Stuck at "checking file system on C:"

[tidelian]

Same issue on Dell Studio

My Dell started doing the same thing 1 week ago. I would get the 'check screen' that was mentioned by the original poster but I would let it 'check' and then it would proceed to boot. Today, NADA, just stuck. So now I'm in Bios running the diagnostics. I cannot believe that my new computer- purchased Fed '10 - now had a failed HDD. This is a Windows 7 issue - it's too easy to find too many others with the same issue for them all the failing HDD's on Win 7.

We should be asking why and how is Win 7 killing HDD's? If in fact it is.

I could still use a little more help putting my laptop back in order -

 

[PoCCarnage]

Dell studio 1645

My dell just started doing this same issue tonight. Any ideas on what I can do to fix it? I'm running a completet system assesment right now.

 

[xcefkevin]

Do you have any suggestions for testing the hard drive to verify that it is failing? It is backed up every night.

Yes. Run Spinrite on the drive

Also, as above, turn on SMART disk monitoring in the BIOS...

Hey everyone, just found this forum for the first time after having this problem this morning. Luckily looking here I was able to fix it by going through the Windows Repair. Though still a little worried if it will happen the next time I turn the computer on. Is there a free version or something similar to spinrite I could use? I really dont have the money to buy it but would be interested in some sort of program.