HELP! Need to access HD! Will pay!

Broke_Student

Problem:
I cannot log into windows XP. I get taken to the log in screen (which did not previously happen as I am the only account/admin). When i click my user to log in I get immediately logged out and it says 'saving settings'. I have tried going through safe mode but the same thing happens to the admin account when I try to log in!.

I have decided to reformat the computer and reinstall windows XP. I want to be able to view My Computer so i can copy and paste my files onto my Ipod then onto the laptop.

How can I get access to my files? I cannot even get into Task Manager without logging in first.

I understand that it is possible to take my HD out, put it into another machine as a 'slave' (i think its called that) and then transfer the files onto that machine. I do not have another machine to put the HD into.

PC World has quoted me £30 for a data transer job (unlimited data put onto DVD).
I am willing to pay a local MSE £20 to do this. You must have a computer with a spare HD slot and good tech knowledge. I will need you to transfer 'My Documents' onto your computer, then onto my Laptop (via Ipod of need be). Should not be more than 2 hours if you know what you are doing.
I live in Leicester and am not willing to travel far. Please PM me if you think you can do this. Or please feel free to post any ideas you might have to solving mt log in issue.

woo

you can reinstall windows without formatting the hard disk, then copy the stuff off and reformat if you still want to.

CIS

Hav e you tried the recovery console ?

Boot in to it and try scandisk /restore, it'll run through the files and attempt to fix any problems
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654
or
try the last known good configuration, press F8 repatedly at boot up until you get a menu, then choose from there.
http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/Library/accae9ed-c2e0-44d7-81ad-0f705d142b251033.mspx

Broke_Student

Thanks for the promt replies.

Before paying up to PC World i will try:
1) Recovery console (after reading a bit more into it)
2) Reinstall without formatting HD.

I have already tried the last know good config (via F8) but i still can't get further than the log in screen.

ianian99

how much data do you have to retreive?

there a couple of ways you can transfer the files using a dos based program on floppy disk using a serial cable or paralel cable but probably the easiest way is to pop down to maplins and buy a usb 2 to ide adaptor see http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb%20ide&ModuleNo=35057&doy=15m8
item number A25AT

simple take the hdd out of the pc , connect to this device and plug into usb on laptop and the pc hdd will appear as another drive on your lappy.
they are £40 but are well handy plus maplin do a 7 day refund on all their goods.;) this device is on 1/2 price offer several times of the year.

Broke_Student

Thanks for the help guys.

I am currently playing around with the recovery console thing and hope i can get somewhere. Not used to this 'command' typing but will read around it.

Ianian99's solution with the IDE adaptor looks like the perfect solution with least hassle although i will try to avoid paying £40 for it if i can. But i am sure i will go for that before paying PC world £30 to plug their one in. I didn't know these existed!

Broke_Student

120GB HD in the PC, 100GB used, 40GB of it i MUST keep. At most I will be able to backup 65GB with the IDE cable due to the limited capacity on my laptop and Ipod combined!

ianian99 wrote:

how much data do you have to retreive?

jem16

Broke_Student wrote:

Thanks for the promt replies.

Before paying up to PC World i will try:
1) Recovery console (after reading a bit more into it)
2) Reinstall without formatting HD.

I have already tried the last know good config (via F8) but i still can't get further than the log in screen.

Rather than using the Recovery Console to repair Windows XP - follow this guide.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Rinko

Hi,

Scan offer a USB to IDE connector which I have used alot for data recovery. It will set you back about £17 inc VAT and delivery.

However if you live near to, or can get to the Reebok stadium in Bolton - Scan is based just around the corner and the item would be £9.98 inc VAT.

You could also pick up a DVD writer which you can attach to the USB converter and burn all your data to DVD. Prices on Scan's website are very competitive (between £20-£25 for a 16x Dual Layer drive).

With regards to Windows Recovery Console etc, I not heard many success stories, and I would suggest that if it is urgent that you just bite the bullet and purchase a USB to IDE converter straight away.

Cheers and good luck,

Paul.

Broke_Student

LOL i have been using recovery console to try and locate my files and copy and paste them onto Ipod. Not getting anywhere - stuck in the windows folder. Enough of this...

Next step is the repair install.
Then try to locate a cheap IDE cable.
Paying PC World will be last option.

jem16

This may be your problem. Whether you find this easier to do than the reaoir installation I gave you a link to earlier is up to you.

http://www.mcse.ms/message616432.html