Error Message...Need Advice

[ltrey]

I am not Windows savvy at all, and so I have no idea what to do with this particular error.

I started up my computer today (an Acer Aspire 8920) and it said, "Disk Read Error, Press ctrl + alt + delete to restart"

So I pressed ctrl + alt + delete, and the same exact message came up.

I've tried everything I can think of, and none of the "F" buttons work, there's no prompt to boot into safe mode, just the Acer Screen and then right to "disk read error."

I've looked around on the internet for some answers, but haven't found any that work for me yet. Also, I do not have the original Windows disk, so I can't boot from the windows disk, repair or re-install. Is it time for a trip to a repair shop?

Any help you could give would be awesome.

Thanks!

[-pops-]

Have you knocked or dropped the machine at any time?

It could be that something (hard drive, memory stick etc.) has become dislodged. so, as a first thing to try, if you feel confident opening the case and being all the time aware that there's not much space inside a laptop, check that all plugged-in components are actually fully plugged in - especially the hard drive.