Is all hope lost?

NiftyDigits

Do you have data that you wish to save, in the case of a clean install of the operating system?

Paradigm

fordmanchester wrote: »

Sorry to appear dense bod1467...I thought the CPU and computer were the same thing. I'm not sure how to find out what you're asking.

You're not being "dense", many people buy custom built PCs with no brand name... we don't all go to PCWorld.

fordmanchester

Hi again NiftyDigits.

Yes there is data I wish to save. I haven't backed-up my files for about 2 months and so I'm hoping this can be saved somehow.

fordmanchester

Hi Paradigm

Yes the pc was custom built by a company called DinoPC and there doesn't seem to be any trace of a brand name/model number on the case or anywhere else.

NiftyDigits

Perhaps work on backing up your data before you do anything else.

You can do this by booting into a 'Live' operating system, which allows you to explore the contents of your hard drive and to save data to optical disc or external flash or hard drive.

Once you've done that, you can attempt to repair your MBR or just to run a clean install of an OS.

You can create Ubuntu installation media and then use the Try Ubuntu option.



This will run in RAM only and disturb nothing on the hard drive.

Once in, you can 'mount' the hard drive and gain access to your data.

It's about time that you upgraded from XP anyway.

fordmanchester

Hi bsod

Thanks for the information about the cmos battery.

When I tried to boot from the Windows CD, I pressed any key as per the instructions which appeared on the screen, but then got the original "A disk read error occurred. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del" message back again.

fordmanchester

NiftyDigits... thanks. I'm looking into your Ubuntu suggestion right now.

You're right about needing to upgrade from Windows XP. Unfortunately I just haven't got any money to spare at the moment.

fordmanchester

The Ubuntu suggestion didn't work unfortunately, NiftyDigits. An error message appeared when Ubuntu attempted to "mount" the hard drive saying that access was denied.

Thanks for trying to help though.

NiftyDigits

fordmanchester wrote: »

NiftyDigits... thanks. I'm looking into your Ubuntu suggestion right now.

You're right about needing to upgrade from Windows XP. Unfortunately I just haven't got any money to spare at the moment.

The cost is not an issue. Your data is the issue.

NiftyDigits

fordmanchester wrote: »

The Ubuntu suggestion didn't work unfortunately, NiftyDigits. An error message appeared when Ubuntu attempted to "mount" the hard drive saying that access was denied.

Thanks for trying to help though.

Look here...

I've sent you a PM.