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(Message started by: Melissa on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:16pm)
Title: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:16pm
I don't know if anyone here can help me, but if you can, I'd so much appreciate it.  I have a Dell Inspiron 1100, and after it got, uh, slammed down on a table, it is now inoperable.  When I start the computer, Windows does not start at all.  I end up with a black screen and a blue box that has this written in it:

Stop:c0000221 Unknown Hard Error\SystemRoot\system32\ntdll.dll


I am at a complete loss here and have no idea what to do.  Do you think I will need a new hard drive?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
mel
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by echo on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:22pm
Can't help you Mel.  I'm PC challenged.  

I'm sure a resident member of the clustering geek squad will come to your rescue. ;;D

edit -- And thank God they will.  Without ppl like them dumb-asses like me would never get access to anything data related.
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by fubar on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:23pm
That don't sound real good.  It *could* be the hard drive.  If you need a laptop drive, I can send you one.  Find out if that's really the problem first and let me know.

-Shawn
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by ozzy on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:28pm
Ooops, that seems to be a big one.

A search on Google finds the following


http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Stop%3Ac0000221+Unknown+Hard+Error%5CSystemRoot%5Csystem32%5Cntdll%2Edll

It could also be virus related:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=lang_en%7Clang_es&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&q=ntdll.dll&lr=lang_en%7Clang_es

But more importantly, were you in the middle of upgrading a Win 9x machine to XP?

Ozzy
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by john_d on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:35pm
Mel,  That is bad, you need more than advice.  Someone knowledgable is going to have to actually sit down with your laptop and either repair or reinstall Windows or, like you suggested, it could even be a hardware problem.  Sorry, John
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:35pm

Quote:
That don't sound real good.  It *could* be the hard drive.  If you need a laptop drive, I can send you one.  Find out if that's really the problem first and let me know.

-Shawn


Sean, the way it looks, the hard drive is corrupted.  I have yet to hear back from a guy, who lives down the road, that fixes computers.  I will wait until I hear from him, and he looks at it, before making the decision to purchase a new hard drive.  I tell you, I am so upset that I have lost everything....all because of some stupidity on my part.


Quote:
But more importantly, were you in the middle of upgrading a Win 9x machine to XP?

Ozzy

Ozzy, nope, was only in the middle of a very heated argument with the spouse, due to the fact of how much time I put into being online.  i.e. OUCH and support groups.  He apologized this morning, for he had a little to much to drink last night, and said he'd pay to get it fixed.  Only thing is, I am not sure that replacing the hard drive will bring back all I had stored on my puter.  For that, I feel a very great big loss...

John, thanks so much for responding.  I'm sure you all can understand how I'm feeling right now.  I'm not one to come out and piss and moan about anything, or even bare my problems, but this has me flabbergasted and down.

Thanks guys, for all your help.

:(mel
Title: Doh!
Post by Rock_Lobster on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:55pm
Unplug the drive.  See if you take the same error.

If not, it is a drive issue.  
If so, you broke something more expensive than a hard drive.

Drive should be fairly accessible through a panel somewhere on the laptop.  You should have to remove a screw or two, then you should be able to pop the drive out.  Take care to not bend the pins.    
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Gator on Aug 2nd, 2004, 2:58pm
According to Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 101096 :

Error Message: STOP: C0000221 Unknown Hard Error or STOP: C0000221 STATUS_IMAGE_CHECKSUM_MISMATCH

CAUSE

If you receive this error message, the file listed in the error message is corrupted.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, you need to either obtain a new copy of the file or reinstall Windows. If reinstallation fails to solve the problem, a hardware or network problem may exist.

MORE INFORMATION

The files that are checked for integrity when Windows starts are:

All drivers (except those loaded by the system loader to boot the system)

All dynamic link libraries (DLLs), including USER, GDI, SHELL, KERNEL, NTDLL, CRTDLL, etc.

All DLLs loaded into the address space of the Windows server (video drivers, printer drivers, etc.)

This error message can be caused when you install an inappropriate driver for your hardware. For example, this error would appear if you installed a MIPS driver on an X86-based computer.


Here is the link to Microshaft's Support page concerning the issue:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;101096
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Rock_Lobster on Aug 2nd, 2004, 3:09pm
Was it on when you slammed it?
The HD can take a beating if it is not on at the time... typically more of a beating than other elements of a laptop.
If it was on, slamming it against something soft, like his skull, would have been a superior idea.
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Linda_Howell on Aug 2nd, 2004, 3:23pm

Quote:
When I start the computer, Windows does not start at all.  I end up with a black screen and a blue box that has this written in it:

Stop:c0000221 Unknown Hard Error\SystemRoot\system32\ntdll.dll


Mel, I am certainly not computer literate, but this is EXACTLY what mine did a month ago.  The guy that fixed it finally said it was "full of virus' "  Don't you feel better now?   >:(

Linda
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Rock_Lobster on Aug 2nd, 2004, 3:45pm

on 08/02/04 at 15:23:00, Linda_Howell wrote:
The guy that fixed it finally said it was "full of virus' "  


A virus could do that if it whacked the DLL or the directory of the drive (by reformatting for example) or the like.

But slamming your laptop down is also quite a good way to hose it up.  Anything from a physically damaged drive to a damaged path to the drive would result in the system failing to access a DLL.

Based on the timing, I would put my $5 on the laptop smack down.

Who knows... she could have just knocked the drive loose.  Pulling it out and reseating it may fix the problem.  Also twitching the drive along its spinning access may loosen something up.
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 2nd, 2004, 3:52pm
Ok, i removed the HD, ran the XP installation disk, and it kept telling me there was no HD to detect.  SO, I put the HD back into the puter, and BTW, it sounded like something was rattling inside, anyway, same shit happened.  I guess I'm screwed.  Hopefully that guy will call back asap and will be able to hook up some diagnostic stuff to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, but I'm thinking that cause i could hear something rattling around in the HD, that that's the problem.  I HATE this!!!! >:(  

Oh and Linda........NO, I don't feel better, LMFAO!

mel

p.s. Rock, WTF is twitching some spinning thing all about?  OMG am I puter stooooopid here.
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Rock_Lobster on Aug 2nd, 2004, 4:14pm
Sometimes an older or damaged drive will not be able to 'spin up'.  If you hold the drive in your hand, then flick it rapidly (like a half spin) along the same access that the platter spins, you will move the platter to a new position.    

Aye... rattling is a bad thing.

The 'no drive' message is kinda good.  Your laptop was able to get to the drive (or lack thereof), meaning the rest of the system may be in good shape.

That said, I would rather toast a motherboard than lose the contents of my hard drive.

Good luck hun.  
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Gator on Aug 2nd, 2004, 4:29pm
I have played with more then a few laptop hard drives that had a little rattle to them that worked just fine.

Slamming it down on the table may have crashed the heads down on the drive platter so that some data was lost and possibly the spot where the heads crashed is toast.  As long as the heads aren't fried and it doesn't make a clanking noise while installed and trying to access the drive, it might live - albeit with some bad clusters.

If the computer boots up enough to get a windoze error, the hard drive may not be totally hosed.  You may be able to retrieve data and possibly even continue using the drive after a low level format.

Gator
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 2nd, 2004, 8:33pm
Ok, I have gotten this far with the XP installation CD:


Quote:
"Setup needs to copy Windows XP files onto your hard disk.  Select the folder in chich the files should be copied.

\WINDOWS

To change the suggested location, press the backspace key to delete characters, and type the name of the folder where you want to install Windows XP."

Now, if I copy it to \windows, it will erase all I have stored on there, all files, folders, etc.  What folder should I type into the space on where to copy the files??  Help appreciated and thanks for everything so far!!

:)mel

p.s. I had taken out the HD, undid the screws, examined it, then put it back together and screwed it back in.  NOW the puter detects my HD, I just don't get it??? :P
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Not4Hire on Aug 2nd, 2004, 9:06pm
...smart ass answer:

if it's not The Spark... or The Gas... then it's probably The Air... check the filter....

o yeah.... that's the solution to Internal Combustion Problems.....

never mind......

n4
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by forgetfulnot on Aug 3rd, 2004, 1:44pm

on 08/02/04 at 20:33:31, Melissa wrote:
Ok, I have gotten this far with the XP installation CD:

Now, if I copy it to \windows, it will erase all I have stored on there, all files, folders, etc.  What folder should I type into the space on where to copy the files??  Help appreciated and thanks for everything so far!!

:)mel

p.s. I had taken out the HD, undid the screws, examined it, then put it back together and screwed it back in.  NOW the puter detects my HD, I just don't get it??? :P


Did you have the drive partitioned? IE C, D, E.

Lee
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 3rd, 2004, 1:51pm
Hi Lee,

Yup, it's all partitioned.  

Just to let ya'll know, that Dave H. gave me a call last night and helped me to determine what was wrong with my puter.  The HD is indeed damaged.  I ran my Dell diagnostic software and there are some major errors in my HD, so in order to salvage anything I can off of it, I'm off to by and external HD today and have already ordered Norton System Works 2003 with Norton Ghost so I can retrieve anything that hasn't gotten, uh, smooshed.  Dave, thank you again for all your help!!!!!

Also, a HUGE thank you to everyone who tried to help me out, I LOVE my family!! ;;D

:-*mel
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Gator on Aug 3rd, 2004, 2:17pm
Assuming you didn't repartition and/or reformat the drive:  Technically, since the folders already exist, the installation should just overwrite the Windows OS files in those folders and leave any additional folders and the files in them alone.

What you will possibly (probably) run into is that since Windows is being re-installed and the registry is being overwritten; any applications you have installed may not work and may need to be re-installed.  

Once you have the computer up and running, personally, I would network to another system and copy the data to the other system, then use the Windows CD to repartition, reformat and reload the OS. Reload all applications.  Install a virus scanner from a reputable company and make sure to download and install all updates.  Virus scan the computer.  ONLY then reconnect to that other computer and virus scan the data where it sits.  If nothing is found, copy the data back to your system.


Gator
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 3rd, 2004, 2:37pm
Hard drive damage, huh ? That sucks ! I would guess it was physically damaged by the 'smack down' you had.

You do realize, if you use Norton System Works 2003 with Norton Ghost to restore the OS ... it won't bring your files and documents with it. (Less you're moving it to a slave drive). And if it was virus related - it could just bring the virus(es) with it.
Questions to ask yourself to help determine if it has a virus:
(1) Were you using anti virus protection before ?
(2) Do you continuously (non stop) visit porn sites ? (LOL)

Good luck,

Unsolved
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 3rd, 2004, 2:59pm
Gator,

I ended up NOT reinstalling Windows, Dave called me before I went through with that.  Thank goodness!

Michael,


Quote:
You do realize, if you use Norton System Works 2003 with Norton Ghost to restore the OS ... it won't bring your files and documents with it. (Less you're moving it to a slave drive). And if it was virus related - it could just bring the virus(es) with it.

I'm moving the files to a separate external hard drive.


Quote:
(1) Were you using anti virus protection before ?
(2) Do you continuously (non stop) visit porn sites ? (LOL)

Good luck,

Unsolved


1. Yes.  Using Mcafee virusscan online.  Always checked the system for viruses regularly, no problemas.

2. No (and I'm teling the truth! LOL!)

:)mel
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Ree on Aug 3rd, 2004, 3:03pm
Just a little Ree Rant here... doesnt it just piss you off that there are people and companies in the world that do nothing but make our experience extremely hard.  Just when I have my computer running like a rocket they come up with spyware and pop ups beyond anything any of my virus ware can compete with... I hear ya Mel... just be sure you back up everything and this is reminding me to get some precious pics on disk. I would die if I lost my pics............ love ya Melly hope it repairs cheaply ree
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Jeepgun on Aug 3rd, 2004, 3:05pm
Jeez.... Just call an exorcist, sacrifice a goat in your kitchen, spray the blood in quasi-religious symbols all over the walls, fill the case with M-80's, and then walk out of the house whistling, "Penny Lane," while the whole place goes up in smoke. (That usually solves my computer problems...)  ;;D
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 3rd, 2004, 3:09pm
If all else fails ... this may help    :o

http://home.insightbb.com/~Cluster/trash_can.jpg


Unsolved
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Jonny on Aug 3rd, 2004, 5:42pm

on 08/03/04 at 15:09:38, UN_SOLVED wrote:
If all else fails ... this may help    :o

http://home.insightbb.com/~Cluster/trash_can.jpg


LOL...Mike ;;D

Good luck, Mel :-*

..................................jonny
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by BILL_L on Aug 3rd, 2004, 9:20pm
Mel
My hard drive died years ago. Too bad the little blue
pill is verapamil.  [smiley=huh.gif] [smiley=huh.gif] [smiley=huh.gif]
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Little Deb on Aug 3rd, 2004, 9:51pm
That's nice, Bill...............................
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Melissa on Aug 3rd, 2004, 9:59pm
Well, I lost everything.  I now have an external HD that cost me $150 (which is valuable to have anyway) and have now purchased a new internal HD to replace my fried one which cost me  $92.50.  Hubby will probably kill me, but hey, at least it's cheaper than truck parts and he just better shut his mouth.  At least I didn't blow the money gambling or on clothes. ::)  My birthday is coming up, so there goes my present (like I ever get one anyway from him on my birthday).  I am just so pissed off that all this is happening, plus EVERYTHING else on top of it!!  Thank God I'm going on vacation for 4 days this weekend with my family.  I'm not saying a single WORD to him about spending $250 today to fix a $700 computer, LMFAO.  

Cripes,
>:(mel
Title: Re: I need major computer help!
Post by Little Deb on Aug 3rd, 2004, 10:31pm
Mel,
You should have slammed the broken $700. one on his head and bought yourself a brand new $1200. one!!

LD ;;D


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