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Windows Forum / Windows Me / Hardware / January 2004

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Boot Problems - Invalid system disk with no disk

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anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com - 29 Jan 2004 21:46 GMT
I have a problem. The other day my computer froze, I shut
it down and then turned it back on. When it came back
everything looked fine but when I ran a program I
realized my settings hadn't loaded. I restarted to see if
it would be fixed but it wasn't so I tried one more time.
Thats time when it started back up it began to check the
hardware and stuff as usual, but then it told me "Invalid
System Disk, replace the disk and then press any key."
(The message you have when there's a floppy still left in
your A drive.) But there was nothing in there.
I've tried using a restore disk but it's never worked (it
has in the past). I cant get past that screen and get to
anything on my computer. I'm also worried that I'll lose
all of my files.
Can anyone help me? I'm desperate and it would be very
much appreciated.
Colin Nash - [MVP Windows Hardware] - 31 Jan 2004 01:55 GMT
My first suspicion is that your hard disk drive is dead or dying.

Are you hearing any strange clicking noises?  The company that manufactured
the hard disk drive itself will have utilities available on their web site
to scan the drive and perform a diagnostic check.

That's my best guess based on the symptoms you describe.  Generally the
solution is to salvage your files and replace the drive (either via warranty
or your own $$.)
It could also be some other things- for example a corrupted boot sector.
I'd try to run a diagnostic on the drive first though.

You can try the PowerMax utility.  It is designed for Maxtor and Quantum
hard drives but it will work for other brands too.
http://www.maxtor.com/en/support/downloads/powermax.htm

Instructions are available on the site.

-----------------

Colin Nash
Microsoft MVP

> I have a problem. The other day my computer froze, I shut
> it down and then turned it back on. When it came back
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Can anyone help me? I'm desperate and it would be very
> much appreciated.
 
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