In order to cancel check disk you would have to press the power button and hold it until the computer shut down. This type of hard shut down is never the desired way to proceed, but is sometimes necessary.
Personally, I wouldn't give much credence to those reviews. I refurbish and sell computers all the time. Many times I will receive a call from a potential buyer wanting to know if I have a particular brand computer. I do my best to explain to them that manufacturers such as Dell, Hp, Acer and so on actually do not make the components. That when you open the case the processor, motherboard and other internal parts either say Intel, AMD or one of a few others. The manufacturer may stamp their name/logo on certain parts, but they do not manufacture those parts. The mentioned companies simply assemble the computers then distribute them through sales. This is affirmatively demonstrated by the specs you list. You have an Intel.
You have done a fantastic job both with the computer and with your communication with us. Let's try to get things resolved and do so in the proper order.
Let's first get your data. That is priority in any situation such as this. As previously stated, I recommend you do so using Ubuntu following the instructions HERE. Note there are newer versions of Ubuntu available. However, the instructions are tailored to the version linked to within the same. I, therefore, encourage you to use that version. The goal is to get your data as opposed to having the latest edition of whatever.