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Get the fix for the error <strong>A disk read error occurred</strong> on <strong>Windows XP,</strong> <strong>Windows Vista, Windows 7 </strong>and<strong> Windows 8</strong>.
<h2>About "<strong>A disk read error occurred</strong>"</h2>
[kbintro]
<h3><span id="Description_and_Symptoms">Description and Symptoms</span></h3>
The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.
<h3>Symptom 1: "<strong>A disk read error occurred</strong>" error screen on startup</h3>
The "A disk read error occurred error" appears on a black screen without an identifiable error code.

Pressing the <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>, <kbd>Alt</kbd> and <kbd>Del</kbd> keys will only restart the computer and boot into the same error screen:

<a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/a-disk-read-error-occured.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3064 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/a-disk-read-error-occured.jpg" alt="A disk read error occurred - Screenshot" width="980" height="250" /></a>
<pre>A disk read error occurred 
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart</pre>
In most cases the error can appear for any of the following reasons:
<ul>
 	<li>Incorrect or invalid MBR configuration</li>
 	<li>Improperly configured partition table</li>
 	<li>Faulty hard drive</li>
 	<li>IDE cables failing</li>
 	<li>Bad RAM memory</li>
 	<li>Issues with your computer's BIOS version</li>
</ul>
The most common cases of this error are attributable to an incorrectly-flashed MBR to the system startup disk or the absence of an active partition on the startup disk. In these situations, the recommendations below should resolve the problem readily. If the problem is with hardware, additional diagnosis and the possible replacement of system components may be needed.
<h2>Causes of this Error</h2>
This error has been known to occur as a result of one of the following causes:
<h3>Cause 1: Incorrect or invalid MBR configuration</h3>
The most common cause for this error is an incorrect MBR configuration. This is usually caused by disk write errors, virus attacks or power outages.
<h3>Cause 2: Misconfigured partition table</h3>
For the same reasons, the partition table may become misconfigured. If that's the case, it is possible to rebuild the partition table from scratch to make sure system loads correctly.
<h2>Fixing “<strong>A disk read error occurred</strong><span id="Fixing_8220Fatal_INT18_Boot_failure8221_on_Windows">” on Windows</span></h2>
[setupcd]
<h3>Fix #1: Use Easy Recovery Essentials</h3>
[easyre error="A disk read error occurred" bootscreen="xp-vista-7-8"]
<h3>Fix #2: Check RAM memory</h3>
If you recently added new RAM memory to your computer, you can try to:
<ol>
 	<li>Remove the new RAM modules you've recently added</li>
 	<li>Leave only 1 single RAM module</li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
You can also try to move the single RAM module on a different slot to troubleshoot if any of your RAM slots are damaged. To do that, simply follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Leave 1 RAM module on Slot #1</li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
If "A disk read error occurred" still appears, move the RAM module on Slot #2 and start the computer again.
<h3>Fix #3: Check Hard Disk Cables</h3>
If the error is caused by damaged hard disk cables, try any of the following tips to fix the error:
<ul>
 	<li>Try a different port for the SATA/IDE cables</li>
 	<li>If you have more than 1 HDD, leave only the HDD with Windows installed and test multiple SATA/IDE ports and cables</li>
</ul>
The "A disk read error occurred" error can appear if:
<ul>
 	<li>The SATA/IDE cables are damaged</li>
 	<li>The SATA/IDE ports of your hard disks are damaged</li>
</ul>
If the HDD cables and ports are not damaged, the issue can also be from the hard disk itself.

To test if your hard disk is failing or it's already failed, use <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials' Automated Repair</a>. Automated Repair process will report any issues found with your hard disk or RAM memory:

[partial name="partial_easyre_hardware_testing"]
<h3>Fix #4: Reset or Upgrade BIOS</h3>
In some cases, "A disk read error occurred" can be fixed by either reverting your BIOS to its default settings or upgrading BIOS to the latest version available for your computer.

To revert your computer's BIOS to its default settings or default configuration, follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
 	<li>Press the key to boot into BIOS. This is usually any of the following keys: <kbd>F2</kbd>, <kbd>F8</kbd>, <kbd>F12</kbd>, <kbd>Esc</kbd> or <kbd>Del</kbd>. The key you need to press will be listed at the first screen when you boot your computer:<img class="alignnone" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Dell-POST.jpg" alt="Dell Boot POST Screen" width="450" height="337" /></li>
 	<li>Once booted into BIOS, find a "Load Defaults" options. The option name to revert to default settings can be different, depending on your computer manufacturer and BIOS version:
<ul>
 	<li>Load Fail-Safe Defaults</li>
 	<li>Load BIOS Defaults</li>
 	<li>Load Default Settings</li>
 	<li>Load Setup Default</li>
 	<li>Get Default Values</li>
</ul>
</li>
 	<li>Select to revert the settings and hit <kbd>Enter</kbd> to select the option</li>
 	<li>Exit BIOS by saving the changes</li>
</ol>
If reverting to BIOS defaults doesn't make "A disk read error occurred" disappear, you can also try to update the BIOS version to the latest available.
<h3>Fix #5: Run chkdsk</h3>
The chkdsk utility checks for hard drives integrity and can attempt to fix various file system errors.

To run chkdsk on a Windows XP system, follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the Windows XP CD and boot from it</li>
 	<li>At the Windows Options screen, press <kbd>R</kbd> to open <strong>Recovery Console</strong><img class="alignnone" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-xp-r-recovery-console.jpg" alt="Windows XP Recovery Console" width="636" height="380" /></li>
 	<li>At Command Prompt, type the <code>chkdsk</code> command:
<pre>chkdsk C: /r</pre>
Make sure you replace <code>C:</code> with the drive where Windows XP is installed</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
To run chkdsk on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 system, follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the Windows Vista or Windows 7 DVD and boot from it</li>
 	<li>At the <em>Install Windows</em> screen, select <strong>Repair your computer</strong> to access <strong>System Recovery Options</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-vista-repair-your-computer.png" alt="Install Now in Windows Vista DVD" /></li>
 	<li>Once at <em>System Recovery Options</em>, select <strong>Command Prompt</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-vista-system-recovery-options.jpg" alt="Windows Vista System Options" /></li>
 	<li>Type the same chkdsk command as that of Windows XP:
<pre>chkdsk C: /r</pre>
where <code>C:</code> is the letter of the drive where Windows Vista or Windows 7 is installed on</li>
 	<li>Hit <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
</ol>
On Windows 8 or 8.1, chkdsk can accessed through the same steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the installation media (DVD or USB drive) and boot from it</li>
 	<li>Select a language, keyboard method and time</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Next</strong></li>
 	<li>At the <em>Install now</em> screen, select <strong>Repair your computer</strong> or press <kbd>R</kbd><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-8-repair-your-computer-screen.png" alt="Install Now Windows 8 Screen" /></li>
 	<li>Navigate to Troubleshoot &gt; Advanced Options</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Command Prompt</strong></li>
 	<li>Type the chsksk command and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>:
<pre>chkdsk C: /f /x /r</pre>
Replace <code>C:</code> with the drive where Windows 8 is installed</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4661" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/chkdsk.png"><img class="wp-image-4661 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/chkdsk-1024x768.png" alt="chkdsk utility results screen" width="980" height="735" /></a> chkdsk utility results screen[/caption]
<h3>Fix #6: Run bootrec</h3>
If chkdsk doesn't fix the "A disk read error occurred" error, you can also try to run the bootrec utility in order to fix damaged or corrupt BCD files.

If you have a Windows XP system, run the bootcfg utility. Bootrec is only available for Windows Vista, 7, 8.
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the Windows XP CD in the disc tray and boot from it</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>R</kbd> to access <strong>Recovery Console</strong></li>
 	<li>At Command Prompt, type the <code>bootcfg</code> command:
<pre>bootcfg /rebuild</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>When bootcfg finishes the procedure, type <code>exit</code> and hit <kbd>Enter</kbd> to exit Command Prompt</li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
If you have a Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer, run the bootrec command by following these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the original install media and boot from it</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Repair your computer</strong></li>
 	<li>Once at System Recovery Options, select <strong>Command Prompt</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-7-system-recovery-options-screen.jpg" alt="Windows 7 System Recovery Options" /></li>
 	<li>Type the bootrec commands and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>:
<pre>bootrec /rebuildbcd</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Type:
<pre>bootrec /fixmbr</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>Type:
<pre>bootrec /fixboot</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
If "A disk read error occurred" appears on a Windows 8, run the same bootrec utility:
<ol>
 	<li>Boot from the installation media</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Repair your computer</strong> or press <kbd>R</kbd></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Troubleshoot</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Advanced options</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Command Prompt</strong></li>
 	<li>Type the commands and press <kbd>Enter</kbd> after each:
<pre>bootrec /rebuildbcd
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Type <code>exit</code> and press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to quit Command Prompt</li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4663" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/bootrec.png"><img class="wp-image-4663 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/bootrec-1024x768.png" alt="bootrec utility results screen" width="980" height="735" /></a> bootrec utility results screen[/caption]
<h2>More Information</h2>
<h3>Linked Entries</h3>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/bootrec/">bootrec</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/bootcfg/">bootcfg</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/chkdsk/">chkdsk</a></li>
</ul>
[partial name="partial_moreinfo" versions="xp,vista,7,8"]