Ok this is exactly what happens when I turn on my computer. First the Compaq screen pops up. Then the next screen gives me 3 seconds to choose between Windows XP Home Edition and Windows Recovery Console. I also have the choice to press F8 for troubleshooting and advanced options. Unless I choose it will automatically select Windows XP. It then takes me to a screen where I have 30 seconds to choose between Start Windows normally, Last known good configuration, or the three types of safe modes. I have tried all of the options and Windows will start to load but then a blue screen pops up for a split second (cant tell what it says) and the computer starts itself all over again with the exception of when I choose one of the safe modes in which the whole screen fills up with writing saying multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS\system 32\DRIVERS\(here it lists a different file or driver name on each line).sys and then the computer still starts itself all over again. A few times I've had Windows actually start up and it will show the welcome screen and then my background but then it freezes. I can still move the mouse but nothing else happens.

Whats wrong? And is there anyway I can save all the pictures and files I have saved to my computer before I try system recovery? My whole life is saved on to that computer and its gonna be horrible if I cant get any of it back!!! If anyone can help please let me know!

My whole life is saved on to that computer

Then why on Earth do you not have a backup plan?? - no need to answer, it seems we all need to learn the hard way on our own. Hopefully, others will take heed, before their "whole life" goes down in flames with a bad hard drive. It is in these situations that many folks come to the realization the data on the computer is worth MUCH more than all the hardware.

Whats wrong? And is there anyway I can save all the pictures and files I have saved to my computer before I try system recovery?

What you need to do is unplug the computer from the wall and remove your hard drive. Note the make and model for future reference. Determine the interface type, PATA (EIDE) or SATA. Then install that drive as a secondary drive (NOT the boot drive) into another computer, or into an external drive enclosure attached to another computer. Then copy all your important files to the other computer.

Once that is done. Use that computer to go out to the drive maker's site and download the latest copy of their drive diagnoses program and have it check the drive's integrity. If okay, then you can install it back into the original computer and attempt to troubleshoot and repair Windows.

This may sound a bit 'loopy,' but I too had a drive with stuff on it that wasn't all that important, but I wanted to try to recover the files on it.

I removed the HD, put it in a plastic-bag, and stuck it in the family freezer overnight, and low and behold the next day I was able to access the HD. As I say, sound 'loopy,' but worth a try. I think freezing it causes it to liven up! I got this tip from another forum.

I do have a complete back up for my main c:\ drive and use a programme called 'HD-Clone' for back-up. I believe that you can get the 'back-up' part of the DVD for free on the web. Simple and quick to use.

regards

grimerz

The old (25 years+) freezer tip should ONLY be done as a last resort and note it RARELY works. The idea is for when bearings seize, freezing causes matter to contract, and hopefully break loose. However, in most cases, as soon as the drive heats up , it is likely to seize again therefore the idea is to have a plan to copy off as much as possible as fast as you can.

Also note that freezing is likely to cause condensation to form on the electronics, so it is quite possible to get the motor going, only to destroy the on-drive controller in the process.