Possible Hard Drive Error

[DaltonA]

My buddy recently had an error appear when he ran bootup diagnostics on his dell inspiron n5040 laptop it gave him error code 2000-0142. based on my research (in other words google) this error code states there is hdd problems and the only method to fix it is to get another hdd.(im assuming its a physical problem) he can still boot into windows no problem, his system eventually hangs after 30 ish minutes. I was wondering if a simple chkdsk would maybe solve the issue or if we should consider cloning the hdd, and if anyone thinks that there could be a solution he'd be glad to know. What are some good free cloning programs if it comes down to it?

 

[thx1138v2]

It doesn't sound like a chkdsk will correct the problem. See the following blog and try their solutions first:How to Fix Inaccessible hard drives

I use the free EASUS for cloning. They have a free product and also more feature rich ones for money. Each hard rive manufacturer usually has cloning software at the web sites also.
EASUS

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there DaltonA,

You need to back up the most important data as soon as possible(maybe even before the cloning process) as the HDD is unreliable.
Apart from that, I would suggest you to test the drive with a brand specific(or a third party) testing tool and examine the S.M.A.R.T data. Look for unallocated/pending/uncorrecable sectors.
If the hangs are cause by lots of bad sectors on the HDD, the chkdsk command may cause data loss on these particular sectors. It will not hurt to try, but you will need to get the important data off first.
Regarding the cloning program, I can't really recommend you a specific one. Just keep in mind that the best thing to do is a clean install. If there is some corrupted data on the drive your friend is currently using, it will be transferred to the new one as the cloning process creates exactly the same copy.

Hope this will help,
D_Know_WD