Computer help forum: Boot Disk Failure

It is about 3 and half yrs old

anyway to fix this without getting a new hard drive

If you hadn't already, use the maker's diags to run HD tests. Do the full tests if you want, destructive ones too, but there are less destructive tests. The destructive parts refers to any data lost. Since, you already reloaded windows, etc. and still appears, it may not be a windows glitch but a true h/w one. The only items in that list are the HD, mtrbd. and cables. Replace cable and try again. You may want to look at removing the HD, test in another PC by itself, same tests or just replace. The old HD maybe not good for a boot HD but storage only as 3yrs. is a good run on some HDs.
If you google your model# HD, it may have bad history. Also, verify what your bios level is, it maybe good to update as a side note. The last area to check is the PSU, HP tends to install a PSU just for the basic PC as build. Your PSU maybe lagging abit trying to get everything going upon a "cold boot", it can only get worse as time goes by. In fact, I would replace the PSU just as a matter or course to see if that's the problem and install a higher rated wattage one too. Again, 3yrs. is a long time for a PSU, especially in OEM type systems. Last, make sure you clean the dust bunnies out, *everywhere*.

tada -----Willy

if it's a slow-starting disk indeed.

When the BIOS shows the POST (list of devices it found and such), press pause. After a few seconds, press any key (I think) to continue. Cheaper than a new hard disk.

Still, I would take extra care to backup.

Kees