Disk Read Error - Windows XP will not start

Hi,

1.       Did you make any changes to the computer before the issue occurred?

2.       What is the exact error message are you getting?

I would suggest you to try the steps mentioned below and check if it helps.

Method 1: How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature in Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852

Method 2: Try booting your computer in safe mode and check if the same issue occurs:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222

Method 3: If the issue does not exist in Safe Mode then try to set your computer in Clean Boot state.

By setting your system in clean boot state helps in identifying if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Note: After clean boot troubleshooting step, follow the “Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state” in the provided link to return your computer to Normal startup mode.

Method 4: You may try to run chkdsk from Recovery Console & check if you are able to boot to the desktop correctly.

a) To boot into the Recovery Console, you may follow this link.

To start the computer and use the Recovery Console

b) At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following command & then press Enter:

    chkdsk [/p] : [/r]

Note: At first, try to run chkdsk /p & check if it helps. Later, you may run chkdsk /r.

Refer: How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

Hope this information is helpful.