The operating system(windows xp home edition) is corrupt. Ive tried repairing it with no luck. However i know that the memory is still there. I could fix the computer but i would loose all memory. Is there a way to back it up so that when i erase the memory and fix the pc i can just load my memory from burned recordable cds?
Also the bios works, does that mean my memory is still there?
2007-08-14 07:38:28 · 9 answers · asked by Felliph3 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
I think you are confusing the term "memory"
I believe you want to wipe windows but save the files from the HARD DRIVE.
If you can get into windows you can try borrowing an external hard drive and plugging this in, and copying files to this.
If you cannot get in, then you might have to try a proper repair.
if you read up at
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
About halfway down the page is an image fo the windows loading screen, start reading there. Gives info on doing an over the top reinstall to repair windows.
Good luck
2007-08-14 07:43:54 · answer #1 · answered by stu_the_kilted_scot 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are slightly confused there my friend. The "memory" is volatile and once you turn the laptop off or reboot, the memory is reinitialized. I think what you are asking is if you can save your hard drive. In your current state, your option is to pull the hard drive and add it to a working system. Your best bet for this is to use an external enclosure with a USB connection. Since it is a laptop drive, it will not just "connect" to a desktop system. It has a different connector. Once you have it connected, you can try to browse it and copy what you want off of it and burn it to a CD. You should grab everything in "My Documents" as well as anything else you have scattered about. Take a quick look in the "Program Files" directory for things that you might want to reinstall when you are done. Then replace it into your laptop and rebuild the os from scratch. I'd go ahead and reformat it during the process. The setup CD will ask you about this near the beginning of the process. At that point you can copy back what you saved off.
Good Luck
2007-08-14 14:48:37 · answer #2 · answered by Dilbert's Desk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By memory do you mean your files and applications?
How exactly have you tried to repair XP? I have posted elsewhere on the process for reinstalling windows without writing over your files and applications, so this might be a better option.
I will find the answer and put a link to it below.
In answer to your question though, (and assuming you are not talking about memory but files) there is no simple process to recover data from a damaged HDD. Usual process is to remove the platter from the HDD case and put it into a mule case. Then use software to read the data very carefully and write it back to another HDD, then extract the data files without using the operating system. This is a professional job and will usually cost £200 ($400) or more.
2007-08-14 14:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by pete w 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just to clarify you stating that your windows install is kaput but your hard drive with the partition that has the data is still intact.
To backup the data you will have to do 1 of 2 things.
1. Take the drive out and attach it to another desktop using a conversion kit to backup the data. These can be obtained at your local computer stores just look for laptop hard drive to usb conversion kits. (If you machine is still under warranty STOP!!! as this can void your warranty).
2. The second method is to use a bootable cd like bartpe or a linux live cd to access your drive and transfer the data across your network to another machine.
3. (Professionals only if you want to ensure the integrity of your data) If you can you can try to resize the partition and reinstall windows onto a different partition. However this assumes that you are using a windows install cd and not the manufacturers reimaging software as 9 times out of 10 it completely wipes the drive. Then you should be able to access on the separate partition while maintaining your new windows install.
There are a lot of steps that can be done, but the easier steps by far are 1 and 2.
2007-08-14 14:46:11 · answer #4 · answered by Charles W (Bloodwraith) 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have the money I would suggest buying a good external hard drive. External hard drives are getting less expensive and you could probably get a good 250 gb one for around $100-$150. I have even seen a 1tb mybook for $280 recently. After you finish your reinstall I would also advise you backup your files atleast once a month but preferably once a week so that if anything ever happens to your hard drive such as viruses or it dies you will not lose your files.
2007-08-14 14:46:00 · answer #5 · answered by Woden501 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Follow this link and see the steps to boot into XP
www.shajijohn.com/phil.aspx
After you boot into it, copy the contents that you need to a USB drive or other media. After that you can reinstall XP and copy back all the content to the new OS.
www.shajijohn.com
2007-08-14 14:45:51 · answer #6 · answered by Techniman 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you can still get in to your system, I recommend burning all files you would like to keep into a CD or DVD to back them up in case you need to reinstall your OS. If your having trouble logging in try going in thru safe mode.
Contact me anytime for support ;)
- techgirl
2007-08-14 14:46:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Memory is erased whenever you turn your computer off, so I don't know what you mean.
Have you tried reinstalling Windows? Choose "Upgrade Installation". This will not (generally) erase any data you have.
2007-08-14 14:43:18 · answer #8 · answered by phirephoto 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
dont say memory, that implies ram.
say "hard drive"
reload windows , and hope most of your files are still there.
MIKE
2007-08-14 14:42:24 · answer #9 · answered by mike 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋