Search : in
By :

Recovering Data from a crashed pc

Last answer on Mar 17, 2009 8:34:47 pm GMT RJ, on Mar 17, 2009 12:45:48 pm GMT 
 Report this message to moderators

Hello,

I've had my Dell XPS laptop running on Windows Vista for about a year. It crashed about a month ago with a failed Graphics card and possibly a failed Video card. When a Dell technician tried to replace the cards he found the harddrive to be jammed and told me that if he tried to force it out it'd likely break. He's suggested that I call a technician to backup my data but I'm not sure I can afford it. I wondered if anyone could suggest a way that I could attempt to recover the data myself. When I turn the laptop on now it simply turns itself off again after a few seconds. I believe it can still recognise the disk drive though.

Could anyone suggest anything?

Configuration: Windows Vista
Internet Explorer 7.0

Best answers for « Recovering Data from a crashed pc » in :
Recovering lost files ShowRecovering lost files Summary Preconditions Under Windows Freeware PC Inspector File Recovery Restoration Hand Recovery Undelete Plus SoftPerfect File Recovery Photorec&Testdisk Instruction for application Notice Under...
Incremental backup of data with .BAT (Batch) ShowIncremental backup of data with .BAT (Batch) Use of incremental back up Example Use of incremental back up Incremental back up can be used to save your important data before you format your computer. During the first batch launch, all...
Creating a Boot disk on XP ShowCreating a Boot disk on XP A boot disk is a removable storage medium from which a computer can load the OS or utility program. . You can need a boot disk for several reasons: Installing the OS. Data recovery. Data...
Download Recover Files ShowIs not he you ever a file of your hard or worse disk of a detachable disk succeeds to abolish by guard? Recover Lines as his name points it out a tool allowing the recovery is of files to abolish.It works even if you have already cleaned the hamper,...
Download OfficeFIX Office Data Recovery Show
Download Recovery for Exchange Show
Computer - Introduction to Memory ShowThe Role of Memory The term "memory" applies to any electronic component capable of temporarily storing data. There are two main categories of memories: internal memory that temporarily memorises data while programs are running. Internal memory...
PC (Personal Computer) ShowIntroduction to the Concept of the Computer Understanding computer vocabulary is the main difficulty that potential personal computer buyers face. Unlike buying a TV, a task for which the decision-making criteria are limited, choosing a computer...
Protection - RAID Systems ShowPresentation of RAID Technology RAID technology (acronym for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, or sometimes Redundant Array of Independent Disks) allows user to form one storage unit from several hard drives. The created unit (called a...
Ask your question Reply

1

xpcman, on Mar 17, 2009 4:50:41 pm GMT

First off a Graphics card and a Video card are two terms for the same thing. Also hard drives do not "get jammed". I would not trust any info you got from this technician(??). You can remove the hard drive from the laptop and move it to a USB 2.5 inch hard drive adapter. This adapter will convert the hard drive to an external USB hard drive. You data should be accessible from any computer using a USB port. The cost should be less than $40 US. Have a computer repair shop do it and it should cost less than $80 total.
Good Luck.

   
Reply to xpcman

2

RJ, on Mar 17, 2009 6:56:17 pm GMT

Thanks for the reply,

He told me that the laptop was likely put together badly and that the hard drive was supposed to slide out but it didn't. I could call another technician and ask them to try but if they can't remove the hard drive without breaking it, which is what the technician said, then I'm not so sure I want to try to remove it. Could you possibly suggest another way to get my data without needing to remove the hard drive. If that's not possible then I suppose it's my only option.

   
Reply to RJ

3

 xpcman, on Mar 17, 2009 8:34:47 pm GMT
  • +1

OK I stand corrected - a Hard drive caddy can be jammed. The data is not accessible if the computer does not boot. If you have decided the laptop is beyond saving. You could try a vary light application of a spray lubricant ( I use WD-40) and position the laptop to let the liquid drain down hill. This might allow the hard drive to be removed. The plastic case might break before you damage the hard drive. The hard drive is screwed into a plastic or metal caddy, depending on model, that is designed to slide into the laptop case. Good Luck

   
Reply to xpcman
Ask your question Reply
They need your help