Windows XP System Restore Boot Failure with new Hard Drive

[jamiemazza]

HP Touchsmart IQ546t running Windows XP Home

Here is my story:

A few months ago, my PC was informing me that a hard drive failure was imminent and that I should backup my data.

I was able to get most of the data backed up and continued using the PC.

Eventually, the hard drive failed.

Not being able to find system restore disks, I ordered a set from HP.

In the meantime, I was able to backup the rest of my data using an external hard drive enclosure, a laptop and a backup drive.

I used the system restore disks to wipe out the hard drive and restore the OS.

After successful restore, I was able to boot up my PC and use it for a few days, but was again getting the hard drive failure imminent message. Again, the hard drive failed and I was unable to use it.

I decided to replace the hard drive, figuring I could install it and use the system restore disks to get the OS installed.

I have followed all instructions I can find and have been unable to boot the machine to a point that it will recognize the recovery disk. I keep receiving a message that tells me to insert bootable media.

Does anyone know what I am missing here?

Is there something I can try to get the hard drive to boot to a point that it will recognize the recovery disk?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Unplug the new hard drive and see if the PC will boot up the recovery disks.

BTW --- The IQ546t is only certified by HP for VISTA and Windows 7.

[jamiemazza]

My bad...it is indeed Windows Vista NOT Windows XP.

[jamiemazza]

I unplugged the hard drive and started the machine up.

I inserted the first recovery disk and got the same result.

Although the drive appears to be reading the disk, the result is always the same.

A message appears asking for bootable media in the primary drive.

Any other suggestions?

[Big_Dave]

HI,

Perhaps it's time to replace the hard drive.

[jamiemazza]

As I said, it is a brand new hard drive.

The original hard drive has been removed and I am trying to restore from the disks to the newly installed hard drive.

Does anyone know of a reason why the recovery disks would not be recognized?

I guess it is possible that the CD/DVD drive is bad, but I would rather not spend more money on parts if at all possible.

Should the computer boot from the recovery disk?

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Ops, sorry about that.  If the recovery disks are not not recognized then you in deed have an issue trying to get the new hard drive restored.

Try the below procedure and see what happens.  Post your results.

Cyberlink recovery CD for hard drives. When you have created this CD, insert it into the system that is unable to boot, restart it and wait until you see a window with a green check mark.  Then remove the CD and insert your first Recovery DVD.  Restart the PC and go through the process of installing the Operating System again.  Hopefully it should install properly this time.

[jamiemazza]

Thanks again for your help on this one.

I did try the Cyberlink recovery CD, but it was still not recognized by the DVD drive. That was the last straw, so I had to break down and replace the internal optical drive. I was not able to find one on the HP website, but was able to purchase a different brand from Nexicore here in CA for $50.

I installed the new hard drive and new optical drive and loaded the Cyberlink Recovery CD. It worked like a charm. Now I have spent the last few days running all of the updates, including an upgrade to Windows 7. It is running perfectly so far!