Invalid partition table

Good morning, everyone !

Yesterday, I was working on my computer and my battery was completely discharged –I did not noticed that- and that’s why Windows did not shut down properly. I got the message “ No boot sector on internal hard drive”. I’ have been trying to do the System Restore using Windows 7 reinstallation disc, but I could not create a resort point and startup repair did not solve the problem. I have tried the bootrec.exe/fixmbr on Command prompt without success. Then I heard clicking noise in the hard drive. Now I have the message “ INVALID PARTITION TABLE” . If anybody could help me with this problem soon I will be really grateful. I have read some forum posts and have not found the answer. My PC is Dell Latitude 610, made in the US. Thank you very much ! Helene K.

ounds like windows cant see a HDD or anything it can read/understand

Check bios to make sure disk is still present

From boot/recovery CD you can access command prompt,

from there type "diskpart" then enter then "disk list" followed by enter this should give you a breakdown of any disks connected
If you have multiple disks installed you can select your boot HDD by typing "select disk 1" where 1 is the number of the disk you want to select

Typing "detail disk" will give more info on the selected disk like size, drive letter, file system and status

Link to diskpart explanation page How to use Diskpart commands line to convert/resize/delete partitions?
check it out or if you need more help post back

Hi comptech, thank you for your replay. First, I put in the DVD my original Windows 7 CD, then I come to the window " System Recovery Options". I do not have the operating system listed. My question- should I load drivers for hard disc ? Unfortunately I did not save my documents and do not have back up. Will I lose them ? Or should I leave " Restore computer using a system image ? Thanks, Lena

drivers for hard disk...?
no need as we have drivers inbuilt for hard drive in pc itself...

OK, I see....
How can I recover my documents before I will do anything with Diskpart and Co..? Thank you for any help.

As before you said do Restore computer using a system image... and store in D:
and then do diskpart or System Recovery Options

Then I heard clicking noise in the hard drive. Now I have the message “ INVALID PARTITION TABLE”

The clicking sound is definitely not a good sign. I would run a hardware diagnostics and make sure the HDD is fine before trying to repair MBR. For a Dell laptop ;

1. Press F12 during power on to bring the boot menu.

2. Select Diagnostics and let the built in hardware diagnostic program to complete. If there is an option to do "Extended Test" , please run that.

Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Latitude D610 User's Guide

At the end of test, it will give you a report about the condition of hardware components in your system.

Anshad Edavana, I have checked hardware with Dell Diagnostic Program. Nothing wrong...

Computech, I can't do Restore computer using a system image..., unfortunately, I do not have the system image and backup.....
Please HELP ! And one more thing: Please step by step instruction if possible...Thank you !

Hello,

I would greatly appreciate any HELP in this issue.

I have tried diskpart commands.

bootrec /fixmbr was sujccessful
After typing bootrec /fixboot I get " no element found.
What is wrong ? I am running the System Recovery Options from a bootable DVD. But OS is not listed in System Recovery Option.
I would appreciate any HELP !!!

Everything else possible to start Win7 is in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start leading up to if necessary rescuing your files to run Dell Windows 7 PC Restore or do a superior Clean Reinstall Windows 7.