BleepingComputer.com: Hardware or OS dying?

So what am I looking at hardware failure or a cobbled OS. Scan disk reported no problems (though I still need to locate the log file). That the computer failed to boot indicating hardware. But many of the OS's functions event logs through device manage are crippled. The dvd drive is still live (but all other methods of getting a portable or recovery tool in don't look good.)

What do you suggest? / Thoughts?

Thank You


Windows Vista Home SP2
1.6 GHz 2Gb mem 32x

A collection of Error messages
Failure to boot
Power on
dvd drive accessed (checked for media)
couple pulses on hdd light but nothing

Booted after sitting for an hour (temperature might be an issue in that the computer was in a backpack in a vechile in 30 degree weather for 10 hours)

Monitor resolution is 800 x 600, default monitor / pnp


WiFiMsg.exe - Bad Image
X C:\windows\system32\eappprxy.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.
> Ok

The last backup failed

Microsoft Windows
InstallShield Update Service Update Manager has stopped working
A problem caused the program to stop working correctly.
Please Close the program.
> Close option Program

Microsoft Windows
Module to process WiFi messages. has stopped working
A problem caused the program to stop working correctly.
Please close the program.
> Close the program

Control > Administrative Tools
- the following three do not show icons
| Computer Management
| Services
| Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

C:\Windows\System32\eventvwr.msc
C:\Windows\System32\eventvwr.msc is not a valid Win32 application.
> Ok

Control > System > Device Manager
C:\Windows\System32\devmgmt.msc
This file dows not have a program associated with it for preforming this action. Create an association in the Set Associations control panel.
> Ok

Windows Network Diagnostics
There might be a problem with one or more network adapter on this computer
> The network adapter "NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller" is experiencing driver or hardware related issues
> Click here for information

Start > shutdown

Windows - Bad Image
x Exception Processing Message 0x0c000007b Parameters
0x754B91B0 0x754B91B0 0x754B91B0 0x754B91B0 (yes all 4 are the same)


USB port ... isn't recognized.

hard to say. first impulse would be hardware issues primarily with the motherboard, but I would recomend reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling the OS and all drivers first. its cheaper, and if thats the problem then it should be solved after that. If it isnt the problem you havent lost anything other then time. just make sure you back up all your files first.

Thank you for the response; though thats what I've been afraid of. I intend to slave the drive and image or extract when I return home. Still hoping that its as simple as a cobbled drive. (Looking at replacement parts and their corresponding prices isn't too pleasant.)

well like I said, try reformatting the drive first. with that many problems, it could just be a virus screwed up your OS. Ive seen that before to.

Scanned with eset no virus detected (just about everything but the dvd drive and keyboard was out for input)
Macrium Reflect created a image. (Nice program, it did what I wanted it to do.)
Managed to reformat and reinstall the os. (No problems yet.)

What are the peek (and safe) operating temperatures of hard disk and processors?
The hard disk is running at a peek of 145 deg f (tested via ir) under load.
Also system lists a processor temperature of about 185 deg. f (at 70% utilization)

almost boil water... a quick search indicates it might be safe
in alternate hardware the same drive runs at 80 deg f

Too much flack in the search:
hp pavilion dv2310us hard disk/drive controller temperature
not sure how to revise it or to locate information specific to model.

I've never seen a computer run this hot in my personal experience,
it brings meaning to news stories such as batteries catching fire.
Heat affects magnetism, could this be part of the problem?