Windows XP 'a disk read error occurred'

Associate
Joined
7 Oct 2003
Posts
1,858
I'm trying to install XP Home on a new WD 500GB, I installed XP absolutely fine last week onto an 80GB drive in the same PC.
But now, after windows formats the drive (this happens for both quick and normal format) it will copy windows files, restart the pc, then come up the error.

'A disk read error occurred. Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to restart'

I've tried two different discs, both with SP3, but as I said I was able to install windows fine last week.

I've downloaded WD lifeguard diagnostics and burnt that to disc, that reports no problems with the drive, apparently.


Anyone, any ideas.?
 
It seems its the bios that needs updating, which I'm doing now after hunting down for a floppy disk, threw about 20 away the other day, typical.


Hopefully it will do the trick.
 
I get this problem with a modern 250Gb IDE hard disk, in an old Pentium 3 scrap PC that I use for occasional data recovery.

Let me know if you find a solution cheers!
 
Nah i've had to give up.

The bios is limited to 137GB and theres no update, there is a trick you can do thats on western digitals site, see here at the bottom left, but that didn't work either.

I havn't tried a ide pci card as I dont have one but maybe that would work?


One thing that would work for you, if its any use is to partition the drive, 2x125gb partitions and you should be good to go.
 
I've been getting that on my ever slowing Raided drives, using win 7. Anyone know a solution?
 
Back
Top Bottom