Reparing Disk Errors

Bambi777

New Member
Messages
3
Hi,

I'm running Windows 8. 3 days ago my computer crashed coming up with a message that it needed to restart. It then came up with a meesage "Repairing disk errors. This may take over an hour", and continued to display that message for 3 days straight. Now it has gone to a Boot Menu. The menu displays two tabs Boot Menu/App Menu, with the options under Boot Menu
1. Windows Boot Manager
2. SATA HDD: Hitachi

I selected Windows boot manager, and the screen went black for a few seconds then went back to the same menu. What has happened and how do I get back to Windows??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Any contributing factors that we should know about (laptop dropped while running, etc) because it really sounds like your hard drive is in bad shape as indicated by the repair process taking 3 days and then failing to make the necessary repairs. With that said, you may want to try and access your laptop manufacturer's diagnostic tools (if available) and see what results come from that testing. Unfortunately, you never included your system specs so I can't help you make any determination in that area.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thanks for your response. I didn't drop the laptop. The laptop has been running fine since I bought it 6 months ago. The night it crashed it had been runnng fine, I wasn't using it the time it was just open next to me with a skype chat window open. The laptop is a Samsung Notebook, Model: NP530U3C. I don't have the manual or paperwork on me at the moment, are there any other details that you need?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
I don't see any diagnostics available for that model in the BIOS but I cold be wrong because the owner's manual seems to cover a series of laptops. Anyway, the manual states that some laptop were sold with a System Media Recovery Disk. Do you have that disk? If so, are you willing to try a reinstall with the understanding that all user installed programs and user data will be lost?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Theog hit it on the head, you can use Hiren's Boot CD. Download it from the link below, and boot to it. The new version will have a section for Diagnostic Tools, there will be a section with Hard Disk tools and almost every manufacturer's tool there is. You could probably use GWscan, but there is a Hitachi disk tool in there as well, you will want to run a full scan on the drive. If the Diag program tells you there are "Too Many Disk Errors" you can use Vivard to do a Smart Remap of the drive. it will take a few hours, so you can't lose power during that time. If you have to use ViVard, don't do it until you talk to us first.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.

Right to the point with no added fluff I might add. However, be forewarned that even if you are able to repair your hard drive, I'm guessing you are probably going to need to reinstall your OS so get that System Recover Media (which might have had the built-in diagnostics anyway) ready and good luck in resolving your issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
The entire filesystem is probably intact, but unreadable. My original 500 GB WD hard drive developed that same error, and I got the same Boot Screen with the same result the OP posted. All I did was run GWscan, and the full surface scan/repair. The system booted right up after the scan was complete.

Before we have people totally reinstalling Windows 8 needlessly, there are many mroe steps we can take: Running Bootrec /Fixmbr and then /scanos from the install disk, and even running the Automatic repair from the install disk, which I have done a number of times and it actually fixed a couple mroe things before booting. If none of those steps work after scanning the drive for errors, then we can reinstall 8 or try some other recovery methods.

But in the last 6 months, drive repair has become a kind of forte for me, and I've repaired not only 2 of my own systems but about 15 of my clients PCs with this same problem. When the Aperture Circle starts spinning around for too long, it's time to use GWscan or some other full disk scanning prog.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
The entire filesystem is probably intact, but unreadable. My original 500 GB WD hard drive developed that same error, and I got the same Boot Screen with the same result the OP posted. All I did was run GWscan, and the full surface scan/repair. The system booted right up after the scan was complete.

Before we have people totally reinstalling Windows 8 needlessly, there are many mroe steps we can take: Running Bootrec /Fixmbr and then /scanos from the install disk, and even running the Automatic repair from the install disk, which I have done a number of times and it actually fixed a couple mroe things before booting. If none of those steps work after scanning the drive for errors, then we can reinstall 8 or try some other recovery methods.

But in the last 6 months, drive repair has become a kind of forte for me, and I've repaired not only 2 of my own systems but about 15 of my clients PCs with this same problem. When the Aperture Circle starts spinning around for too long, it's time to use GWscan or some other full disk scanning prog.

Ok, thanks for that; however, looking at the 3 days spent trying to repair the OS without success tells me that by "my logic" there are either one of two situations at work:

1. The disk is so corrupted, even if it get repaired, a reinstall will most likely be in order.
2. If the repair effort took 3 days without success, and it was not due to a hard disk issue, then a reinstall will be necessary anyway.

I was hoping to kill two birds with one stone here, with the hopes that the System Media Recovery disk would have included the necessary tools but I'll take you up on a bet as follows:

1. I'll betcha that disk can't be repaired adequately to support a resolution without a reinstall

Also, there is a distinct difference in our approach to problem resolution; in that, I try to focus on the OPs specifc problem; whereas, you seem to provide general resolution tactics in many of your responses and Hiren's CD solution seems to be included in almost every one. You also like to stray off-topic a lot and expound on your achievements which some may consider a good read; however, I find it very difficult to extract what your exact recommendation is most times because it is burried in your fluff somewhere. However, I guess the proof is in the pudding when an OP acknowledges your efforts so I hope your methodology leads to many specific "thank yous for your individual effort" in the future. Good luck.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
On the other hand I don't have a "Power User" badge.

I don't care what else is needed to be done to fix this kind of problem, the first step is always to run some kind of disk scan to make sure the disk is OK. Because I have spent too many hours, days and years chasing down Aperture Circle spinning and basic system lockups and wasted all that time looking for all kinds of complicated ways of fixing it.

See, but when someone brings me a system that is dong this stuff, I don't want to hand them a system where i had to wipe the whole hard drive, I want to hand it back to them working exactly how it should work. To date, from 1996 to this day, I've only failed to repair a broken Windows installation once and only once. Guess that's the diff, I do all it takes to get something to work and achieve that result and it's all in my "Fluff" whereas you simply say "Wipe it and reinstall"

SURE, we can do that, but first off, we have to find out WHY we needed to do a wipe and re-install. And, usually the cause is in the hard drive status.

Now, I havent attacked you in any of my posts but you've taken a few jabs at me for no reason. Well if you wanna, I'll do a round with you, but I suggest taking it to the "Chillout Room" where I suggest you go asap, and leave it out of the threads in Gen Help.

But my "Fluff", and my reputation, speaks for itself.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
But my "Fluff", and my reputation, speaks for itself.

It certainly does and I couldn't have worded it any better myself.

So, why don't you just step out of your comfort zone for once and provide a step by step procedure for your recommendation so the OP doesn't have to keep inquiring about "how to do what you have asked him to do?" In fact, I just gave you a 3 point rep to try and coax you into doing so but I guess that you are not up to the task. If not, then just keep on giving your generalized advice and if your reputation continues to improve using that method then go for it!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Hi guys, thanks a lot for the advice. I'm not much of a computer person so some of the stuff is going over my head but I will start looking into it. One thing though, the laptop is still under warranty, so I am more concerned about recovering my data then restoring the system. If the hard drive is irrecoverable then that's that and at least I can get the laptop replaced, but I don't want to do anything that may make it more difficult to recover my data. Most of the data was backed up, but there are some recent files that I would really like to recover. I'll only re-install the system if there is 0 chance my data is recoverable. Does that change your advice at all?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Ya that's the best way to do it, if you can't BOOT to Windows 8, once again, you can download Hiren's Boot CD - From the link below, and go into Mini-XP. From there you can browse your Windows 8 system drive and copy off any important data.

Now I want to apologize for any posturing in here, the most important thing for me is to save that irrecoverable user data. That's why I always suggest checking the hard drive for Errors right off the bat. Hiren's is the best way to do this, because every OEM hard drive testing program is included.

If you are worried the drive is on the edge of failure, then boot to Mini-XP right away and get that data backed up. THEN do the disk scan. Things to look out for, or rather listen for, are hard drive clicking. If it is doing this, it may be beyond recovery. So we have to find out asap.

Also, Hiren's is my personal suggestion, not the board's, only because it has all of those OEM Disk Scanning programs on it, as well as Mini-XP which provides a way for you to access your system hard drive when you can't boot to the system. If you need any help burning it, you can download IMGburn, google it, and you can drop the ISO image right into it. That's only if you can't boot to Windows 8, which has a burning program built-in. You will need one regular sized CD-R.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Hi, and sorry for commenting in a kinda old post, but I'm really desperate and need help fixing this issue. Can anyone tell me how to run the GWscan for my hard drive? It's a WD 500gb, and it is giving me this same error. Thanks in advance.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX 4100 3.6GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 650 Ti 2Gb Edition
    Hard Drives
    WD 500Gb Caviar Blue
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow Ultimate
    Mouse
    Steelseries Sensei Pro
    Internet Speed
    30Mb/s
I was once given a laptop about 2 years ago (that I use everyday now) that the owner thought was broken, because when you booted to Windows, it had every disk error corruption under the sun and seemed like a goner.

This fixed it in a few short hours to be 100% perfectly stable ever since: HDD Regenerator - Dmitriy Primochenko Online

Another good one is Gibson's Spinrite.

Legendary Steve Gibson speaking very interestingly about hard drive technology, for those that may want to learn and are interested:

[video]http://www.grc.com/video/wid.mp4[/video]
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7601.18247.x86fre.win7sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-built Intel based
    CPU
    Pentium D 925 3.0 GHz socket 775, Presler @ ~ 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel DQ965MT
    Memory
    Hyundai 2 GB DDR2 @ 333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS DirectCU II HD7790-DC2OC-2GD5 Radeon HD 7790 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5
    Sound Card
    MOTU Traveler firewire interface
    Hard Drives
    1 Seagate Barracuda SATA II system/boot drive 80 GB, 2 Western Digital hdds - 1 is SATA II Caviar Black 1 TB attached to card (assorted media, page, temp), other is SATA I 420 GB (games, media, downloads)
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W
    Cooling
    stock Gateway cooling, extra large fan in rear of case
    Keyboard
    Alienware/Microsoft Internet kb
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Optimum Online, fast for US
    Browser
    Pale Moon
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky integrated into ZoneAlarm+Antivirus
GWscan is very similar to WD's WDDiag. For a WD drive, I suggest using only those programs, no matter how great this new one may seem, until I try it it is an unknown quantity.

Yo have to get the GWscan or WDdiag program onto a bootable medium, flash drive or CD rom.

I use Hiren's Boot CD, because it is already on it, under "Dos Programs" and "Hard Drive Tools"

In GWscan, the first test is a SMART scan. The 2nd test is a short drive scan, and this is where the status of the drive will be detected. Normally, you will be told here, that you need to run the FULL SCAN.

If you run the full scan, it will take a bit over an hour. That should do it, it should fix any bad sectors.

But if you get this error:

"Too many errors to fix"

THEN use ViVard. select the drive, and choose "Smart Remap" - It can rebuild the whole drive's MBR. ViVard is in Hard Drive Tools on the 1st page on Hiren's. Vivard WILL take over 4 hours to run regardless of PC speed, so make sure power is connected at all times. If you think you will ahve a power outage, then don't do it. There is always the risk, but it is worth it,. cos when ViVard works you have a perfect drive.

I don't like saying to use Hiren's but I only suggest using these excellent hard drive repair tools - ONLY for HDD's never for SSD's.

After GWscan or Vivard, either one, THEN you should use your Windows 8 Install Disk, boot to it, and do a CHKDSK from a command prompt, a full CHKDSK (/x /r switches)

After that is done, then boot up to 8, see what happens usually you are fixed. If 8 tries it's Auto Repair, it will only run for a short time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Thank you, XweAponX, I'll try and use the Boot CD and do as you said. Then, I'll come back and tell you my results! :D I do trust what you say, because it seems you know what you're talking about. And if this works, I'll surely find a way to thank you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX 4100 3.6GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 650 Ti 2Gb Edition
    Hard Drives
    WD 500Gb Caviar Blue
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow Ultimate
    Mouse
    Steelseries Sensei Pro
    Internet Speed
    30Mb/s
You should not have used ViVard unless alll other tools failed, it is a last resort program, and I give it 50-50 chance of fixing any drive.

Always use the MFGR tool FIRST, and run the FULL scan.

You may want to CANCEL the ViVard Scan and go back to the regular tool.

I made this point plain - ONLY if you get "too many errors to fix" - When you see THAT message, then you have exactly 50% chance of repairing it with ViVard. It will either work of fail.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Well I tried using GWscan first and it said "!! Missing file c:\...... !!", and then it continued and wrote a random file path on the screen withh no other response. So that is why I'm running ViVard. In my opinion if the drive was perfectly fine, it will most definitely repair it, i don't care about data loss, because al my info is on my removable drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX 4100 3.6GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 650 Ti 2Gb Edition
    Hard Drives
    WD 500Gb Caviar Blue
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow Ultimate
    Mouse
    Steelseries Sensei Pro
    Internet Speed
    30Mb/s
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