Windows 7: Stuck at "checking file system on C:"

A failing HDD.

Do you have any suggestions for testing the hard drive to verify that it is failing? It is backed up every night.

What triggers Windows 7's automatic disk check upon bootup? How often does it occur for a "normal" drive?

HP will not replace it unless it fails their test.

The drive is a Toshiba MK2552GSX and has been in use for less than 11 months. The computer has experienced no drops, etc.

Thanks.

Windows doesn't ever do a disk check for a drive without errors (unless the flag isn't being reset - but then again - that's due to errors.) Since it is checking, you can assume that there is something wrong.

If power is immediately cut from the system without using the power button or Windows shutdown (like if power fails without UPS or plug is pulled) then that could cause a disk check.

"I have found that, if you attempt to cancel during the 10 second countdown, it will always hang; however, if you do not press any key, sometimes it will complete successfully (perhaps 1 out of 5 times?)."

This statement of yours almost is guaranteed to = failing HDD. Nothing else would really cause that.

Yes. Run Spinrite on the drive

Also, as above, turn on SMART disk monitoring in the BIOS...

Yes, another good suggestion from Qdos. Spinrite will mark all bad sectors and set it so Windows will refrain from using them.

Thanks for the feedback. For $80, I could replace the drive myself.

Let's hope that, if (when) it fails, it does so in the next month while it is still under warranty. I wonder if HP's Hard Disk Self Test is a bit "conservative" in declaring hard drives as having failed? I have run the quick and the full version a few times, and each time it has passed -- this clearly contradicts your advice.

Is there any sort of Windows log that would include whatever errors are triggering these disk checks?
Thanks again.

...and Windows itself contradicts that.

You're welcome.

Here's another resource for you:

http://www.carrona.org/hddiag.html

I fixed the same problem on my brand new laptop...I did a fresh install of windows and then I started noticing problems and ran check disk...and it would get stuck on countdown 1...all the problem was that I had to install the SATA drivers of my laptop...as soon as I did, check disk would run normally and all problems gone...so it may not be faulty HDD for some of you!

Yh the exact same thing happened to me, exept now my Laptop won't even turn on! I fear I have damaged the hard disk and am currently in the process of draining the power and trying to start again. What do you suggest I do if I get it working? Press ESC during the HP logo and starting from there? Or just not pressing anything at all and hoping it just works? If by some miracle I do get past the disk Check, what shall I do to make sure this doesn't happen again?
Any cooperation would be greatful thanks

I fixed this problem on my laptop by turning off legacy device support (legacy keyboard) in the bios.

I think it confuses the startup process with some kind of buggy keyboard output. It can also cause the computer to fail to boot from the hard drive device correctly.

(I can confirm my HD is in perfect working order - in fact it's a brand new SSD).

After doing this I am also now able to use the F8 hotkey for windows boot options.