BIG TROUBLE! COMPUTER not working! DEADLINE tomorow!

Donnie

First of all, I think it unlikely that you will lose that information anyway. How old is the computer?

lazymoezy

About 4-5 years old.

Donnie

Oh....have you kept Windows XP fully updated since then?

lazymoezy

Yep. I had Service Pack 2 as well and updated every time that update screen cam up,

Donnie

So, I'm reasonably sure that you won't lose your files, but.... let's attempt to back them up anyway.

Donnie

Is your mouse and keyboard connected via USB or PS/2?

lazymoezy

Both keyboard and Mouse is connected via USB.

Asus_Mobo

flibble is correct just run a live CD like Ubuntu http://www.ubuntu.com/ also when you run an XP install it will boot from CD and yes you do press F8 to agree to the terms and connditions of the licence and yes you will see it install drivers and so on and so fourth then after that you can run the recovery console or install XP over the top with no file changes and a recovery tool like PC Inspector or Tune Up Utilities will get back your files the only problem with a over the top install is that more HDD space will be used.

Next time be patient and dont just switch it off.

I would go for a fresh install with a format if you really are not worried about any files (format deletes all data) well not delete but overwritten but files can even be recovered from a format, anyway with a fresh install youll know that the OS is running properly, dont forget to see if your PC has a recovery disc as that will be a lot quicker than a manual install, but I suspect not as your brother built the PCs.

Also dont forget when the fresh install has been made you may have to get certain audio and graphic drivers and also get a good firewall before connecting back to the net for updates.

Mouse and Keyboard? Enable USB support in the BIOS.

Donnie

Hmmm...I'm not 100% sure that they will stay working in a DOS environment.

Do you know where your important documents are stored?

lazymoezy

My PC was not built, was bought direct from a computer shop. The other computers in the house are made by him.

After I got my files back-up I dont mind what I do,obviously, a full format and re-installing Windows properly would be a good idea.