Windows 7: Having a boot issue

Hello guys i am new here, got recommend by a friend I am having a issue with my computer it doesn't always happen and usually a restart by passes it but every now and then I get this error messages



Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key

usually i just press the reset button and it by passes it on the second time it loads, any ideas what it is and what could possibly be causing it...I am dreading its my hard drive dying, but I hope not.

I have checked my event viewer to see maybe if that would tell me my issue and this error always comes up Kernel-EventTracing - saying their was a error in the homegroup log not sure if that means anything

I also ran a diagnostic on the hard drive and this is what came up
Test Option: EXTENDED TEST
Model Number: WDC WD10EACS-00D6B1
Firmware Number: 01.01A01
Capacity: 1000.20 GB
SMART Status: PASS
Test Result: FAIL
Test Error Code: 08-Too many bad sectors detected.
Test Time: 00:40:32, February 22, 2011


Um when i registered it had me put my specs not sure if it shows up on posts so I'll post it again

Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
8 gb ram
Biostar T-series tp45 hp
ATI Radeon HD 4850
Intel Core DUO E8400
WD Sata Hard drive

u need to run chkdsk to start with

Whenever the hard drive is suspect for failure your first step should always be to backup your user data.
You never know just how many minutes/hours/days you have before the data is no longer accessible.

After securing your data, then start diagnostic tests.

yup fair enough just incase chkdsk takes it out, doesnt look like a physical failure, just sector errors, which in some cases can cause issues.

First of all, Welcome to the forums.

You did it correctly. Any members System DATA can be viewd at any time by clicking the "My System Specs" pulldown in the bottom left of all thier post.

Since you have them listed already, you will not need to post them with any help question, unless that question is realted to a different PC not listed.
Others attemting to help can see what you have at a glance.

Well i backed up my windows and ran chkdsk found one error the hiberfil.sys file which it fixed. Once i got my desktop back i tried to run that diagnostic again it went further and then before but enviably failed gave me

status code =07 (failed read test element), Failure checkpoint 97...

would reformatting the computer even solve the bad sectors issue? Thought of reinstalling windows...

Sorry to say, but status code 07 is not good. Combined with the initial issue - sporadic no-boot-device-detected - it indicates the hard drive is dying.

You should double check your cables and connections: try a different SATA port, try a different power connector, and retest. A long shot - but maybe.

There is a possibility that a complete wipe of the hard drive (with a utility that writes all 0's across the disk) and a fresh, full format might correct the issues. Then you would need to reinstall Windows and all your programs and user data. If you wish to invest the time to give it a try it might be worth it. Just be sure to have those backups of your data up to date. If the drive is indeed failing it will very likely give it up during those very intense procedures.

But my best advise would be to start shopping for a new hard drive.

best thing to check for something like that i find is.

hitachi drive fitness test will tell you if ur drive is likely to fail in the next few months need to burn an boot from BIOS

Hitachi Download page