Hard disk failure is imminent.

Hi Marilyn. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

1. Test the hard drive with diagnostics to know for sure it's actual condition: https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin.... Best is Seatools bootable Long Test which works on all models:

http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat....

https://www.seagate.com/manuals/software/seatoo...

Follow that up with a full Disk Check, from the Command Prompt if necessary: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri...

If you have HP or Dell you can power up while pressing the ESC or F12 keys respectively to run Diagnostics that will do this for you.

2. If the drive is failing, I'd replace it with an SSD which is the best Upgrade one can have - lightning fast, faster than a new higher-end PC without one, especially if you do the gold standard Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Obviously I'd try getting the data off of it first if you get to access it. Hopefully you have a backup so you're protected. If not there are steps to set one up in the Clean Install tutorial which includes everything.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Greg, you have lost me with all this info.   First I cannot seem to get to anything on my computer. Tried to shut down and reopen and it goes right back to the black screen with the Hard disk failure is imminent message. I am not even certain that my wireless keyboard is even working now.  What a mess.  If I cannot get to any diagnostics on my computer, how do I begin to try and address the problem?

Igor, if I cannot get my computer to do anything, how do I use a SMART utility to check disk status?

Ryo, I have no idea what SATA stands for.  I have never opened HP ToouchSmart300PC and do not even know if I would be able to determine what the hard drive is.  You are dealing with a very low tech IQ person here.

There is always a way to get to the repairs but it takes focusing, following steps closely and interacting for alternative steps.

What is the make/model of the PC? Do you have a wired keyboard to try?

We assume those who use forums are willing to interact and learn. Otherwise you'll need to take it to a shop where they charge a minimum $150 and will probably reinstall Windows with less than half as good of an install as I provided you as a last resort.

That error isn't usually negotiable. Your hard drive is likely dying, so you'd be wise now to buy a replacement SSD, find a video online or follow the instructions that come with it to install it, then boot the media I provided to the do the install I gave you which which is at least twice as good of an install as the one that comes with the PC.

You have an MVP standing by to help you so I do hope you'll work with me. This is my specialty. I've helped millions Clean Install Windows via my tutorials and not one has ever failed or come back with further problems.