Hard Drive Failure?

needtechanswers · 01-20-2006, 01:13 AM

So, I'm new here and know very little about tech stuff, and am need of tech answers.

I have very old HP. I have not accessed this computer in over 3 years. It was running on Windows NT, when it booted up. However, it no longer boots up properly, and the C prompt immediately shows up. I tried to reinstall a version of Windows, but no success. Can data be retrieved at all?

What are some possible issues or solutions? Thanks in advance for any help at all. Sorry if it is so vague.

Tdubbs9ner · 01-20-2006, 01:48 AM

Hey, I'm new here as well!

Well, as far as the reinstall:

Get into your BIOS - Restart your computer and immediately start looking for a shortcut key to enter into to BIOS or setup it might say. The key might be the delete key, an "F"key, Tab. Start tapping that key until you get into your BIOS. Navigate through the BIOS and find an area that will say something along the lines of "Boot Sequence". Make sure CD Rom is the first option so the computer will know to boot from the CD Drive first. Hit ESC a few times until prompted to close. Make sure to save your settings. Insert your CD, and hopefully, you should start getting into the Windows Setup/Installer.

I hope this helps!

**Terrister** · 01-20-2006, 06:45 AM

You could also install this drive in a working computer to gain access to the files.

01-20-2006, 01:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
needtechanswers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP	Hard Drive Failure? So, I'm new here and know very little about tech stuff, and am need of tech answers. I have very old HP. I have not accessed this computer in over 3 years. It was running on Windows NT, when it booted up. However, it no longer boots up properly, and the C prompt immediately shows up. I tried to reinstall a version of Windows, but no success. Can data be retrieved at all? What are some possible issues or solutions? Thanks in advance for any help at all. Sorry if it is so vague.

01-20-2006, 06:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	You could also install this drive in a working computer to gain access to the files. __________________

01-20-2006, 01:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tdubbs9ner Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 16 OS: xp	Hey, I'm new here as well! Well, as far as the reinstall: Get into your BIOS - Restart your computer and immediately start looking for a shortcut key to enter into to BIOS or setup it might say. The key might be the delete key, an "F"key, Tab. Start tapping that key until you get into your BIOS. Navigate through the BIOS and find an area that will say something along the lines of "Boot Sequence". Make sure CD Rom is the first option so the computer will know to boot from the CD Drive first. Hit ESC a few times until prompted to close. Make sure to save your settings. Insert your CD, and hopefully, you should start getting into the Windows Setup/Installer. I hope this helps!