System Error:Wins.cannot read drive "C"?

While booting system error, Wins cannot read drive "C" message appeared on screen. Powered off and re-booted and system is fully operational. What could be the possible issue? Something that may be a major problem in the future? Please advise. Thanks for your time.

 

Appreciate such a timely reply, Mr. Jones. Therefore, rushing out to purchase a new PC would not be considered prudent at this time? Do you argree?

 

Troubleshooting WINS clients

WINS => Windows Internal Name System.


Generally, when you have a problem with the boot drive C: not being found, but rebooting solves it : it is caused by a weak CMOS retention battery (The shiny coinlike thing on the motherboard). This battery retains the settings made in the bios (The press del to enter setup which appears when you first turn on the PC). One thing which is easily forgotten when the battery starts to weaken is what specific hard drive is installed. Without this info, the system cannot boot. But since most drives are now autodetectable and most bios load optimal default settings which include auto detect drives when they loose power , then when you reboot it detects the drive.
In the old days, the clock would run slow indicating a battery problem. But now most people have automatic internet time sync enabled. So you do not notice it until the hard drive starts to not be found.

So first thing to do is unplug PC , open case and locate the battery . Do not remove it, just copy the number (like 2032 or 2074) and go buy a new one (home depot is the cheapest source in most cases in US, but most electronics and grocery stores now carry them). Take it home , pop out the old one , pop in the new, plug in computer, boot to setup and confirm the settings and then reboot and it should solve the problem.

Or do you have a mapped drive C: elsewhere on your network?

 

Excellent news. Will install a new CMOS battery. Thanks Pete. Shall we say, "issue resolved case closed, "? Thanks BBS.