Buzbyb6 wrote:
> Will do.... I created a bootlog and all goes fine until after
> crcdisk.sys driver is loaded.. Is this some kind of hard drive checking
> system? Everyone seems to have had troubles after this driver is loaded.
> Some people have suggested editing the bios, others deleting driver
> files.... Yikes?! can you shed any light on this point?
>
> Sorry real newbie in all of this...
I've re-read your thread and noticed that you said this happened "all of a
sudden". Are you sure you didn't change anything? Add any virtual drive
software (like Daemon Tools)? That error message can refer to a driver,
which would be a software problem, but I've also seen it on machines where
the hard drive was dying.
Since you can't get into Safe Mode, Regular Mode, or Last Known Good
Configuration, can't do Startup Repair or System Restore - you're really
stuck. I would:
1. Retrieve any data that you forgot to back up. Do this by booting with a
rescue CD such as Knoppix (Linux) and copying the files to an external hard
drive or USB thumb drive with enough capacity. Doing this satisfies two
goals - to get your data and to see how the computer behaves when booted
into Linux. If the machine behaves perfectly, then you know that hardware
isn't the issue and Windows is hosed (software). Conversely, if the machine
won't boot to Linux or freezes during use, etc. then you know it's hardware
(probably the hard drive).
2. Let's say the machine is fine under Linux and you've now gotten your data
off. I would still do the long test with a hard drive diagnostic utility
because it won't hurt and it's nice to have that extra reassurance the
drive is healthy. Then if the drive passes, I'd restore to factory
condition using whatever method Dell gave you for that laptop.
Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ