Can't get desktop to boot

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

I can't get my desktop to boot up.  When I start it up it goes to "Verifying DMI Pool Data," it then tells me it has a disk read error and to press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.  I do so and it does it again, and again, and again...  I did a Google search from my laptop and have tried different things suggested on some tech forums.  I have already opened it up to ensure everything is plugged in right physically.  I can't even get it to change boot priority from the C drive to the D drive (thought I'd try to boot from my XP disk).  A few days ago it Blue Screened on me with the Blue Screen stating Kernel_Stack_Inpage_Error.  Is it possible that the issues are related?  If so any ideas on how to fix it?

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

It seems it boots now so Im going to make the following comment:

This is karma for all the "boat anchor" comments you keep making.   

-- JT

[=JHF= Smoke]

sounds like your hard drive is taking a crap.

you say you cant boot from the cdrom?  does it give you an option for boot menu (press f12 or something) during boot up?
if so, to a SMART test with a disk from the hard drive manufacturer.   I've also found that the UBCD 4Win (ultimate boot cd for windows) has alot of cool tools on it for figuring things out;
this is a link for the UBCD. it's not windows based, but you can still run diag's for the hard drives on it
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

here's the windows one:
http://www.ubcd4win.com/

they are both .iso cd images so you will just have to download them and burn them to a cd.  if you're not sure how, just look for making/burning a cd image in your cd/dvd burning software....or you can get a free on just for images : imgburn http://www.imgburn.com/

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

It seems it boots now so Im going to make the following comment:

This is karma for all the "boat anchor" comments you keep making.   

-- JT

Nope, not karma, anyways it is still better than a boat anchor

At the moment I have it running.  I'm going to have it run a chkdsk tonight to see if it can find anything.  Tried to defrag a few days ago and it said it was not needed.

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

Tried to defrag a few days ago and it said it was not needed.

Hoffa should tell his defragging story!   

-- JT

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

Hoffa should tell his defragging story!   

-- JT

That is what made me think about running a defrag

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

Ran a SMART test and it came back as an immediate FAIL.  That combined with the weird noises coming from my computer when I boot up make me think Smoke is right.  I purchased a new hard drive this morning, and will be installing it tomorrow night.  Today, I'm backing up files and insuring I have no data left that I don't want to lose.

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

Ran a SMART test and it came back as an immediate FAIL.  That combined with the weird noises coming from my computer when I boot up make me think Smoke is right.  I purchased a new hard drive this morning, and will be installing it tomorrow night.  Today, I'm backing up files and insuring I have no data left that I don't want to lose.

How did you run your SMART test?    What brand is your failing HD?   Most of the main manufacturers have a decent warranty now.  Seagate is 5 years I think...  unless you bought your stores' brand name? 

-- JT

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

How did you run your SMART test?    What brand is your failing HD?   Most of the main manufacturers have a decent warranty now.  Seagate is 5 years I think...  unless you bought your stores' brand name? 

-- JT

As for running the SMART test, I just followed the instructions that were with the SeaTools Software from Seagate   I'm going to send it into Seagate once I get the new one in to take advantage of the warranty.  When I get the refurbished unit back, I'll set it up in a RAID configuration.  Oh, and Target does not have its own brand of computer hardware, even if it did, I wouldn't buy it.

As for confirming it is a hard drive issue I looked at this web page from Seagate.

[=JHF= OBMer]

I don't know how you got anything from that page to help you diagnose your problem.

But, I am glad your problem is fixed.

OB

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

I don't know how you got anything from that page to help you diagnose your problem.

But, I am glad your problem is fixed.

OB

Looks like the link expired.

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

Looks like the link expired.

Your session is not my session.   

-- JT

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

Your session is not my session.   

-- JT

Nope, it expired for me too.

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

Nope, it expired for me too.

They have a habit of doing that.   

Im actually doing a homework assignment setting sessions right now.  Blech.

-- JT