Desktop won't boot

Crispy_Ambulance

Thank you - I followed instructions on another forum to download and copy a Linux programme onto CD to see if I could get it to boot up from that, but no joy.

I will explore the other options, but I'm worried I'm reaching my techie know-how limits . . .

Taffybiker

No disrespect intended Crispy Ambulance, but if your tech know-how is so limited and you really need to save the data you would be better off taking the PC to a reputable repair company, but as someone else mentioned not PC World.
The cheapest option would be to simply reinstall and lose existing data. Afterwards, you can restore whatever data you have already backed up.

Crispy_Ambulance

Taffybiker wrote: »

No disrespect intended Crispy Ambulance, but if your tech know-how is so limited and you really need to save the data you would be better off taking the PC to a reputable repair company, but as someone else mentioned not PC World.
The cheapest option would be to simply reinstall and lose existing data. Afterwards, you can restore whatever data you have already backed up.

No disrespect felt. Thank you.

I've found out that I didn't copy the Linux file onto disk properly, so I'm going to try that again. I've checked, and I've got the photos either on CD or still on the camera, so it's recent music and emails that I could do with rescuing - but it's not the end of the world if they go. Not really.

Can I download an XP disk anywhere?

mongoose2009

I think you have 2 options
you can do something called a "inplace install" of Windows XP
you will need a full version of XP and your windows key
you boot from the cd then when it asks you to delete the existing windows install you say yes and leave the existing file system intact you say yes
it will just install a new version of xp and your old docs will still be there
or B
just buy a new hard drive and install xp on that and make your existing drive a slave

Crispy_Ambulance

I managed to burn the Linux CD properly and hey presto - I got the PC to boot from the disk. Got all the important files copied to my external HD. Now I need to either find a copy of XP, or take the plunge and instal Linux . . .

I have to say, I'm very tempted with Linux - it looks lovely. :cool:

Thanks for all the help.

spud17

Well done! :T

It's easy when you know how, the first time is the worst, and now you can impress everyone with your knowledge of data recovery.

Crispy_Ambulance

spud17 wrote: »

Well done! :T

It's easy when you know how, the first time is the worst, and now you can impress everyone with your knowledge of data recovery.

Cheers! I am quite chuffed about it.

Now, does anybody have any ideas about where I can get a copy of XP to reinstall so I can partition the hard drive and have Linux also? Can I download one anywhere, or do I have to ask around? I have the code on the sticker, just no disk with XP on it.

Taffybiker

Maybe you have friends or family with computers running XP - they may loan you theirs.