Computer will only start after putting in the freezer for 20 minutes.

[naoo]

Hi, I have a laptop that works fine, can hibernate, sleep, and wake up from those status no problem. However whenever I choose to shutdown, the issue starts as it will be stuck at the starting windows logo, and never boot into the desktop. Well sometimes it does boot, but can take 20 minutes or more. The only solution I have found is putting the laptop in the freezer for 20mins, and then the laptop will boot in maybe 30 seconds, and work fine.
Any assistance is appreciated, thanks.

 

[fireberd]

I recall the freezer thing for defective hard drives. Sometimes it will revive it to get data off of. Could be the hard drive is on the way out in your PC.

 

[naoo]

If that is the case, is replacing the hard drive feasible on a laptop? I have a Dell precision m4600

 

[Megahertz07]

Run c:\windows\system32\ sfc /scannow
Schedule a check disk (chkdsk) for next boot.

 

[naoo]

I've ran that command several times before, the response was no issue with harddrive.

 

[Lance1]

Open a command prompt as admin "Go to the CMD right click and select Run As Amin" and then type in the following command to do a check of your hard drive. chkdsk /f /r C: If the drive is a system drive or has files in use, you’ll be asked to schedule the check for the next reboot. Select Y and reboot.

 

[Holmes177]

Yeah, have used the freezer technique for failing hard drives several times. BUT, it won't be long before the drive totally fails, and, of course, the hard drive in a laptop can be replaced. Save your docs & pics somewhere(thumb drive, cloud, ext hard drive) soon.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Okay I just have to say that is sort of crazy to introduce moisture to a computer
Sounds like a good way to hose an entire computer rather than just replacing a failing hdd

 

[fireberd]

Here is the link to the Dell manual for your Precision. It details how to replace the hard drive.

http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/a...bile/precision-m4600_service manual_en-us.pdf

 

[Layback Bear]

I have seen through the year many posts on various sites where heat or cold because of expansion and contraction will effect various hardware in various computers.

The problem is figuring out which piece of hardware in the computer is being effected.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Yeah, have used the freezer technique for failing hard drives several times. BUT, it won't be long before the drive totally fails, and, of course, the hard drive in a laptop can be replaced. Save your docs & pics somewhere(thumb drive, cloud, ext hard drive) soon.

+1

Backing up one's data ought to be the #1 priority.
I wouldn't flog the hard drive any further with scans and what-not until that has been done.
But I agree with @fireberd that a new hard drive is in your future, soon.

BTW, Dell does have some pre-boot (PSA) diagnostics -- that's usually accessed by tapping the F12 key during a cold start, once you see the Dell logo. There's a "short" and "long" test for the hard drive, as well as tests for the other components.

HTH,
MM

 

[Holmes177]

Hi,
Okay I just have to say that is sort of crazy to introduce moisture to a computer
Sounds like a good way to hose an entire computer rather than just replacing a failing hdd

May sound crazy, but it works - IN SOME CASES. However, I never let it in the freezer until it gets frost all over it, just cold soaked. Then, in most cases, I'm using an external hard drive adapter, just salvaging pics, docs, etc., before the poor thing dies completely.