Serious problem: A disk read error occurred

[James Colbert]

To the OP, you should remove the drive from the laptop, and using a USB cable or enclosure that you can order online or purchase in a computer shop, connect it to another computer. From there, you MAY be able to retrieve your files.

I'm not sure if I'm understanding this correctly. I have to basically open my laptop and take the internal hard drive out. How do I connect it to another computer? You mention a USB cable, but as far as I know the internal hard drive can't be connected to that.

First, do not use the laptop for any purpose unless it is an attempt to recover the data, as further activity may make the data unrecoverable (if it isn't already)!

You would need an adapter to connect bad drive to another computer. Here are several:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=3770&name=USB%20Hard%20Drive%20Adapter

Macgyvr states it won't void the warranty, but if you wish to try it, do contact Acer to verify, as if they disagree, your drive will not be covered.

You would remove the drive, attach the adapter to the connector on the back of the drive and plug the other end into a USB port on another computer. If Windows recognizes the drive, autoplay will pop up, allowing you to choose 'Open folder to view files'.

Hello Jay10, welcome.

As far as your data, I don't know how computer literate you are, but you could try booting into a live linux CD (doesn't have to be installed to your HD) such as ubuntu, and, if the drive is recognized, you may be able to copy the files to your external drive. The process is not too complicated, and the Ubuntu CD will boot you to a desktop that you should be able to figure out. Here is a link:

Download | Ubuntu

Just be sure not to choose 'Install'.

Thanks.
I'm not that computer literate to be honest. I don't know what a live linux cd is, but will this (and Ubuntu) help me retrieve all my files? As the situation is now I can't even get in to my computer to see what's there.
Can you maybe expand on how to use this file retrieving process?

A 'Live' CD is simply a bootable CD that will boot up to the Ubuntu (Linux) operating system rather than using the system drive to boot into windows. Often, Linux will see a drive when windows won't.

First, you should check in the bios again to see of the HD shows up. If it's not being detected in the bios, then the Linux route is pointless, as is likely all else. If it does appear in the bios, you may be able to recover it in the Linux environment.

Rather than guide you through the entire process now, your best bet would be to visit the link posted above (ubuntu). There are step by step instructions as to how to download it, burn it to CD and boot up to it. Then you can post back here.

Be advised that niether of these methods guarantee that you will be able to recover.

So, to reiterate, your choices are:

Remove HD:

1) Buy a notebook HD to USB adapter cable
2) Remove your problem HD from the laptop (after calling Acer to verify if warranty will void or not). Your manual should have instructions on how to remove it. Basically there is a removable panel in the back (usually one or two screws)
3) Connect the adapter cable bewteen the drive and another computer
4) When (if) Autoplay opens, choose 'Open folder to view files'
5) Copy files to a different drive, either external, or internal to the machine you have the notebook HD connected to.

Use Ubuntu CD to attempt to recover files to external drive:

1) Follow instructions at Download | Ubuntu to download, burn CD and boot up to Ubuntu.

Once booted to Ubuntu, there will be a 'bar' at the top of the screen. You will check to see if your drive shows up in the 'Places" item.

Of course, we are getting ahead of ourselves here, and this response is already much too long.

If you have someone local who can help you through this process, it would be a good idea to call them. If not, we are more than happy to guide you through whichever process you think you would feel most comfortable with.


James

 

[James Colbert]

Dear James Colbert,
I could/did connect the Extn.HDD to the lappy via usb and the transfer of the backed up data is on!
The "IDEA" of chilling the lappy worked! I did'nt have the tools nor the expertise to unscrew the grooves on the underside of the lappy and time was of prime importance as YOU SO RIGHTLY POINTED OUT! So,trusting my instincts, i placed the laptop in the DEEP FREEZE for 20 minutes and removed it from there.

I, then transferred it to my air-conditioned den with the AC in full blast and all this hardware Black-magic must have brought the failing HD out of the Intensive Care Unit!What say?
Thanks a bunch,

will keep you posted.
DR.Sreedhav.:sarc:

Glad you got it straightend out, sreedhav! .

I should tell you, though, that placing the laptop in the freezer may not be the best idea, as condensation may play havoc with the machine. Safer to remove the drive, wrap it in a towel, place in ziplock and in freezer. Thanks for posting bakc to let us know, and post back if further issues.

Good Luck!
James

 

[Jay10]

First, do not use the laptop for any purpose unless it is an attempt to recover the data, as further activity may make the data unrecoverable (if it isn't already)!

You would need an adapter to connect bad drive to another computer. Here are several:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=3770&name=USB%20Hard%20Drive%20Adapter

Macgyvr states it won't void the warranty, but if you wish to try it, do contact Acer to verify, as if they disagree, your drive will not be covered.

You would remove the drive, attach the adapter to the connector on the back of the drive and plug the other end into a USB port on another computer. If Windows recognizes the drive, autoplay will pop up, allowing you to choose 'Open folder to view files'.

Alright. Do you think that this adapter is compatible with my harddrive?

http://content.gucca.dk/spil-covers/store/usb-all-in-1-hard-disk-link-sandberg_60019.jpg

Here are the specifications of the adapter:

* Compatible with 2.5" and 3.5" IDE and SATA drives
* Supports ATA/ATAPI-6 Spec 1.0, SATA I and SATA II
* Plug and Play, no drivers needed
* Supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
* Connectors on adapter: 1 x SATA, 1 x IDE for 2.5" hard disks, 1 x IDE for 3.5" hard disks
* Cable on adapter: 0.5 metres with 2 x USB A male connectors for data & power
* 1 Sandberg USB All-In-1 Hard Disk Link
* 1 230V power supply
* 1 Power cable for power supply w/Euro connector
* 1 Power cable for power supply w/UK connector
* 1 SATA connection cable
* 1 Power adapter for SATA hard drive
* 1 Power adapter for 2.5" IDE hard drive
* 2 User guides
* 1 Warranty card

My hard drive is a 2.5" Toshiba MK6465GSX.

A 'Live' CD is simply a bootable CD that will boot up to the Ubuntu (Linux) operating system rather than using the system drive to boot into windows. Often, Linux will see a drive when windows won't.

First, you should check in the bios again to see of the HD shows up. If it's not being detected in the bios, then the Linux route is pointless, as is likely all else. If it does appear in the bios, you may be able to recover it in the Linux environment.

Rather than guide you through the entire process now, your best bet would be to visit the link posted above (ubuntu). There are step by step instructions as to how to download it, burn it to CD and boot up to it. Then you can post back here.

Be advised that niether of these methods guarantee that you will be able to recover.

So, to reiterate, your choices are:

Remove HD:

1) Buy a notebook HD to USB adapter cable
2) Remove your problem HD from the laptop (after calling Acer to verify if warranty will void or not). Your manual should have instructions on how to remove it. Basically there is a removable panel in the back (usually one or two screws)
3) Connect the adapter cable bewteen the drive and another computer
4) When (if) Autoplay opens, choose 'Open folder to view files'
5) Copy files to a different drive, either external, or internal to the machine you have the notebook HD connected to.

Use Ubuntu CD to attempt to recover files to external drive:

1) Follow instructions at Download | Ubuntu to download, burn CD and boot up to Ubuntu.

Once booted to Ubuntu, there will be a 'bar' at the top of the screen. You will check to see if your drive shows up in the 'Places" item.

Of course, we are getting ahead of ourselves here, and this response is already much too long.

If you have someone local who can help you through this process, it would be a good idea to call them. If not, we are more than happy to guide you through whichever process you think you would feel most comfortable with.


James

Great post! Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate it

I think I will try to buy the adapter first, and then see if I can transfer all the files to an external hard drive. Hopefully it will work, and if it does, I will see if I can get Acer to fix my laptop.

I will make sure to make an update on how the proceedings goes along.

 

[James Colbert]

Jay10:

Do you think that this adapter is compatible with my harddrive?

http://content.gucca.dk/spil-covers/...berg_60019.jpg

Here are the specifications of the adapter:

* Compatible with 2.5" and 3.5" IDE and SATA drives
* Supports ATA/ATAPI-6 Spec 1.0, SATA I and SATA II
* Plug and Play, no drivers needed
* Supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
* Connectors on adapter: 1 x SATA, 1 x IDE for 2.5" hard disks, 1 x IDE for 3.5" hard disks
* Cable on adapter: 0.5 metres with 2 x USB A male connectors for data & power
* 1 Sandberg USB All-In-1 Hard Disk Link
* 1 230V power supply
* 1 Power cable for power supply w/Euro connector
* 1 Power cable for power supply w/UK connector
* 1 SATA connection cable
* 1 Power adapter for SATA hard drive
* 1 Power adapter for 2.5" IDE hard drive
* 2 User guides
* 1 Warranty card

Yes, this should be compatible with your drive (as highlighted in blue), but just make sure that the voltages and power adapters are what you need for your location. And, although it's likely that you have USB2 ports on the machine you'll be using to attempt the copy to, it's still worth mentioning.

Again, be sure to check with Acer before you remove the drive for any possible warranty issues.

If you are still unable to copy, you can place the drive back in the laptop and try the Linux method. Ultimately, both methods may fail, but worth the effort, and you will have learned a lot.

James

 

[grdead]

To make things even simpler here is what i suggest :

1) Use a LIVE CD to boot up your system from it and then easily recover the data. My personal choice would be BART PE LIVE CD (Bart's Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD). Just goto their website and they will tell you how to create the LIVE CD.

2) If you are running out of luck and your CDROM drive fails to work for some reason , then use a BOOTABLE USB FLASH DRIVE to boot up the system. The Flash Drive can be loaded with a bootable copy of the easiest LINUX distro i have seen . It is called SLAX (Slax: get slax) , the site contains all the info on how to get this done.

 

[sreedhav]

Dear James Colbert,

Man,you're "COOL" to the extreme and i'll tell you why! I did this "cooling the lappy" about 3 times with a towel covering it and all the pop-ups disappeared from the screen. I am sure your chilling advise worked,otherwise my Int.HD would have been dead as a Dodo!

I then ran the long generic test and the Data Lifeguard Diagnostics from WD and it was all"PASS"! I then did the CHKDSK /F & CHKDSK /R and no bad blocks (or re-allocated sectors) were found. Healed??

I have learned my lesson and the 1 TB WD Extn.HDD is winging it's way home.
Gratefully yours DR.Sreedhav, (Smileys aren't working,pl. imagine a grin of gratitude!)

your QUOTE " First, do not use the laptop for any purpose unless it is an attempt to recover the data, as further activity may make the data unrecoverable (if it isn't already)!" UNQUOTE! I have been using the laptop normally for the last two days normally and as of now no probs.

 

[James Colbert]

Dear James Colbert,

...I then ran the long generic test and the Data Lifeguard Diagnostics from WD and it was all"PASS"! I then did the CHKDSK /F & CHKDSK /R and no bad blocks (or re-allocated sectors) were found. Healed??

I have learned my lesson and the 1 TB WD Extn.HDD is winging it's way home.
Gratefully yours DR.Sreedhav, (Smileys aren't working,pl. imagine a grin of gratitude!)

your QUOTE " First, do not use the laptop for any purpose unless it is an attempt to recover the data, as further activity may make the data unrecoverable (if it isn't already)!" UNQUOTE! I have been using the laptop normally for the last two days normally and as of now no probs.

Glad things worked out for you, sreedhav. Hopefully, you'll have no more issues (it sounds like your problems were file system related and that chkdsk corrected them).

Glad to hear that you use imaging programs:

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...m-disk-read-error-occurred-2.html#post1176418

I use Acronis TI and it has not only 'saved my bacon' on multiple occasions, but allows me to try different softwares and configs without worry. For my System and Data partitions, I keep 3 rotating backups of each, all stored on my 'Acronis' partition.

Many here swear by Macrium and it is constantly recommended, so you have made an excellent choice.

Good luck!

James

 

[Jay10]

Okay, I have just begun the process of removing the hard drive from my laptop, but I need some help.

Here are some pictures I just took of my harddrive. In the third picture I've loosened it in the left side, but I still feel as if it's stuck in the right side, when I try to lift it. What should I do to get my harddrive out?

EDIT: I just got it out

EDIT II: Pics removed.

 

[James Colbert]

The 'plastic tab and chrome 'edged guard' in the 1st and 2nd images is actually there as a 'pull device' method. You would pull upward and outward in the direction of the pull tab. You can likely get it out anyway. Just pull up the end of the drive that had the chrome bracket/plasctic tab and pull outward toward the left, as your posted images appear (i.e., if the tab iwas on your left, you pull the drive up and out to the left). It is 'attached' to the HD connector on the right (again, as looking at your images).

Worth saying in case: you haven't done so, make sure the machine is unplugged and battery removed!

James

 

[James Colbert]

Be sure to install the chrome bracket and plastic tab onto the new drive.

Also, your images are huge and off site, taking a long time to load. Here is a link to directions on how to create and post screenshots:

Use of snipping tool:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...e-screen-shots

Posting screenshots in forum:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[gregrocker]

Your Acer is under full Tech Support and parts replacement Warranty if it is only 4 months old.



Call Acer Tech support and tell them what's happening. It should help if you run the maker's HD diagnostics/repair CD scan to have results ready to tell them: HD Diagnostic

However you want them to tell you how to proceed, and you do not want to tell them you have removed the HD as it could void your warranty - so I would put it back in for the call.

The proper procedure here is to run HD Diagnostics followed by Disk Check, but since you are still under Warranty you want them supervising it so they can justify an immediate RMA of the HD if necessary.

That's all.

 

[Jay10]

Hey guys. I apologise for the late reply.

What has happened since the last time I replied to this thread, is that I removed the harddrive from my laptop and connected it to the adapter. I connected the adapter to my stationary computer, but it didn't work. I suspect it's because of the mediocre quality of the adapter. I bought this one (http://content.gucca.dk/spil-covers/store/usb-all-in-1-hard-disk-link-sandberg_60019.jpg) and it was a total waste of money.
My computer could barely register the hard drive. Only after moving the cables a bit, my computer could register that there was a device connected in the USB-port, but it still wasn't enough. So I had to try something else.

I then called Acer, who told me about their E-recovery method, which basically consists of pressing alt+F10 as soon as the Acer-logo appears on the screen. I then reached a screen, where I was given two choices; either delete everything or try to restore all the files. I naturally chose the latter, and it restored about 10% of the files before the laptop basically gave up, and an error message appeared on the screen telling me to delete the entire harddrive. I didn't do that of course.

So now I guess my choices are either to buy a new adapter, or try that boot cd-thing with Ubuntu/Linux.

 

[Jay10]

Your Acer is under full Tech Support and parts replacement Warranty if it is only 4 months old.



Call Acer Tech support and tell them what's happening. It should help if you run the maker's HD diagnostics/repair CD scan to have results ready to tell them: HD Diagnostic

However you want them to tell you how to proceed, and you do not want to tell them you have removed the HD as it could void your warranty - so I would put it back in for the call.

The proper procedure here is to run HD Diagnostics followed by Disk Check, but since you are still under Warranty you want them supervising it so they can justify an immediate RMA of the HD if necessary.

That's all.

How do I run the HD diagnostics?

 

[gregrocker]

I'm sorry you didn't keep up with the thread because your HD might have been reparable before and is not now. But you can try anyway running the maker's HD diagnostics/repair CD scan as was suggested two weeks ago.

Determine the maker of your HD and download the CD scan ISO from list in my post from two weeks ago here: HD Diagnostic

Burn to CD using ImgBurn or Windows Image Burner, then boot the CD to run extended scan.

If it is reparable, next run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html from Win7 Repair CD or DVD Repair console Command Line: boot DVD/CD, press Shift + F10 at first screen or enter Repair console to access Command line.

You can also try to copy out your files using the CD/DVD Repair console: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html

 

[Jay10]

I'm sorry you didn't keep up with the thread because your HD might have been reparable before and is not now. But you can try anyway running the maker's HD diagnostics/repair CD scan as was suggested two weeks ago.

What makes you say that my HD is not reparable now?

Determine the maker of your HD and download the CD scan ISO from list in my post from two weeks ago here: HD Diagnostic

It's a Toshiba HD, but that is not on your list. It says I should try the Hitachi Drive Fitness Test. I don't know how safe or suitable it is though...

Burn to CD using ImgBurn or Windows Image Burner, then boot the CD to run extended scan.

If it is reparable, next run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html from Win7 Repair CD or DVD Repair console Command Line: boot DVD/CD, press Shift + F10 at first screen or enter Repair console to access Command line.

You can also try to copy out your files using the CD/DVD Repair console: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html

Thanks. I never got the Windows Repair cd, in fact I didn't get any cd's with my laptop. I'm still a bit unsure on what to try, but thanks for giving me suggestions.

 

[gregrocker]

I'm not saying for sure your HD is irreparable now, only that it might be whereas it could have possible been repaired if the maker's diagnostics/repair CD scan are run soon after problems arise.

The Hitachi Drive Fitness test is the most stable of all of the HD tests. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as it will tell you if it cannot repair your HD.

Here is the download for repair CD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

Acer Tech Support should help you determine the problem as they will replace the HD if it fails. You have full replacement warranty as well as tech support for the first year after purchase. I would use it well within that time (don't delay) so you can sort the replacements for further problems before a year expires.

 

[Jay10]

I'm not saying for sure your HD is irreparable now, only that it might be whereas it could have possible been repaired if the maker's diagnostics/repair CD scan are run soon after problems arise.

The Hitachi Drive Fitness test is the most stable of all of the HD tests. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as it will tell you if it cannot repair your HD.

Here is the download for repair CD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

Acer Tech Support should help you determine the problem as they will replace the HD if it fails. You have full replacement warranty as well as tech support for the first year after purchase. I would use it well within that time (don't delay) so you can sort the replacements for further problems before a year expires.

Thanks. But I just remembered a thing; I can't open the cd drive in my laptop manually. There is no button to press. When it was working I had to go through the start menu to open it, so I guess I can't run a HD diagnostic test?

 

[gregrocker]

There is normally a tiny hole in which you can insert a straightened paper clip to manually open the drive enough to pull it all the way open.

While looking carefully for this tiny hole, see if there might not be a recessed button or touch-switch button to open it.

If not, move the HD to another machine to test with maker's HD diagnostics, temporarily unplugging it's native HD.

 

[Jay10]

There is normally a tiny hole in which you can insert a straightened paper clip to manually open the drive enough to pull it all the way open.

While looking carefully for this tiny hole, see if there might not be a recessed button or touch-switch button to open it.

Is it this little black hole you're referring to?

If not, move the HD to another machine to test with maker's HD diagnostics, temporarily unplugging it's native HD.

Meaning I have to take my HD out and put it into another computer?

 

[Jay10]

As far as your data, I don't know how computer literate you are, but you could try booting into a live linux CD (doesn't have to be installed to your HD) such as ubuntu, and, if the drive is recognized, you may be able to copy the files to your external drive. The process is not too complicated, and the Ubuntu CD will boot you to a desktop that you should be able to figure out. Here is a link:

Download | Ubuntu

Just be sure not to choose 'Install'.

A 'Live' CD is simply a bootable CD that will boot up to the Ubuntu (Linux) operating system rather than using the system drive to boot into windows. Often, Linux will see a drive when windows won't.

First, you should check in the bios again to see of the HD shows up. If it's not being detected in the bios, then the Linux route is pointless, as is likely all else. If it does appear in the bios, you may be able to recover it in the Linux environment.

Rather than guide you through the entire process now, your best bet would be to visit the link posted above (ubuntu). There are step by step instructions as to how to download it, burn it to CD and boot up to it. Then you can post back here.

Be advised that niether of these methods guarantee that you will be able to recover.

Use Ubuntu CD to attempt to recover files to external drive:

1) Follow instructions at Download | Ubuntu to download, burn CD and boot up to Ubuntu.

Once booted to Ubuntu, there will be a 'bar' at the top of the screen. You will check to see if your drive shows up in the 'Places" item.

Of course, we are getting ahead of ourselves here, and this response is already much too long.

If you have someone local who can help you through this process, it would be a good idea to call them. If not, we are more than happy to guide you through whichever process you think you would feel most comfortable with.

James

I'm currently sitting at a stationary computer with Windows XP. My laptop has Windows 7 64-bit, and I can see that Ubuntu has two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. Which one do I download?