G61-110SA Hard disk 1 full (305)

[Mariuk]

Hi 

My laptop (HP G61-110SA), which is now out of warranty, took a very slight knock and now it wont start up properly . 

It starts but just goes through to a screen with 2 options: "Launch StartupRepair (recommended)" or "Start Windows Normally" (which just goes through to a blue windows screen and doesn't progress further).   If "Launch Startup Repair" is selected, it goes through a series of "HP Recovery  Manager" screens but only allows me to select one option - "Open a Command Prompt" which is useless to me as I don't know what command to type!

I have run the Diagnostic tests and have the following results:

Hard Disk Smart - Pass

Memory Test - Pass 

Hard Disk 1 Full (305)

Hard Disk 1 Quick (303)

Does this mean I definitely need a new Hard Drive or is there anything else I can do? (there are no strange noises from the laptop when it is on).

Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

:smileyembarrassed:

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The error codes are for the short and full Disk Self Test and would definitely indicate that the Hard Drive is failing and needs to be replaced.  This is also consistent with the start-up issue.

If your notebook is still under warranty, contact HP and arrange to have the drive replaced - you can check your warranty status Here.

If you live in the US, contact HP Here.

If you are in another part of the world, start Here.

If you are out of warranty and would like a guide on replacing the Hard Drive yourself, please let me know.

Regards,

DP-K

[Mariuk]

Thanks for your quick & helpful reply.

It is out of warranty & I would be very grateful for advice on changing the hard drive.

Thanks again

Marie

[DavidPK]

Hi Marie,

You're welcome

The drive on the link below is an example of one that would be fine for your notebook.

500Gb Hard Drive

The procedure to replace the Hard Drive starts on Page 53 of your Maintenance & Service Guide.

Once done, simply use your Recovery DVDs to reinstall the Operating System on the new drive - the procedure is described Here.

If you don't have your Recovery Discs, you can order a replacement set using the link below.

Order HP Recovery Discs.

If you have any problem with this link, order them directly from HP.

If you live in the US, contact HP Here.

If you are in another part of the world, start Here.

Best regards,

DP-K

[Mariuk]

Thats fantastic - thank you very much

[DavidPK]

Hi Marie,

You're welcome and glad it helped

All the best,

DP-K

[Mariuk]

  OK, I have a new hard drive but haven't got the recovery discs (something I neglected to do when I got the computer - ) and I thought I would be able to get them from my external hard drive back up, but of course can't load that until I can access the computer ( and to do this I need the recovery software). 

I have checked with HP & I can get the discs ordered but I was wondering if there is somewhere on there that I can download them and create a set of discs via another computer to save waiting for delivery?  I have looked on the HP site but can't seem to find this facility - only to order the discs and wait for them to arrive.....I'm a little impatient & want to get my laptop up and running asap! :smileyembarrassed:

[Mariuk]

........also...:smileyfrustrated:

I have my external backup plugged into another computer and can access the "WindowsImageBackup" .VHD files from there - if I put these onto a disc, will this createthe operating/recovery disc I need?

OR

My mum has the same computer (bought them at the same time - same model etc) - she has back up discs.  Can I use hers or will that not work/not allowed?

Thanks

Marie :smileyembarrassed:

[DavidPK]

Hi Marie,

I think you should be able to use either option you mention.

1.  If you wish to restore the Back-up Image you have, try the following procedure.

If you don't already have one, use another PC to create a Windows 7 Rescue CD.  Download the relevant ISO from the links below.

Windows 7 32bit

Windows 7 64bit

You should use an application such as ImgBurn to burn the ISO to a CD - a guide on using ImgBurn to write an ISO to a disc is Here.  Once created, or if you already have this, insert the CD into the notebook and restart to boot from it.  Select the Repair option.

Now follow the guide on the following link starting at Method 3 to restore the Image to the new HDD.

http://www.shivaranjan.com/2009/05/21/windows-7-how-to-restore-windows-7-partition-or-hard-disk-part...

2.  If for any reason this does not work, as long as your Mums notebook is the exact same Model and operating system as yours, her Recovery Discs should work for your notebook.

Regards,

DP-K

[karnoldy]

Hi,

I have a simular problem.  I am getting the same error, however no drop occured.  Is there any chance of recovering some of the data on the hard disk?

Thank You,

Keith