The current hard drive in my desktop is giving me an "error loading operating system" message and won't boot up. I would like to save my files if I can. If I install a new hard drive, do I have to purchase a new Windows XP system? The computer didn't come with any discs, but gave instructions on making recovery discs, which I did. Can I use those on the new drive to install Windows? Do those discs work on any drive I install on the computer? From reading some other Yahoo answers, it seems like the way to save the files is to set the current hard drive to slave and then copy them over to another hard drive, which is why I'm thinking about just getting a new one. Thanks.
2006-10-09 01:12:44 · 4 answers · asked by ginger 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
The computer is a Sony Vaio, about 14 months old, Maxtor hard drive, Windows XP.
2006-10-09 01:13:55 · update #1
eeep! thats alota Q?s
1. I am not certain if a new Software Install disk is called for, it shouldntg be.
2. If it is your computer at your IP# at your house and you are the Registered User of the Lisence, perhaps so.
3. The Hard Drive Disks, HDDs will work if they are compliiant with the System and the User Data.
Now that the legal junk has been sorta kinda maybe coulda been looked at.
Maybe a data image or a drive image is all you need. Drive Image is basically a backup, but one can use shadowing to repair and fix errors of a corrupt OS.
You have a backup set so you are ahead of the game. This info is kinda lengthy to be stated in this forum, so I share, yes Microsof, I typed share, the info that I have tagd. its only one link, print out anything and everything that you think you will need for referance.
ok,2 links :p
2006-10-09 01:47:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why buy a new hard drive. May not be necessary! Seems to me that the recovery disc you made is for exactlly what your expiriencing now! Only question is, will you loose data? I would call Sony and querry this or check your manual. Answer should be there. A recovery may not loose data. A install, hard drive or O/S, will definately loose all data. Sounds like, the only chance you have to save the data is with the recovery! Also, the recovery disc will offer options regarding what it is that you want to do. Got to try it, right?
I tried a OEM install and a OEM recovery disc on different, ( not OEM ), equipment and it would not work at all!
Have you tried "Safe Mode"? If it boots do a "System Restore"!
2006-10-09 09:38:37 · answer #2 · answered by pet?????? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to purchase a new OS. If you have the license sticker on your computer you can install it from any disk using your number. Borrow a disk from someone to install or contact Sony - they should supply a new disk. You can try to install from the recovery disk you made and see what happens - it depends what is on it.
When installing your old hard drive as a secondary make sure you change the jumpers on the back.
Good luck.
2006-10-09 08:39:32 · answer #3 · answered by Kanuk Komputers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think you can use your recovery disks with a new hard drive as often they are tied to hardware already in the machine I would suggest buying a new disk or try doing a fdis/mbr on old hard drive.
2006-10-09 08:20:51 · answer #4 · answered by Tiger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋