Im in a bind!

[daniel-delarosa]

First off, I dont know much about computers at all.
My computer says something about loosing AC power and gives a list of options on how to start windows. Safe mode, safe mode with configuration, normally and I dont remember the other. Anyways, all options bring me back to that same point. It sounds like the hard drive tries to get going, but stops. How can I get all of my pictures and stuff out of that computer and into my new one? I cant really afford to take it to a shop.

 

[ScottALot]

Hard drive brand? Look at the sticker.

 

[johnb35]

If you lost power while the computer was on, most likely you will just need to download and run the hard drive makers disk diagnostic utility. Run it and it should repair any errors that it finds and then you should be able to boot into windows.

 

[daniel-delarosa]

Hard drive brand? Look at the sticker.

It says Maxtor on it.

 

[Cromewell]

You can get the diagnostic tools from http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools/

Sounds like you'll just need an exclosure to attach the drive to the laptop and copy off the data you want though.

 

[daniel-delarosa]

I looked on craigslist and found a Samsung 120 gig hard drive for 45 bucks and the guy will load windows xp on it for another 30. He will put it in for me to show that it works too. What do yall think?

 

[Stoic Sentinel]

I looked on craigslist and found a Samsung 120 gig hard drive for 45 bucks and the guy will load windows xp on it for another 30. He will put it in for me to show that it works too. What do yall think?

Wait, you're paying someone to format and install an HDD for you?

 

[daniel-delarosa]

yes. Is that not good?

 

[Stoic Sentinel]

yes. Is that not good?

Well, why pay $30 when you can do it yourself? It's really not that hard. All you need to do is know how to read, press a key when prompted, use a screwdriver, and connect cables. Most cases these days have HDD trays, so you might now even need to know how to use a screwdriver

 

[daniel-delarosa]

Well, Im buying the hard drive off of him. It makes sense to me to let him put it in to show me that it is going to work. The total price of 75 bucks includes the hard drive. I know very little about computers.

 

[mac550]

yes thats not a good idea since windows sets itself up to each computers configuration in the install process, that installation that this person installs on the HDD may not work on your computer.
do you have a windows disk/windows recovery disk? if so id suggest trying a windows repair and see if that works.

 

[daniel-delarosa]

I dont have recovery or anything. The last computer shop I used deleted it for some odd reason?

 

[Cromewell]

yes thats not a good idea since windows sets itself up to each computers configuration in the install process, that installation that this person installs on the HDD may not work on your computer.
do you have a windows disk/windows recovery disk? if so id suggest trying a windows repair and see if that works.

I dont have recovery or anything. The last computer shop I used deleted it for some odd reason?

Well you may want to get a working disc to use your windows key with because mac is right, someone else installing windows for you on another machine is almost guranteed to be pointless.

 

[daniel-delarosa]

I got it fixed. I took my tower to his house and he put the hard drive in then installed windows on it. I feel better now that I have my computer back!!