[rshaffer61]

Yep reboot and go into windows and do the following.

Go Start and then to Run ("Start Search" in Vista),
Type in: sfc /scannow
Click OK (Enter in Vista).
Have Windows CD/DVD handy.
If System File Checker (sfc) finds any errors, it may ask you for the CD/DVD.
If sfc does not find any errors in Windows XP, it will simply quit, without any message.
In Vista you will receive the following message: "Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations".

For Vista users ONLY: Navigate to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS folder. You'll see CBS.log file.
Usually, it's pretty big file, so upload it to Flyupload, and post download link.


If you don't have Windows CD....
This applies mostly to Windows XP, since Vista rarely requires use of its DVD while running "sfc"
Note This method will not necessarily work as well, as when using Windows CD, because not always ALL system files are backed up on your hard drive. Also, backed up files may be corrupted as well.

Go Start and then Run
type in regedit and click OK


Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

You will see various entries Values on the right hand side.

The one we want is called: SourcePath

It probably has an entry pointing to your CD-ROM drive, usually D and that is why it is asking for the XP CD.
All we need to do is change it to: C:
Now, double click the SourcePatch setting and a new box will pop up.
Change the drive letter from your CD drive to your root drive, usually C:
Close Registry Editor.

Now restart your computer and try sfc /scannow again!


Thanks to Broni for the instructions

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Thank you and thanks to Broni for the suggestions. I will report back with my results.

Adam

[amstuart]

Thank you and thanks to Broni for the suggestions. I will report back with my results.

Adam

[amstuart]

Okay. Typing this after a normal boot sequence (no longer in SAFE mode). Windows File Protection went to completion without finding any issues or asking for the OS CD. So, System File Checker did not find any errors. The intermittent nature of the frozen cursor/mouse makes this an understandably challenging issue. Any other utility to run in order to troubleshoot?

Adam

[rshaffer61]

OK lets do some hardware testing now.

First is the hard drive.

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech....ay.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 (select "Write image file to disc" option), 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.

Thanks to Broni for the instructions

[amstuart]

Will the Western Digital Hard drive utility provide the same diagnostics as your suggested HD utility? I ask only because this computer with the issue that we have been discussing is not mine and there are no blank CD's available. If your hyperlink/utility is preferred, I will continue this thread tomorrow after I get a blank CD.

Thank you.

Adam

[rshaffer61]

Yes it should I believe. As long as it tests the hd.
The next thing you will need to do is a memory test and you will need a disc for that anyway. I am including those instructions below so you can keep going.

If you have more than one RAM module installed, try starting computer with one RAM stick at a time.

NOTE Keep in mind, the manual check listed above is always superior to the software check, listed below. DO NOT proceed with memtest, if you can go with option A

B. If you have only one RAM stick installed...
...run memtest...

1. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
2. Unzip downloaded memtest86+-2.11.iso.zip file.
3. Inside, you'll find memtest86+-2.11.iso file.
4. Download, and install ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/
5. Insert blank CD into your CD drive.
6. Open ImgBurn, and click on Write image file to disc
7. Click on Browse for a file... icon:



8. Locate memtest86+-2.11.iso file, and click Open button.
9. Click on ImgBurn green arrow to start burning bootable memtest86 CD:



10. Once the CD is created, boot from it, and memtest will automatically start to run. You may have to change the boot sequence in your BIOS to make it work right.

To change Boot Sequence in your BIOS
Reboot the system and at the first post screen (where it is counting up memory) start tapping the DEL button
This will enter you into the Bios\Cmos area.
Find the Advanced area and click Enter
Look for Boot Sequence or Boot Options and highlight that click Enter
Now highlight the first drive and follow the directions on the bottom of the screen on how to modify it and change it to CDrom.
Change the second drive to the C or Main Drive
Once that is done then click F10 to Save and Exit
You will prompted to enter Y to verify Save and Exit. Click Y and the system will now reboot with the new settings.


The running program will look something like this depending on the size and number of ram modules installed:




It's recommended to run 5-6 passes. Each pass contains very same 8 tests.

This will show the progress of the test. It can take a while. Be patient, or leave it running overnight.



The following image is the test results area:



The most important item here is the “errors” line. If you see ANY errors, even one, most likely, you have bad RAM.

[amstuart]

I used the WD Diagnostic utility on the C Drive. The multizone Error rate had a value of 1, with a Threshold of 51 and a Worst value of 1. The SMART diagnostic result is, therefore, FAIL.

Adam

[amstuart]

Well, the Memory Test will be run for completeness, but I suppose Debi has a HD that is on its way out anyway... (5+ years). So, it looks like transferring data to a new HD is in order before complete failure. Agree?

Adam

[rshaffer61]

Yep I would agree, looks like a new hd is in order.

[amstuart]

Thank you so much for your assistance. This has been a great learning experience. We are going to get an external HD to back-up important items now, and then use data cables to transfer the contents of this desktop PC to a new DELL or Gateway laptop. I have read that only God knows when total failure of the HD is going to occur once the diagnostic utility shows FAILURE, so it is prudent not to play with fate.

Be well, and thank you again for your invaluable patience and talent. Persistence is a good attribute to have!

Adam

[rshaffer61]

OK but make sure you are only moving over data as moving a Os to another system will not work because of the drivers needed. Also since these are name brand systems the OS is married to the original system and cannot be put on another system.
Please let me know how everything works out good or bad as it may help someone else with the same problem in the future.
Thank you for allowing me to help you and for your patience and understanding through all this.