[SOLVED] Windows XP wont let me Format

J_Badri · 03-25-2011, 03:04 AM

Hello,

Well basically this is whats happens

I start my computer then

Something about

>

Ultra DMA Mode-5, S.m.a.r.t., capable and status bad

&

Master hard disk: S.m.a.r.t. status bad

Then it will go to the next screen and stay black completely and it wont go to the xp loading screen...

I try to format but it hangs at the " Searching for previous microsoft windows "and just stays like that.

I try to Safe mode with command prompt

it says

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(o)partition(1)\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ntoskrn.exe

and then it just freezes then couple mins later it BSOD

How do i fix this thing

TheGift73 · 03-25-2011, 04:42 AM

Do you have your XP CD?

**Fred Garvin** · 03-25-2011, 09:47 AM

It sounds like you have a failing hard drive. Check the manufacturer of the drive then go to their website and download their diagnostic software. You can burn it to a CD, boot to the CD and run the utilities on your drive to check for problems.

J_Badri · 03-25-2011, 04:17 PM

yep it says fail... Time to get a new hard disk????

Is it easy to put one in if i buy it myself?

spunk.funk · 03-25-2011, 04:34 PM

It's relatively easy, you can Google your make and model computer and add something like Replace Hard Drive instructions. You might have some who created a YouTube video with step by step instructions. After you get the HDD replaced, you have to install Windows with an Microsoft XP Disc or Restore Disc.

J_Badri · 03-25-2011, 04:35 PM

my hard drive is under warranty with seagate but i dont want to wait 2 weeks. i have univeristy and it relys on online lectures and more. right now im using my laptop...

is it easy to switch it? the hard disk?

J_Badri · 03-25-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spunk.funk

It's relatively easy, you can Google your make and model computer and add something like Replace Hard Drive instructions. You might have some who created a YouTube video with step by step instructions. After you get the HDD replaced, you have to install Windows with an Microsoft XP Disc or Restore Disc.

thank you

spunk.funk · 03-25-2011, 04:40 PM

Your welcome! Please mark this thread solved in the Thread Tools at the top.

**Fred Garvin** · 03-25-2011, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Badri

my hard drive is under warranty with seagate but i dont want to wait 2 weeks.

If it's under warranty, give them a call anyway. Sometimes they will ship you a new drive via 2 day shipping. I do this a lot with Dell. Get the warranty replacement even if you have to buy a new drive locally. You can keep a spare or sell it and recoup some of your costs.