Solved DISKPART throwing I/O error at create partition command

[nara]

Hi,

My laptop doesn't boot from hard disk anymore. So I tried to start system with Windows 7 installation DVD and ran DISKPART.

It recognized disk 0 but when I execute "create partition primary size=80000"
it runs for sometime and displays that it is not able to execute the operation properly due to I/O error.

(I had windows 7 running on that hard disk before).
can somebody help?

thanks
nara

 

[gregrocker]

Diskpart is not needed for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot.
Work through the steps in the blue link.

As a last resort you can Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Everything you need is in the blue links. You don't need Diskpart.

 

[nara]

Hi,

thanks for your reply but I forgot to mention that when i ran diskpart, it showed 465 GB free of 465 GB. doesn't it mean all the contents got wiped out?

thanks

 

[gregrocker]

Did you run the Diskpart Clean or Clean All commands which wipe the data?

Do you have data to rescue?

Refer to note at end of step 3 in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to look for data to rescue before reinstalling.

 

[nara]

Yes, here is what I did:

diskpart

list disk - this showed 465 gb free of 465 gb..

select disk 0

clean

create partition primary size=80000

and result is:

"DiskPart has encountered an error: The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.
See the System Event Log for more information"

 

[gregrocker]

You wiped out your data then. I assume you intended to do so and are reinstalling.

Follow the steps in the tutorial to try Custom install, using Drive Options to create and format your partition.

If this fails then post back any error or exactly what happens, then Test your HD using maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD test.

 

[nara]

When I try to install using Install Now option in Windows 7 disc, I get this error:

"This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk, ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in computer's Bios menu"

Also note that the Format button is disabled in installation screen. If I try to create New partition using "New" button, it fails too.

 

[gregrocker]

Enter BIOS setup, check the HD to see if it is listed. Then look nearby for SATA controller setting. Try AHCI first, then IDE Mode to install.

Check also in BIOS Boot order to see if there is an EFI Boot disk listing and where it is set.

Test your HD to see if it is bad.

Boot into free Partition Wizard CD to try creating an NTFS Primary partition for the full disk, click Ok. Now rightclick on partition to Modify>Set to Active, OK. Then rightclick on partition to Check File System, Click OK, Apply steps.

If this works try install to Active partition.

 

[nara]

BIOS does show WDD. Let me try to make it ATA instead of AHIC

 

[gregrocker]

If that fails download and burn to DVD using Windows Image Burner the ISO file here: WD Support / Downloads / SATA & SAS /

Boot to run a full scan. Then wipe the HD with quick wipe and try install again if it passes.

 

[nara]

I think Ubuntu is able to recognize the hard drive. let me install that and check out later this forum on how to install windows 7. thanks much and will let you know if that fixes the issue.

 

[jumanji]

Hi nara,

In all probability your HDD in the laptop (more specifically the electronics in it) is dead. I wish it is not true and would like you try whatever you can.

I know of atleast one instance where a similar problem was resolved. But that machine was a custom-built desktop, using one of the recent motherboards with UEFI BIOS. The user changed the optical drive setting from AHCI to UEFI and the I/O error vanished. He was then able to install Windows 7. This however may not be applicable to your DELL laptop. ( I am mentioning it here so that those who read this thread and post are aware of this so that they can help others who face a similar problem with UEFI bios.)

Coming back, you have neither mentioned the model number nor Windows 7 edition that came preinstalled in your DELL Laptop.

In case it is still under warranty/extended warranty, the right thing to do will be to contact DELL Technical Support and avail the warranty service.

Out of warranty, you may decide 1.to go with DELL paid-service or 2.change the HDD yourself or by any other Professional Service Agency ( in case it is confirmed that your HDD indeed has failed.) and clean install the Windows 7 edition for your laptop. (using the COA key on the sticker)

If DELL does it they will clean install the Windows 7 with the OEM Reinstall Disk that will maintain the OEM preactivation/selfactivation/autoactivation.

At this point I would also like to mention that you can try and get the OEM Reinstall Disk by filling in the Media Request Form here https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form and submitting it online.

(Lost your Windows discs? How to get replacement media, legally | ZDNet)

( You may also buy these from reputed Computer parts Vendors for USD 12-15.. These carry the appropriate DELL Part No. and appear to be genuine -from the picture on their website.)

( I got the DELL OEM Reinstall Disk on request from DELL with which I can clean install (without any bloatware) and it will autoactivate. )

Good luck.

 

[nara]

Can I burn .iso of DOS version (since windows is no longer available on HDD)?
will laptop boot automatically with the HDD diagnostic DVD(assuming I have DVD as 1st priority boot device)?

I don't know if I mentioned this but my HDD is Western Digital Solid State Device and will this lifeguard for DOS .iso work for WD SSD as well?(http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=601&sid=30&lang=en)

 

[gregrocker]

Go to the WD Support Downloads webpage for your model SSD to get the diagnostics DOS-CD download to burn to CD and boot.

Did you try booting the Dell Diagnostics via F12?

 

[nara]

Unfortunately there is no WD SSD .iso

yes, I did run Dell Diagnostics and all the tests passed OK

 

[gregrocker]

You can call tech support for the SSD to get help testing it and installing Win7. If they confirm it's bad they'll RMA it for you at the same time.

Check in your BIOS setup whether there is an EFI boot disk set first in BIOS boot order. Remove it and put your DVD drive first to boot, then SSD.

 

[nara]

This is my laptop configuration

· Inspiron 15R
· Intel Core i5-460M 2.53GHz/ up to SC 2.8Ghz/ 3M
· 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3
· 500GB 5400rpm
· 15.6 Inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife
· Intel HD Graphics
· Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit
· Integrated 10/100 Network Card
· 8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
· Integrated High Definition Audio 2.2
· Dell Wireless 1501
· Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
· Dell Wireless DW365 (BT V2.1 + EDR)

 

[gregrocker]

If you're still under 1 year tech support and parts warranty I'd call or chat Dell tech support to see if this is a known issue and to get their help confirming the SSD is good, or RMA'ing it.

Go back to top of thread and make sure everything suggested has been tried. Once all steps are caught up we can continue with troubleshooting install if you want.

 

[nara]

I bought a new HDD from ebay and reinstalled Windows 7 with Dell Windows 7 CD.

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks for reporting back. Glad you got it up and running.

You may find these steps helpful to Clean Up Factory Bloatware