laptop crash, need help
 

Boot up shows PBR2 error (I think that's what it says) so we found the boot disk but all it wants to do is run diagnostics. I can't seem to exit the tests now that I've gotten there. I'd just like to reach DOS or Safe Mode to get the files and export them to an external drive.

The unit is a Dell Inspirion running Windows XP Profeesional. I don't think I have a lot of time because the hard drive is making bad noises like the arm is constantly hitting the case.

Oh, BTW, last night the computer would not search for files. Then I saw an icon on the desktop that said Fix PC errors. I clicked on that and that was game over, the blue screen came up about the bad files. Next boot up was PBR and [X...] ATA failed.

So then the boot disk. At least it will do something with the disk in.

If your drive is clacking turn the machine off. You don't want to attempt to run an OS (even if it is DOS) from a failing drive. I would suggest getting a drive adapter that will allow you to connect the laptop hard drive to another PC and see if you can retrieve data that way.

Another alteranativve is to run an OS from the CD-ROM drive and see if that read only OS can see the drive. If you are comfortable with Linux you can use Knoppix or if you prefer Windows try one called BartPE.

BartPE (this is like a stripped down version of Windows XP that will run from CD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0reKK2ASEaU

Knoppix
http://www.knoppix.net/

willtell is giving you good info. Retrieve the data first and then fool around with trying to reboot/reinstall the OS. Good chance if you try the reboot/reinstall first you will lose all the data.

willtel, that's what I think I am doing, but I can't stop the internal HD and can't get out of the CD-ROM testing mode.

I was looking for a rescue run from the CD drive.

The rescue CD most likely choked when it attempted to detect the failing drive. Kill the power to the system (remove AC power and battery) or hold down the power button for 20+ seconds and it should turn off. Every time you power up that drive you run the risk of loosing more data, you may get lucky and the damage be limited to the OS files but I would expect at least a little corruption if you can read any data at all.

I'm sure your right. Well, we have the extended warranty from Dell, so we'll turn it over to them for a new hard drive and we'll send the old drive out to a data recovery place. Any recommendations on that?

slodave?

If the drive spins up then find someone with a Mac, toss the drive in a USB case and hook it up and get your files back.

Have done this countless times for my friends with Windows.

Hi Milt. I can come down and help you tomorrow.

Dave, PM reply sent.

S-monkey, it spins but it's not sounding good at all. I think since we have the warranty which is even good for on site repairs, we will let Dell take care of their problem. I'm guessing it needs a new HD, to have the OS installed, and I know it needs the battery circuits replaced because it won't charge a battery when the external power supply is hooked up. The battery WILL charge in another identical machine, so it's not the battery.

Milt, If you want the data saved and salvage the current OS, I need to get tv he before Dell comes out. They will come out, install the new drive and reinstall the OS. Call me when you have time and I'll explain in detail.

Yeah, Dell will take your old drive along with your data.

I talked with Dave about this off line. I guess I won't be buying any more computers that don't have a separate back up drive like this one. My wife has 3/4ths of her stuff backed up, but the passwords and such are all still on the drive. No way in hell is that drive going to Dell until I know that it has been cloned and then formatted. I'll tell them that I was trying to reinstall the OS when it crashed.

If that doesn't work, I'll buy a hard drive myself, get her registration data from Dell and have some OEM Windows installed. Then, they can fix the battery circuits.

Why don't you get the old data off the drive, if possible, then work the drive until it is good and crashed. Is there a reason to think the Dell tech is going to do anything more than throw it away?