NTFS/FAT32 Format Stalling at 35%

[sdotbrucato]

My aunt called me earlier today to look at her computer. I turned it on and it seemed that RunDLL32.exe was missing among many other system applications. I tried a system restore, and for some reason it was disabled, okay new plan.

I popped in my Slipstreamed automated install XP disk and tried to format the tiny little 5GB drive in NTFS, it stalled at 35% so I let it sit for a good 20 mins and still sat at 35%. Then I tried to format it in FAT32, same issue. Got frustrated and did a "Quick Format" and it "formatted" properly. Until I turned the computer back on and a long stream of missing files showed up. (I know this CD is good, I've used it countless times at home.)

I tried to search for anything even similar to my issue and couldn't find anything. This is a business laptop and it needs to be up and running soon. Also since she is a small business owner, she really doesn't have it in the budget to go out and buy a new HDD (She has the 5GB for a reason, her 80GB took a sh*t)

The Laptop in question is a HP ZE5468CL.

So to sum it up, the Format Process stalls at 35% with both FAT32 and NTFS, but will format completely if I do a "Quick Format"

ANy help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

-Steven

[djgizmo]

Sounds like her drive took a dump. I'd try to use an external USB adapter to format it on your pc and see it if it works, if not, the hard drive has bad sectors on it.

[djgizmo]

Also, just saw that you said it can quick format, perform a full chkdsk on the drive and see if they're are any errors.

[sdotbrucato]

Thats what I was thinking, but I was trying very hard to keep out of the internals, because well my uncle isnt exactly the nicest and if ANYTHING goes wrong, it will be related to me some how taking out the HDD. Are there any tools I can use on her laptop that will allow me to run a disk check on it?

Thanks
-Steven