Computer boffins needed...broken HDD

[dorset_diver]

Ok guys and girls,

Basically i turned on my computer for windows to load for about 5 seconds, then i was fronted with the good ol blue screen of death!! rebooted and pc wouldn't start! So i switched hard drives over and re-installed xp on my "slave" hdd and its working fine, but now i need to get the data off the old one! when booting up the pc for the first time with the old hdd plugged in windows required a disk check before windows loaded! it took over 5HOURS then loaded up windows! When i go into the drive in My Computer it shows that 160Gb is used (which is correct) but there are only a few files visible!

Any one know any good software or tips to get my data back!?

Thanks in advance,

Chris Middleton

[witchieblackcat]

I think that you're looking at a "restore from backup" situation. Either that or sending the disk away for specialist data recovery as it sounds like the disk is well and truly fcuked.

I've been down this road before and sympathise greatly.

[Eoin]

You could try BadCopy Pro - Floppy Disk, CD and Digital Media Data Recovery Software. I have used it before and if your system can see the disk you "should" be able to recover some/all files.

[principia]

Try smashing shit out of it with a hammer. It wont fix it but you will feel better afterwards.

J.

victim of the IBM deathstar

[yazzyfooty]

Originally Posted by principia

Try smashing shit out of it with a hammer. It wont fix it but you will feel better afterwards.

J.

victim of the IBM deathstar

Jason you shock me as you appeared such a mild mannered person when we met. Its amazing how perceptions deceive!

[lloydwatkin]

If the computer can see the hard drive then there's a fair chance that you'll be able to get data back. Have a look at EasyRecovery Pro. If the demo is any good to you I can lend you a full copy.

Lloyd

[David G]

I've used this to recover a non-booting system:

Ultimate Boot CD - Overview

David.

[StuartC]

Originally Posted by yazzyfooty

Jason you shock me as you appeared such a mild mannered person when we met. Its amazing how perceptions deceive!

he's an IT professional my dear, although he is displaying a typical code-monkey's attitude to the resolution of hardware problems....

now I'm worried as I've just lent him some hardware for this weekend's diving.

J - the insert comes out of the valve with an ALAN KEY, there's no need to use that hammer!

as for the OP, have a look at Handy Recovery software
Help needed - My pictures have gone!!!

might take a while on a 160Gb drive though.

[DIVE BUDDHA]

Originally Posted by principia

Try smashing shit out of it with a hammer. It wont fix it but you will feel better afterwards.

J.

victim of the IBM deathstar

jay u r so heavy handed ! remind me never let u loose with a hammer!!

[Eeyore]

Hi Chris,
This may or maynot work!
I had the same probs a few months ago
I got my hands on a second HDD, installed xp, set the damaged one as a slave
once I booted up from the new one, I was able to view the old drive & copy stuff over that I needed

As I said this worked for me....worth a try!

Aaran

Originally Posted by dorset_diver

Ok guys and girls,

Basically i turned on my computer for windows to load for about 5 seconds, then i was fronted with the good ol blue screen of death!! rebooted and pc wouldn't start! So i switched hard drives over and re-installed xp on my "slave" hdd and its working fine, but now i need to get the data off the old one! when booting up the pc for the first time with the old hdd plugged in windows required a disk check before windows loaded! it took over 5HOURS then loaded up windows! When i go into the drive in My Computer it shows that 160Gb is used (which is correct) but there are only a few files visible!

Any one know any good software or tips to get my data back!?

Thanks in advance,

Chris Middleton