Time For New Computer?

spider · 11-27-2004, 03:45 PM

A few weeks ago I had issues with starting my computer (windows 98, 80 gig Mesh machine, four years old, used about 12-14 hours a day..).

"Cannot Read Drive C, Abort, Retry, etc... After some work got going finally using called one command line at a time, but did, with some great relief came through and it worked.

I then did a Scan disk, it said found some errors but fixed them. Since then have done one Scan disk (and def-rag) a week and all has been fine. But I have this nagging doubt that all will crash soon... Is it time for a new computer (or at least hard drive)?

batty_professor · 11-27-2004, 03:58 PM

Something appearantly corrupted your Master Boot Record on the hard drive. You seem to have it fixed. It's more likely the computer had a housekeeping problem during the shutdown previous to the problem occurrence. perhaps you had a power interruption that caused this. If you have Norton there are utilities available to make backups of your MBR to a floppy in case something like this were to happen again. The problem may not recur, but that floppy should make repair a snap if it happened again. A new drive may lighten your wallet, but little effect otherwise.

**johnwill** · 11-27-2004, 08:30 PM

Of course, one could argue that a four-five year old computer is nearing the end of it's useful life anyway, and a new one might hit the spot. There are regularly pretty good deals on complete systems at these two sites, might give them a look. :)

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11-27-2004, 03:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
spider Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Caversham, Reading, Berks Posts: 3 OS: Windows 98 SE (build 4.10.2222)	Time For New Computer? A few weeks ago I had issues with starting my computer (windows 98, 80 gig Mesh machine, four years old, used about 12-14 hours a day..). "Cannot Read Drive C, Abort, Retry, etc... After some work got going finally using called one command line at a time, but did, with some great relief came through and it worked. I then did a Scan disk, it said found some errors but fixed them. Since then have done one Scan disk (and def-rag) a week and all has been fine. But I have this nagging doubt that all will crash soon... Is it time for a new computer (or at least hard drive)?

11-27-2004, 03:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	Something appearantly corrupted your Master Boot Record on the hard drive. You seem to have it fixed. It's more likely the computer had a housekeeping problem during the shutdown previous to the problem occurrence. perhaps you had a power interruption that caused this. If you have Norton there are utilities available to make backups of your MBR to a floppy in case something like this were to happen again. The problem may not recur, but that floppy should make repair a snap if it happened again. A new drive may lighten your wallet, but little effect otherwise. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

11-27-2004, 08:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,748 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Of course, one could argue that a four-five year old computer is nearing the end of it's useful life anyway, and a new one might hit the spot. There are regularly pretty good deals on complete systems at these two sites, might give them a look. :) More Stuff 4 Less TechBargains __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience