Startup Issues

tdk · 15 Jan 2016

I have been having problems starting up windows. I have a SSD in my laptop and I'm not sure if it is failing, or if my windows files are corrupt.
1.Windows will sometimes start, allow me to log in, but then freeze as soon as I get to the desktop.
2.Windows will start up to the login window and then freeze.
3.Computer will start, have a blank screen, but still have mouse that i can move.
4.Computer will start with error "hard disk (3f0)
Laptop does all four of these in varying order, but most often it would do 2.

I have not been able to get it started into safe mode yet. (freezes up before getting there)

I do have a bootable flash drive with Ubuntu on it, but when it boot, it doesn't recognize the hard drive.

And I was running into a dead end, and wondering if anyone has any suggestions??
Thanks.

dalchina · 15 Jan 2016

Hi tdk, welcome to tenforums.
It would be good to isolate the issues.
What sort of SSD is it - mSata or SATA (2.5")?

Do you have a spare SATA HDD you can put in the laptop to replace the SSD?
If you can establish a working situation with your laptop that way, then the problem lies with your SSD drive or content.

If the SSD is a 2.5" form factor then potentially you could connect it as an external drive and see if you can access it.

b1rd · 15 Jan 2016

Hey tdk-

There is software that might be of some help.

I use a free program called SSDLife Free, which will show you the general health of your drive. They do offer a paid version, which shows more information.

Here's a screen shot of the free version (mine)

simrick · 15 Jan 2016

Hard Disk Sentinel is free today on Bits du Jour
Hard Disk Sentinel Standard Edition Hard Drive Software 100%
Of course, if you can't get into the OS, you can't install it. But you could put it on another machine, then plug the SSD in with a USB adapter, and see if you can read it, and what shape it's in.

b1rd · 15 Jan 2016

Hard Disk Sentinel is free today on Bits du Jour

Hey simrick- Thanks for the link for this! I just installed it and I'm excited to play with it.

I'm posting this in here to just give a 'heads up' on the program for anybody getting it. During the install, I noted on the user agreement that it said the program was free, however it talked about how if the program is updated, then it defaults to back the trial version. I sort of blew through the install, but had I been thinking, I would grabbed an image or something for better specifics.

b1rd

simrick · 15 Jan 2016

b1rd said:

Hey simrick- Thanks for the link for this! I just installed it and I'm excited to play with it.

I'm posting this in here to just give a 'heads up' on the program for anybody getting it. During the install, I noted on the user agreement that it said the program was free, however it talked about how if the program is updated, then it defaults to back the trial version. I sort of blew through the install, but had I been thinking, I would grabbed an image or something for better specifics.

b1rd

You're welcome and you're right and I grabbed it when installing:

This version of Hard Disk Sentinel 4.60 is offered by

BitsDuJour.com

The current version can be used for unlimited time, but can't be updated
to newer versions. If updated, the software switches back to "unregistered".
To get a complete, lifetime license for Hard Disk Sentinel PRO, which offers
advanced functions, support and lifetime free updates to all future versions,
order before 18 January 2016 with 50% discount at:...

It's a great program. I got it last year when it was up for free, but at that time it was not able to reinstall at any time, so I lost it when I migrated to a new build. This one, however, can be reinstalled at any time. :)

EDIT: I set it up for a 4 minute delay start, and to send me an email upon reaching certain thresholds.