Is my hard drive dead?

tru

StrikeEagle, I booted up from the 2nd hard disk before I realised that I shouldn't have :-[ It didn't cause any problems though, I can access it now through 'my computer', then 'f'.

Thanks to everyone so far, when I've got around the problem of the corrupted excel file, I'll probably need your help booting up the disk in the other pc ::)

Joe_Bloggs

Leave the hard disk out of the problem. Get your PC to POST and then get it to boot from a floppy. Why complicate matters further ?
If you don't have a load of PC spares then diagnosing what the problem is becomes a risky venture.

You may have to take components that you suspect   and replace them for ones you know are good in a working system. This has the downside that your good system is at risk and unusable during the testing and you may damage components in the transfer if inexperienced.

@StrikeEagle
It is funny how a floppy disk can be moved from PC to PC and manage to boot a system irrespective of chipset without a blue screen. Do you have an explaination for this phenomenon ?

tru

If it does not boot then their is only the processor, motherboard and memory left.  

Well I've tried everything else, so it's one of these three that's the problem. My friend's coming round today with some spares for me so I can try them out

J_B you are a star, I'm going to nominate you for post of the month ;D

Joe_Bloggs

@Troo trying to fix PCs by typing words is very time consuming. I'd rather you did not mention me for the post of the month.
Have your friend check the voltage from the power supply. StrikeEagle was correct in that the memory is suspect. The onboard graphics often share memory on the motherboard with the main processor.

Components in PCs are being made cheaper than ever before. They tend to run hotter and in more confined space with inadequate ventilation. This does not rule out a fault in any other area.
A reset of the CMOS settings may be worthwile if you have the motherboard documentation and can identify the jumper and follow the proceedure.
J_B.
PS take notes of what has been tried as it is easy to lose track when you are exchanging components and get distracted.