Member Avatar for janda5

Can someone tell me if it sounds as if my computer has crashed?? For the past two days when I turn on my computer a STARTUP REPAIR box appears, saying "Your computer was unable to start. STARTUP REPAIR is checking your system for problems." Then the words "Searching for problems" and a status bar that moves very slowly (on dial-up connection). Today it froze and my PC is not responding to any commands. Even when I turn the power off and then on again the STARTUP REPAIR box remains. I bought this eMachines T3616 Desktop PC wuth AMD Sempron processor 3600+ last August 2007. It has Windows Vista Home Basic OS. Last week I saw the first of several error messages: "A disk read error occurred." I probably should have acted then but had no idea it would lead to this! Has my computer crashed? If so, what should I do? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

janda5

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

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Brief summary tied to the thread: described repeated automatic repair at boot and an earlier disk-read problem. suggested reinstalling Windows; advised using the warranty. Before reinstalling or returning the machine, follow a data‑first, non-destructive troubleshooting path that preserves evidence for warranty service and maximizes chances of recovering files.

Recommended non-destructive checks (no case-opening): confirm the BIOS detects the hard drive; boot the Windows Vista Recovery Environment (Repair your computer) and use the command prompt to run filesystem and boot repairs; run Startup Repair once or twice only. Typical Repair commands are:

chkdsk C: /f /r
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

chkdsk may take many hours if there are bad sectors. Do not proceed to a full reinstall until critical files are backed up.

Data rescue and hardware checks: boot a rescue/live USB (Linux Live CD or WinPE) and copy important documents to an external disk. Use the hard drive manufacturer’s diagnostic utility or a bootable disk utility to read SMART status and run an extended surface test. If SMART or extended tests report failures, the drive is likely dying and should be replaced under warranty. If memory errors are suspected, run memtest86 from a bootable stick.

Practical cautions and next steps: avoid opening the case if the PC is under warranty (that can affect coverage). Avoid repeated power cycling when the drive is failing. If non-invasive diagnostics fail and the drive is confirmed faulty, contact eMachines/support for warranty service; request clarification about data handling because most warranties do not guarantee data recovery. Prioritize copying irreplaceable files before any reinstall or repair that could overwrite them.

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Member Avatar for holmes008

I think You have to start fresh recycle the hardware that they are working properly or not in the cabinet (ram specially) and then install the OS and change the bios setting by hiting the keyboard F8 or F12 ...If problem still lies send me a mail i willl take care of you!

Member Avatar for holmes008

Go for the new start of installing of the OS,and bios setting by F8 or F12 it is final solution of your problem i think!If it fails mail me i will take care of you!

Member Avatar for janda5

holmes008...
Thank you for your input but I think I should use my warranty before it expires in August. If I do as you suggest and make things worse (if that's possible) then my warranty will be null and void. Thanks again for making the time to share your advice.

janda5

Member Avatar for caperjack

holmes008...
Thank you for your input but I think I should use my warranty before it expires in August. If I do as you suggest and make things worse (if that's possible) then my warranty will be null and void. Thanks again for making the time to share your advice.

janda5

Good plan ,sound to me like the harddrive has failed ,as for has my computer crashed ,well yes sort of ! as for slow process bard [on dialup ] dialup has nothing to do with how fast you computer dos thing just how fas you internet connection works ! .anyway that said ,Send it back Now !!

Member Avatar for janda5

My thanks to both holmes008 and caperjack for your advice.

janda5

Member Avatar for caperjack

My thanks to both holmes008 and caperjack for your advice.

janda5

your welcome,good luck

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