlying cause to my problem.

    Nevertheless - My computer was acting up before this incident, so I decided to just reformat it. I tried a bootlegged copy of XP, one of which I've never had a problem with before, but was prompted with a BSoD. I then tried Vista and it began to install, after wiping my drive clean, but gave me an error that certain components were missing. So neither OS has been installed and now my laptop is clean, so it's currently unusable.

    Here's where my problems gets a little more tricky and perhaps a bit more obvious. Upon start up, I receive an error that my 'System32\hal.dll' file is either missing or corrupt. Google tells it's because of a cluttered registry, but as far as I know it can't be fixed unless I'm able to access my computer... Which I can't. I've even tried connecting the hard drive to my desktop, but it doesn't read it. I'm almost thinking that maybe it's dead, but I'm not sure.

    I'm hoping it's just a software or driver-related issue and that I don't have to completely buy a new hard drive. I don't care about the files, I just want to know whether the drive is still usable. Is there any way to find this out?

    [ Sorry I can't be of more help, providing detailed specs, but I'll tell you whatever else you may need to know ]
     
    XAIO,
    #1
  2. 2009/07/08
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
    Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
    Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
    If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD, and make the CD bootable.

    NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, unfortunately, you're out of luck, because Toshiba doesn't provide any diagnostic tool.
     
    broni,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2009/07/09
    r.leale Lifetime Subscription

    r.leale Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2002/01/17
    Messages:
    647
    Likes Received:
    4
    You could tell us why you expect us to help you with using a "bootlegged" version of Windows! Presumably the Vista is also "bootleg "?

    Roger
     
    r.leale,
    #3
  5. 2009/07/09
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    Ooops, good eye. I may need new eyeglasses :)
     
    broni,
    #4
  6. 2009/07/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    That question has been answered, but we cannot get involved with pirated software - thread closed.

    Well spotted, Roger :)
     
    PeteC,
    #5
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...