Disk read error

S

Skuzbucket

New Member
Hi all,
I needed a computer to just play some videos and DVDs, so I purchased an older Compaq at a Salvation Army thrift store. It did not have a Hard Drive Disc so I put one in that I know to be functional. When I turn on the computer, it shows me the Compaq logo then tells me "A disk read error occurred. Press ctrl + alt + delete to restart". I was hoping there might be a simple solution to this. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks in advance

Possibly relevant information:
HDD has Windows XP
Sticker on computer says "Designed for Windows XP"
The setup menu (F10) from boot up lists the HDD, so the computer knows it's in there.
 
You need to format the hard drive and reinstall Windows. You can't just take a hard drive with Windows on it and stick it in another computer and expect it to function. It doesn't work like that.

But I'd also test the hard drive with the hard drive manufacturer diagnostic tool.
 
Thank you for replying. I was trying to do it like a plug and play type deal. I ran the IDE DPS self test from the F10 boot menu and it told me the HDD was fine. So, please advise if these are the right steps to take;
I'll put the HDD back into the computer it came from and create a back up disc, but when I put it back into the Compaq, I'll need an installation disc, because like I stated, I got this from a thrift store, so nothing came with it. Can you help me out with that?

Just in case you're wondering why I don't just use the computer that I got the HDD from, it's because it's ancient with USB 1.0 ports so I can't connect to my wireless network.
 
Only if it was a copy of Windows 7 that you purchased and not one that came included with another PC. OEM copies of Windows are not transferable to other computers.
 
Thanks again for the quick reply. The product key came with an upgrade disc for a computer with Vista when they were doing the free upgrade thing and that computer is now dead, so I figured there shouldn't be any legal or moral issues. Since the disc was for upgrading, I thought I'd do a clean install with the ISO as long as I can use the product key.
Also, if I'm able to format the hard drive from the boot menu, then I shouldn't have a problem figuring it out, otherwise can you talk me through how to do so?
 
Well, I burnt the ISO and put the disc in the computer but it gave me the same disc read error. I tried F9 and booted the DVD ROM that the disc was in with the same result. Am I missing a step? Do I need to format the drive first or install Windows first? If there's something wrong with the DVD drive, can I install Windows on a flash drive from bios?
 
Can you post a screenshot of the disk read error? Does it actually boot to the cd or no? Check the bios to see if the hdd and cdrom drive is recognized.
 
Hey all, problem solved! I searched Google for "disc read error" and came across this very useful article: 8 Solutions to Troubleshoot A disk read error occurred. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart Error
Found here: http://www.raymond.cc/blog/help-a-d...ress-ctrlaltdelete-to-restart/#comment-584188

It turns out there could be a hundred reasons for this error message and my problem turned out to be something to do with the RAM stick, maybe not inserted correctly. I switched slots and put another stick in the first slot and kablamo! I was able to boot the installation disc and everything is now operational. Which means I just got a working computer with Windows 7 for $7! (Not to brag or anything, but I can't endorse thrift stores enough). Thanks guys for the help.
 
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