I just got a new Dell Inspiron which is replacing one just like it I had under warranty. The old one just stopped working (no Power) so they sent a new one. I wanted to back up my old hard drive so I installed it into my new computer but am getting this message:

A problem has been detected and windowshas been shut down to prevent damage to yur computer.
Check for viruses on your computer. Remove any newly installed hard drives and check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured and terminated. Run CHKDSK/F to check for hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer.

Does this sound like something I should try and check with the RUN CHKDSK/F and if so, how do I do that - start it in safe mode? Or should I forget about it and take the hard drive somewhere else to get the files I need off of it? Any help would be appreciated!.

NOTE: Just noticed that you didn't mention your Operating System. If it's XP,,,,,,,,

Yes, this is a good starting point.

Boot into Safe Mode if required.

Open a Command Prompt window. Type in chkdsk c: /r at the command prompt. (If c: is your windows drive. If not, adjust accordingly.) It will inform you that it must be run at the next boot. (Comply, shut down Windows and reboot.)


Also,,,,,,


Run a file check on the O/S.

METHOD 1
If you have an XP CD:
Click START, RUN, type in:

sfc /purgecache

(This ensures that system files are copied from your Windows installation media, and files which may be infected/damaged with malware, or are corrupted, are not copied from your drive. Some of the files which are restored/replaced may need MS Updates applied. If sfc replaces any such files, you will have to reinstall updates for those files. (If you have Automatic Updates active, this will happen automatically.))

Then type in:

sfc /scannow

Have your XP CD handy.


METHOD 2
If you do not have an XP CD:
Click START, RUN, type in:

sfc /scannow

Post back with your results.

Hi, I have done the steps as below but before i get to the point where i can use the run command it goes back to that message, any ideas how i can do this from the bootup screen?

I don't have a mass of knowledge on this so as much simpleton help as you can would be muchly appreciated.

Thanks Andy

hello to boot into safe mode you need to press the f8 key before the windows splash screen appears

if you can not load safe mode you can use tools such as hiram boot cd to run the command from the cd