problems with XP

Hi guys, been having problems with my setup since early hours this morning. will provide information on what happened and system info

Dell Optiplex GX620
2GB DDR2 Ram
500GB Maxtor Sata HDD
Gforce Nvidia 6200
Default Dell Mobo & Bios

Last night was using my computer for my usually wow session, then the power in the whole block decides to cut out so i decided to go to bed, when i woke up the power was restored so i powered up to check emails ect. Bios Loaded, onto the XP splash/loading screen and as soon as it finished it flashed a bios error then continuous restart loop with the same results. tried booting LKGC and safe mode to no avail. disabled auto restart on system failure to catch the errorcode was faced with the following : STOP *** 0x000000ED UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME.. anyone got any ideas or hotfixes?

any help would be appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Tigule.

 

Why don't you do a diagnostic test on your HHD and if that passes then take a stick of ram out and see if it continues and just keep trial and error to find out what is causing the problem.

Hope this helps.

 

Welcome to Major Geeks.
Have you tried unplugging and reconnecting the power and data cables.
Might be coincidence, but works for me when that happens.
Gotten to be the first thing I try.

 

i havent tested the ram or hdd yet. ram shouldnt be a problem though as the error code says unmountable boot volume so i,m assuiming is the hdd, how would i go about testing my harddrive? i know how to check the ram but never had to do a hdd before.

will try than now hrlow2 thanks.

 

You need to get some diagnostic software... I think you can use Ubuntu actually.
Put it on disk then boot it from the bios, click HHD diagnostic and let it check... it should take about 20-30 minutes then you will know if its that or not depending on whether it passes or fails.

 

I have exact the same problem when HD data cable was damaged. I replaced this cable and everything was OK.

As I learned later this error means that data can't be properly read from your disk. It means that:
1. Data is corrupted - use XP installation disk and "R" - repair system partition
2. Disk is damaged. This is much worse, couse you have to format your HD, and install XP again. By formatting disc, you bypass damaged clusters.
3. HD data cable is damaged. Replace cable.

 

ok, tried unplugging the power and sata from my HD still continuing to loop. if you could provide a link to this software i would appreciate it, im prone to downloading the wrong stuff -.-.

Darek i,ll have a little snoop on my install disk and see what i can find until then *fingers crossed*

Tigule.

 

http://www.ubuntu.com/ there you go pal... it's a nice little piece of software. It is a linux operating system aswell so you can use it to go on the internet etc aswell.

I hope this helps.

 

i,ve heard ubuntus the most horrid os ever but i'm willing to give it a bash if it will get my system back. also can this be ran from a disk as it would be a pain to make new partitions and install again -.-

Edit : had a peek on the install disk but it doesnt offer me a repair function i,m afraid any advice?

 

You don't have to install ti you can just boot from disk so there is no need for a partition.

here is another hhd test http://www.hitachigst.com/support/downloads/#DFT

 

i had AVG installed, maybe a conflict? can't get into the system at all. tried an old Maxtor 40gb IDE Drive to find its been broken over the years of moving ect. so i,m going to go with a fresh install to see if it makes any difference but i,ll keep you all posted. another hour or so for format and then about an hour for drivers

Kind regards,
Tigule.

 

ok guys back again, tried formatting but got a few errors saying file such and such on line 7 is corrupted setup cannot continue, so i tried formatting from fresh disks and to my avail more errors during format so i have a funny feeling it may be bad sectors, and yes AVG was installed dont know if it was on auto update tho so that may be the problem. if you guys can provide any additional info that would be great. looking at second hand HD's on ebay so if all goes pear shaped i will make a purchase

Kind regards,
Tigule

 

i would have used it but i cant access my system, plus the only other thing i have is a laptop without a slot for an external sata, so i,m pretty much screwed gonna have the local repair guy to have a look failing that i'll order a new sata. i did try reinstalling again but to the same result as the last time so i'm guessing bad sectors or something similar, gave my whole system a visual once over everythings fine looks wise (mobo ect) so back to square one :crybaby

 

Lock Request : Resolved

Decided to have a proper go at resolving this problem today, got my trusty screwdriver kit out and gave my system a good old clean up. had a little peek at the hard drive too looked pretty screwed, since the reformats were failing constantly i decided to go buy a new one, nice little 250Gig for 20 GBP = Bargain. brought it home reformatted and now i,m back up and running at last, seems the hard drive was the cause after all, thanks to all the guys who helped me out woulda been stuck without you. oh and no more lurking and leeching for me, gonna stay active in this great community =) Lock Requested. No Moar Necros

Thanks again,
Tigule. :major