Computer freezing even when booting and in safe mode

I am running on a Dell Studio 15 laptop with windows 7. Recently my computer has started freezing on start up, the computer will usually get the the login screen then it will crash. I still have control of the mouse but nothing will load including control panel. Initially I thought it was a virus or software issue however diagnostic tests indicate that the hard drive test failed.

I tried to load my computer in safe mode and after 3 attempts it finally worked however it has been randomly shutting down.

My hard drive is less than a year old so is there any other way to determine is it really is dead and needs replacing?
Also even whilst running on safe mode, my computer is extremely slow
Thank you

ps. sorry if I have posted this is the wrong thread.

 

Welcome to Major Geeks!

In addition to the test results you stated, these are classic symptoms of a hard drive failure. If it is under a year old, it should still be under warranty. Check the mfr's webpage - you may be able to get an advance RMA.

Hope this helps.

 

From regular Windows or Safe Mode:

1. Click Start Button >> Run.
2. Type the following command into the Run box: chkdsk /R /F
3. Click 'OK'
4. Windows will ask whether you want to run chkdsk the next time you reboot. Answer Yes.
5. Reboot

During the boot up, Windows chkdsk will do a thorough check of your hard drive, looking for bad sectors and attempting to fix them. It can take several hours on a large drive, so be patient. Post results in this thread.

 

Thank you, I will reboot and do the check now. Will post the results soon.

 

Ok so I ran that command and my computer appears to be working at the moment, not sure how long it will last but no log appeared with the results after reboot. How do I find them?

 

I may be wrong but I don't think that chkdsk creates a log. In any case, it's good to hear that you are at least up and going again.... for now. I'd like you to do some more diagnostics and repair if needed. Below is a link to a all-in-one repair tool, along with some other useful apps.

Tweaking.com All-in-One Repair Tool
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair.html

Malwarebyte's Anti-malware
You'll be asked to download this app and run it as one of the steps.

Tweaking.com Registry Backup
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_registry_backup.html

Download all three apps (all freeware). Install the Repair Tool and run it. You won't need to do the disk check since you just finished that but do everything else. The program will simply walk you through the steps of diagnosing and repairing your system.

Post here when done and let us know how it went.

 

Ok I have run all three programs, as I expected, no malware, I believe that the windows repair all deleted and fixed some files though. I would attach a log but what one should I send?

Also thank you so much for all your help! I really appreciate it!

 

The program you gave me said that my hard drive health is at 98% thankfully I also have my computer fully backed up. The ONLY small issue I am having at the moment is that after every reboot chrome does not recognize my settings or computer until I log in again, but i don't think this is an issue. also cloud storage seems like a great option for my important files, so thank you for the links

Thank you for all your help, hopefully I wont need to talk again soon

 

You might also think about regularly using a disk imaging backup programs. Both of the ones DavidGP linked to in his post are capable of disk imaging, and that's probably why he chose to reference them. I too can vouch for Acronis TrueImage as being both an excellent app (the most customizable I've ever seen) and one that is often found on sale (I've seen it advertised for as low as $19.95).

In any case, disk imaging is different from simple file backup, where you merely copy individual files to another location without copying the important information needed for your operating system to boot and run (MBR, hidden system files, partition tables, etc.). With disk imaging, you make a perfect byte for byte copy of your entire disk (at least the parts that hold data) and store that image on a different disk. If your system is later rendered unbootable for any reason (malware infection, file deletion, registry corruption, MBR destruction, etc.) you will be able to copy your stored disk image back onto your system disk, overwriting it entirely and thereby restoring your system to the exact state it was in when the disk image was created (clean, bootable, and functional). You accomplish this by booting from a pre-made rescue disk into a miniature version of a full fledged operating system (usually WinPE or Linux). The disk also contains your disk imaging software, which you are then able to launch and begin the recovery process.

I use AOMEI Backupper, not only because it is free but also because it is simple to use, fully automated and profoundly reliable.
You can check out their homepage at: http://www.backup-utility.com

Other good disk imaging backup programs, in addition to the one's already cited in this thread include:

Macrium Reflect (freeware) http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html
Paragon Drive Backup (freeware) http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/paragon_drive_backup.html
O&O DiskImage Express (freeware) http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/oo_diskimage_express.html
Paragon Drive Backup (freeware) http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/paragon_drive_backup.html
NovaStor NovaBACKUP (commercial shareware) http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/novabackup.html