How to rescue the DATA on Hard Drive? Computer won't start ... any help appreciated x

LittleStar

Hi All,

Unfortunately I am totally useless with computers, I was using my PC and got called away, when I went back to it the computer had frozen, I could still see everything on my desktop - I just couldn't bring it back to life. Because I couldn't shut it down I held in the power button until it turned off (probably the wrong thing to do I know).

When I next switched my computer on, I got the message come up to say that it was not shut down correctly, so a launched repair/safe mode ... but I had the load up screen scrolling for aaaaaaages (approx 40 mins+), I had to go out so instead of being naughty and turning it off again, I left it running whilst I popped out. When I came back about an hour later I had a blue screen with lots of jargon, basically saying there was an error (lol sorry I don't understand the computer lingo!)

My biggest concern is getting my data off my hard drive, got lots of pics and personal info that I want/need (I have learnt my lesson the hard way of backing up - I will defo do so in the future!!) ... If the PC is a lost cause thats no problem - I didn't like Windows Vitsa anyway lol... I just want my data!

I've been advised to try http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/window...disc-download/ but I don't want to do that and loose my data, as I am not too fussed about actually saving the PC.

Is there anyway I can get the data off the Hard Drive myself? Or is it really difficult to do?

I was considering taking it to PC World if I can't get the data off, or do you think it is a waste of money?

Any help or advice would be really, really gratefully appreciated xxx

bengalknights

If your computer can take 2 hard drives install linux/windows on a 2nd drive and try viewing the current drive it should then allow you to copy whatever is on there if it stills alive.

Alternativly you can try chkdsk repair if you can boot into windows and trying to repair the corrupt parts of the drive.

LittleStar

Thank you for replying so quickly BengalKnights, I don't think I can add a second drive. I forgot to mention that I have tried hitting F8 for the boot menu when I turn it on, and select Safe Mode, but then just get scrolling windows screen and it loads up for 60 mins+ ~ but never starts up and allows you to select the user to log in. All I am faced with is a black screen, with:

WINDOWS

---

The dashes are the loading bar lol :-)

Is there anyway of taking out the Hard Drive to get the data off it or something? xx

Hammyman

Either borrow or download and create an installation CD for Ubuntu. Boot the computer from the CD and it'll start up Ubuntu in "Live CD" mode which gives you an operating system that runs off the CD. You'll be able to view the contents of the hard drive and if you've got a memory stick you can shove it in and copy the files there.

Garetha

The hard drive could be removed and connected to another computer.
This can be done either as a second drive inside or using an external caddy via the USB input.
There are differences depending on the type of hard drive - basically 2 types SATA (fairly recent computers) or IDE if older.
The second computer or the caddy would need to be of the right type.

ask here how to tell which type, if you want to go down this route.

PS Don't ask PC World - there are hundreds of horror stories to put you off - not least the cost!

kabayiri

LittleStar wrote: »

....
I was considering taking it to PC World if I can't get the data off, or do you think it is a waste of money?

Any help or advice would be really, really gratefully appreciated xxx

Be careful if you use PC World that you are really clear with them what you want them to do.

They wiped a relative's PC , and she felt it was her fault because she didn't understand her options.

Hammy is right, Ubuntu running from a cd would work, but if you are not confident might I make a suggestion ?

Ring up a local computer shop and ask them what it would cost to get your data off. It shouldn't cost a lot.

bengalknights

LittleStar wrote: »

Thank you for replying so quickly BengalKnights, I don't think I can add a second drive. I forgot to mention that I have tried hitting F8 for the boot menu when I turn it on, and select Safe Mode, but then just get scrolling windows screen and it loads up for 60 mins+ ~ but never starts up and allows you to select the user to log in. All I am faced with is a black screen, with:

WINDOWS

---

The dashes are the loading bar lol :-)

Is there anyway of taking out the Hard Drive to get the data off it or something? xx

I would recommend in this case using a linux live cd as Hammyman suggested and then reading the data and copying it to a memory stick unless you know someone who can add a 2nd drive to there pc and retrieve your data for you.

closed

buy a usb hard disk caddy

Garetha

closed wrote: »

buy a usb hard disk caddy

but check which type of drive you have first!

xxdeebeexx

I had a ver similar problem on my computer and with the help of the fantastic people on here was able to recover all my data on the hard drive and reinstall windows.

Link to thread

link to puppy Linux
link to ISO burner

I had use of a friends laptop.
I downloaded puppy Linux
I downloaded the ISO burner and made a copy of puppy linux on cd.
I changed the BIOS on my computer so that the cd drive would boot first.
Put the Puppy cd in the cd drive and loaded puppy Linux. DO NOT INSTALL.(Puppy uses the RAM to run from and not the HD.)
The hard drives can be seen on the bottom left of the computer screen and can be accessed by single clicks.
You will need something to save the data on.
I went out and bought an external hard drive and saved the lot!

My advice is to take your time! It took me 10 days to rescue my data as I lacked the courage and knowledge to go any quicker. I have since rescued a friends data in 45mins!

Good luck

Dx

googler

LittleStar wrote: »

Thank you for replying so quickly BengalKnights, I don't think I can add a second drive.

Is there anyway of taking out the Hard Drive to get the data off it or something?

WHY don't you think you can add a second drive?

Yes, there are a number of ways of taking the drive out and accessing it, a number of which have been covered above.

I'll bet your PC (although you may not know it) has the capability to take two drives, so I'd recommend;

Buy a new Hard Drive
Remove the existing drive from the PC, and install the new one in its place.
Install your OS (or another one) on the new drive.
Once the OS is up and running, install your current drive as a secondary drive, and access your data.

There's plenty of guides, YouTube videos etc out there regarding removal and installation of drives - just google a few variations on "installing hard drive windows" or "installing secondary drive vista" for loads of examples. Ask here again if you're still unsure. You need to check if your drives are IDE or SATA, but there's plenty of guides and videos on the interweb to show you how

You can get your own data back, without the help or hindrance of PC World, if you just set aside some time to teach yourself some stuff..... your first line says "useless with computers", to which I say;

Do you want to stay that way?
Dontcha want to learn new stuff?
Wouldn't you like to be GREAT with computers?

It's all out there for the learning.