Windows 7 won't start, hangs on "Starting Windows" screen, no logo

Did you run the tests on both drives? I believe they have to be plugged in separately for testing. If the storage HD proves to be the only one with a problem, does removing it solve the problem?

gregrocker said:

Did you run the tests on both drives? I believe they have to be plugged in separately for testing. If the storage HD proves to be the only one with a problem, does removing it solve the problem?

I ran the Hitachi DFT test on the SSD, the F3, and my storage drive (seagate). Seagate was the only one that came back with an error. If I have it plugged in and boot into windows, it tells me to back up files on that hard drive immediately. If I remove it, I can work on Windows just fine.

Thank you so much for helping me save my MBR!!! Now I just need to find a way to replace my Seagate....

I'd move the files off of it asap.

gregrocker said:

I'd move the files off of it asap.

Yeah, I want to do that too but I'm out of spare storage space. If I disconnect that hard drive, or leave my entire desktop unused for now, can I slow down the deterioration of the hard drive, at least until Black Friday?

Also, I keep forgetting how to give you reputation points, or whatever the system is to let people know how awesome you are. Is there some way I can do that for you?

[Edit] never mind, I found it. Thanks a bunch again!!

I would not bargain with your files survival since there is no possible way to predict when exactly it will fail, except to say it is failing now. You can upload up to 7gb free to MS Skydrive per each Windows Live/Hotmail ID, even Sync Any Folder to Your SkyDrive Account

You can also copy the files to another PC on you network or which you connect via ethernet or crossover cable, or buy an external HD which is the preferred method.

gregrocker said:

I would not bargain with your files survival since there is no possible way to predict when exactly it will fail, except to say it is failing now. You can upload up to 7gb free to MS Skydrive per each Windows Live/Hotmail ID, even Sync Any Folder to Your SkyDrive Account

You can also copy the files to another PC on you network or which you connect via ethernet or crossover cable, or buy an external HD which is the preferred method.

I searched through my hard drives and found an external that still had room to store the data, so that's good. Is there any way to fix the drive, or is it done for good?

You can run the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan followed by Disk Check to see if it can repair it any. But I wouldn't trust it again.