http://www.geekstogo...moval-boot-cds/
I can't boot Windows XP.
I have tried using various boot CDs, including OTLPE, without luck.
I can't use chkdsk.
This is what happened using OTLPE Test Disk...
Corrupted drive selected listed as -
Disk /dev/sda - 160 GB / 149 GiB - SAMSUNG HD160JJ
When selecting 'Intel Partition', 'Advanced', 'Boot'...
Boot Sector
Status: OK
Backup boot sector
Status: OK
Sectors are identical.
A valid NTFS Boot Sector must be present in order to access any data; even if the partition is not bootable.
When selecting 'Repair MFT'...
There were numerous scrolling massages which were not on screen very long including...
Failed to load MFT, input output error.
MFT has invalid magic.
Failed to startup volume, input output error.
Then the final message was which stayed on screen was...
MFT and MFT mirror are bad. Failed to repair them.
So obviously I was not able to run chkdsk.
I look forward to hearing from someone who could help.
I have a few questions I want to ask...
1...OK so the message...MFT and MFT mirror are bad. Failed to repair them...basically means the hard drive is unfixable?
2...Should I try the free Windows rescue/repair cd from Singapore, and/or the full reinstall CD for $35 from Asus?
3...Will a full reinstall with the CD wipe the whole disk, but also let me still use the computer properly, even though the Bad Sector or Sectors may still remain after reinstall? Even though the files will be lost if there is a possibility of me using the computer still OK with a new reinstall I will try it(and possibly the Windows rescue/repair disc as well before that.)
4...If a full reinstall is attempted, should I do anything first like trying to wipe the disk clean with something like Killdisk, or will the new CD do that anyway? Basically, will all viruses and/or malware be removed 100% with a new reinstall, meaning I could at least use the computer again without having to get a new drive(if the reinstall results in the Bad Sector not causing the same problem with not being even able to startup Windows?)
5...Anything else I should do straight after the reinstall? Like put AVG on straight away, then Service pack 3 etc...any other tips to make sure things go well and stay well?
6...By the way I just saw this...check out the post on the bottom of the page...seems to have worked for this person...
http://icrontic.com/...ead.php?t=52450
7...Should I attempt to try something like HDD Regenerator?
8...How can I tell if the Bad Sectors are multiplying, or more Bad Sectors are occuring over time, and the scan I did when I first told you there was a Bad Sector, when it says Bad Sector and gives a number, does that mean there is only ONE Bad Sector total, or multiple? If there were more than one Bad Sector would it list more than one?
9...If a Bad Sector stays 'bad' even after reinstalling, won't the fresh Windows XP Pro installed just work around it and continue to function as a good working computer, or even after a total reinstall is there a chance the of that Bad Sector either multiplying into more Bad Sectors, and/or other problems developing again like not being able to boot up like now? Having said that is there a chance the full reinstall will be totally fine and allow the computer to be able to run Windows XP Pro OK?
10...Even if I was able to backup files, with over 100 gig of files to be backed up and only about 15 gig free space would it even be possible? Would the large amount of gig worth of files and not much free space make this very difficult, like if I were to bring it to a computer shop could they do it?
11...If the computer ends up being unusable even after the Windows rescue/repair cd and Windows full reinstall cds are tried, then rather than get a new hard drive right away, I will just not use it for now, and instead use one of my Dads computers (its the same computer as the one which has the Bad Sector) but soon I may get a new hard drive, so can you give me a ballpark approx price for that Samsung 160 gig drive, or whatever is the most current similar one at the moment?...I actually failed to tell you that the 100 gig worth of movies and music and pictures that was on the hard drive is all actually also on DVD and CD, but I still want the original avi/mp3 files themselves, so they are not totally lost, but just the actual files themselves are at this stage...so I suppose thats nowhere near as bad as it could have been! This is why as soon as I have one full DVD or CD worth of files downloaded I always burn straight away to avoid losing the movies, pictures and music completely...thank god for blank CDs and DVDs!
If you could answer each of these 11 questions individually it would be really appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Edited by cantbootwindowsxp, 20 August 2010 - 08:10 AM.