Windows 7 NTFS Error Screen at Startup

[gdr_11]

My Dell desktop suddenly started giving me the NTFS error at startup and automatically goes into the check mode which looks like it will take hours to run. It will not let me boot into SAFE mode and when I do the repair computer option it asks for the original disks which I do not have since Dell no longer issues those with computers.

Have had no problems up until now, run Kapersky and Avast real time and scan with Malwarebytes every couple of days.

Today, I logged into Amazon to order some batteries and placed my order with no problem. Right after that I tried to open a new Firefox window and it did not respond. I went to open Task Manager to see if something was running in the background but it also would not start up. About 3 minutes later the new Firefox window opened but no completely so I force shut down the computer. On restart I got the NTFS screen and have been unable to circumvent it.

I have tons of disk space and there are no new hardware or software additions.

Any help would be appreciated

[castgold]

How old is the HDD?

[SkyHawk]

Force shutdown will just lead to ever more file system problems. Let the dang check run, no matter how long it takes - while you still have the chance.

[gdr_11]

How old is the HDD?

CPU was purchased new from Dell 3 years ago.

i am letting the NTFS check run; expect it will take all night

[vino68]

Yes, run chkdsk /r /f.

[the86d]

Samsung 860 pro, 512GB: $141.95

https://smile.amazon.com/Samsung-512GB-V-NAND-Solid-MZ-76P512BW/dp/B07836C6YV

Install Windows (FYI, Win10 will take a Win 7 key, as they offered the free upgrade, and if offline until after the install, it seems the Win7 key work fine) from scratch on a the SSD, THEN plug in the old drive to pull data. You will thank me after... as once Win is installed, your machine will boot in 15-30 seconds MAX (7, OR 10) providing you have 8GB of RAM or more.

In my opinion the 1TB model of the 860 Pro is overpriced right now ($274+?), as the Samsung 970 PRO SSD 512GB - M.2 NVMe only runs about $159...

Alternatively, if you are strapped for the extra $40, the Sandisk isn't tea-bag for the 1TB model @$99:

https://smile.amazon.com/SanDisk-SSD-PLUS-Internal-SDSSDA-1T00-G26/dp/B07D998212

I ran with a Sandisk on a few machines until Samsung Pro SSD came down in price... but if you are strapped, you COULD get the EVO, but I wouldn't, as they apparently don't last as long.

(To save writes on my SSDs, once I was running 8GB(+) RAM (now 16GB), I disabled swap, but DO NOT DO THAT w/4-6GB of RAM, don't ask me how I know...)

[Dragunov]

Do you have a spare power supply? Computers tend to be really flaky if the PS starts to go.

[Robotron2k84]

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Inch-Internal-MZ-76E1T0B-AM/dp/B078DPCY3T

[high_revs]

let the scan run. then run checkdisk (or scan disk but unsure if those switches work on scandisk)

it might be the hdd too. start backing up your data. write down your key. if you don't have it, use https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ to get your key. it shows the cd key also (when i ran it with mine). although mine laptop is dell that i ran it on, i called them and asked for the windows 7 OS only disc back in the day to get rid of all the bloatware and i installed each driver separately (back then).

since a co-worker got my interest perked up about building my own tower again (haven't in 1.5 decades)...

this is worth a look. a little more but it's 2tb.

[gdr_11]

The HDD was toast, at least the portion with the startup sequence. Will be replacing it and upgrade to Windows 10 then have a tech see about recovering the one folder that contains the data I'm interested in. Any data loss will not be a big deal, but this is a PIA.

I usually keep my home PCs for three years and then replace them but this is my first hard drive failure in 20 years or more.

[MrBlazito]

Install a new HD, install windows. If the bad HDD still powers on, connect it as secondary and windows will more than likely recognize it and let you access it to recover the data. You can connect it internally or buy a kit that will allow you to connect it via USB.

https://www.amazon.com/Vantec-CB-ISATAU2-Supports-2-5-Inch-5-25-Inch/dp/B000J01I1G

[castgold]

CPU was purchased new from Dell 3 years ago.

i am letting the NTFS check run; expect it will take all night

I purchased 3 Dell All-In-One systems for my office and one of them had the same issue after ~3 years. It was a corrupt Seagate HDD. The data recovery technician that identified the issue recommended HGST or Toshiba drives instead, and indicated that 3 years is his recommended interval for replacement of storage hardware.

[gdr_11]

Found a local shop to replace my hard drive, install clean Windows 10 and extract my data for $179. Saves me time and hassle