Error 0x80070571: The disc structure is corrupted and unreadable

Question

I was recently given an error message saying "Error 0x80070571: The disc structure is corrupted and unreadable," in reference to C:. I've tried chkdsk oh so many times. No change.

Lately, I've been able to access C: files sporadically. Sometimes available, sometimes not. I can, however, access my files in safe mode.

When I start in regular mode, the system acts oddly. I'll try to describe. It apparently boots just fine, going all the ways to the desktop and all. Sometimes I'm able to use the laptop for a few minutes until everything locks up but the cursor; nothing else responds, not even ctrl+alt+del. Other times, I'm not even that lucky. You know how hovering the cursor over an icon temporarily highlights the icon? Sometimes the highlight thing is all it takes to lock the system. Once it's locked, all I can do is hold down the power button.

I've attempted System Restores, but it has never once allowed me through because of the system error.

I also cleared some programs off of the startup list. Not sure if that would have any effect.

I'm running Vista Home on an HP Pavilion dv5.

Answer 1

Thanks for the reply.

I tried all three methods.

Methods 1 and 2 helped for a time, but not long. Method 3 found nothing.

The only solution I can think of is to backup my personal files, then do a system format. Before I do a format, is there anything else you could recommend ?

Answer 2

Hi,

I would suggest you to refer the link and check.

Method 1:

Step 1:

I would suggest you to check in safe mode.

Start your computer in safe mode

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode

Step 2:

If you are able to boot your computer in safe mode, I would suggest you to perform clean boot and check.

Place the computer in a clean boot state and then check if it helps. You can start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After troubleshooting, make sure the computer to start as usual as mentioned in Step 7 in the above KB article.

Method 2:

I would also suggest you to refer the link and check.

The "chkdsk /r" command and the "chkdsk /f" command take a long time to run on a Windows Vista-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943974

Important: While performing chkdsk on the hard drive if any bad sectors are found on the hard drive when chkdsk tries to repair that sector if any data available on that might be lost.

Method 3:

I would suggest you to download and install Microsoft safety scanner and run the scan and check.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again.

Note: Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

Answer 3

Hi,

I would suggest you to refer the link for backup the personal files.

Back up your files

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Back-up-your-files

Also refer:

How to back up files and recover data

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/backupdata.aspx#fbid=TmwnaF4PtuY