ok, so i was able to access the windows folder and there is nothing in there @ all. i think one of the cables may have been loose between the connections. anywho, i was able to transfer over some of the files that weren't corrupted, but none of my music was there all of it was deleted some how. will i have to format the whole HD, if so how would i do that since i am not able to view the HD under the disk manager. Thanks ~ Earl

one of these tools may help you:
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/index.html

here is the download link:
http://files3.majorgeeks.com/files/7...cs/ubcd403.zip

you must install the drive as primary master in a computer (could be the one you are having problems with, it doesnt matter)

so once i install the faulty HD back into my old pc back to a primary drive, i can just run the ultimate boot cd? because when i would turn on the computer it would not let me get pass the black screen.

oh and i was able to get a windows xp pro cd from a friend. i'll probably have to reload the OS correct?

Thanks,

Earl

yes, you will need to reload the OS

if you change your bios settings under "boot sequence" you can make your CD ROM or floppy drive your primary bootable device (so your computer boots from the CD or floppy)

you can then format your drive, If you are getting an XP disk anyway, I would use the format tool on that disk (follow the on-screen instructions to perform a clean install of XP)


IMPORTANT: you can only use the xp pro disk if you already had XP pro on your computer (or you have purchaced a product key for xp pro) otherwise it is illegal and we cannot offer you any more support and you will not be able to install updates/programs from microsoft which is a HUGE disadvantage.

yea i had windows xp pro sp2 on there before it crashed on me, the person i got the computer from gave me the disk w/ product key. the computer was upgraded from windows me to windows xp. so i'll have to get to the bios screen and set one of my cd drives as a primary drive correct? will it not directly boot from the cd drive if it's not set as the primary?