Troubleshooting a Disk Read Error

The owner of an HP Pavilion DV4230US notebook computer called to report the error message:
"A DISK READ ERROR OCCURRED. PRESS CTRL + ALT + DEL TO RESTART."
A Google search revealed this is a mysterious and unresolved problem. Apparently, this issue plagues both desktop and notebook computers. These notes are intended to let others know what I tried that didn't work and what, ultimately, did work for me.


WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME
Attempt 1
Pressed CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart the computer.
Result: Same error message.

Attempt 2
Cleared the NVRAM by unplugging the CMOS battery for a minute. Entered the BIOS (by pressing F10), reset factory defaults (by pressing F9), saved the changes, and rebooted.
Result: Same error message.

Attempt 3
Started the computer from the Windows XP Home CD, selected "R" for the Recover Console, and ran chkdsk /r from the command prompt. Entered Safe Mode.
Result: Windows was rendered unstable.

Attempt 4
A complete, clean Windows XP Home reinstall.
Result: Computer worked for brief time, then returned the same problem.

Attempt 5
A new hard drive with a fresh Windows XP Home installation.
Result: Computer worked for brief time, then returned the same problem.

Attempt 6
A new BIOS upgrade. (From F16 to F17.)
Result: No change.



THE MAIN CLUE AND THE RESOLUTION
Step 1
Removed the battery, DVD +/- RW, and hard drive.
Cleared the NVRAM.
Reinserted the new hard drive.
Started computer using the AC adaptor, entered BIOS (by pressing F10), reset time and date, reset factory defaults (by pressing F9), and saved changes and exit BIOS.
Result: The computer booted into Windows. Its behavior was normal.

Step 2
Reinserted the DVD +/- RW and rebooted.
Result: Error message returned.
Conclusion: DVD +/- RW is the source of the problem.

Step 3
Cleaned the electrical contacts on the DVD +/- RW with an alcohol pad and reinserted it into its bay.
Left battery out. Used the AC adaptor to power the computer.
Rebooted the system.
Result: The computer booted into Windows. Its behavior remained normal after many reboots.
Problem Resolved: Dirty or oxidized contacts on the DVD +/- RW drive caused the issue.