How Do You Save Your Data When You Can’t Load Your Operating System?
By Wolfdave
You turn on your PC; it goes through POST, but then stops. Your Operating System refuses to load. You try to load in ‘Safe Mode’ and once again everything comes to a grinding halt. You have loads of important data on your Computer: Personal files, priceless digital photographs and all manner of other stuff stored in your My Documents folder. You obviously don’t want to loose any of it, but if you can’t get your Operating System to load, how are you going to save it all?
I describe the procedure for recovering from this problem in another of my Blogs. Check the list in the right hand column. But first we must back-up the data from your system, or at the very least, save all your important files in your ‘My Documents’ folder. To do this you will need another hard drive with Windows XP installed on it. This could be a spare, you or a friend may have. Or another Computer running XP, again, either a second PC in your home or a friend with one who is willing to help out. You will also need a Re-writable CD or a Flash Drive, or other device, large enough to store all your files.
Note: This will not work if your hard drive has failed!
If you have a spare hard drive with Windows XP installed:
Turn off your Computer and remove the power lead from the mains socket. Remove the side cover to gain access to your hard drive. Touch something metal to ground yourself and release any ‘static’ you may have. You now need to alter the jumper settings on the hard drive currently in your machine. You may have to remove it from your machine if room is tight. If your machine has a newer type IDE cable with a Black and a Grey connector, set the jumper on your hard drive to ‘Cable Select’. Then plug it into the Grey (slave) connector. On your spare hard drive, also set the jumper to ‘Cable Select’ and plug this one into the Black (master) connector. Make sure both hard drives have a white power connector plugged in. With an older type IDE cable where all connectors are grey; set your original drive to ‘Slave’ and the spare drive to ‘Master’.
There is no need to physically fit both hard drives into your Computer; they can just rest them on the side if your cables are long enough. However, they must not be in contact with any metal or internal components. For this part, I usually rest one on an empty DVD case and then sandwich another DVD case between both hard drives. If you are careful, they should balance on the corner of your machine. Or rest them on a big book or similar.
Ok, so with everything connected up and your hard drives secure and isolated, it’s time to plug your PC back in and fire it up. You will need to enter set-up now so watch the screen and be ready. You will need to press F2 or Delete or similar, look for the correct key to press on screen. If you miss it, you will have to restart your Computer and try again. Once in set-up, look for the menu to Automatically Detect hard drives, this is usually within the first or second menu. Press ‘Auto detect’ for both Master and Slave drives. Once this has been done exit set-up remembering to choose ‘Save and Exit’. Your PC will then restart.
You have another Computer running XP:
If you have access to another Computer then you will have to remove your hard drive and hook it up to this second computer. The procedure is the same making sure that your hard drive is the ‘Slave’ and the one already in the second Computer is the ‘Master’. Once again, remember to configure this in set-up.
When your PC restarts it will load the Operating System from the Master drive as normal. Once you arrive at the Desktop screen, go to ‘My Computer’ and check that both hard drives are listed. The Master drive will usually be ‘C’ and the Slave drive could be ‘E’ or ‘F’. Double click on the slave drive (your hard drive) and you will now have access to all your data. If the drive will not open, or if there is a red ‘exclamation’ or ‘no-entry’ sign. Right click on it and choose ‘properties’ from the drop down list. Next screen, click on the ‘Share’ tab at the top. Despite protests from Windows, choose allow sharing. You will now be able to access your drive.
Now, you can copy all your important files from your ‘My Documents’ folder. Depending on how much you choose to save, you can copy to a CD or Flash Drive. Or if the Spare or Master drive you are using, is big enough, create a New File and copy your entire hard drive into this file. Once you have your files safely stored on a different drive or media, turn off the Computer and reverse the setting up procedure. Remember to reset any changes you made to the cable and jumper settings and run set-up again to re-configure your machine for just one drive. Otherwise it could see the missing slave drive, as an error and refuse to start. Then install your hard drive back into your own PC and read my Blog to find out how to Fix your ‘Operating System won’t load’ issue.
Computer running slow and other common issues are all covered, HERE
Saturday 31 October 2009
My Operating System Wont Load-XP
MY COMPUTER WILL NOT LOAD THE OPERATING SYSTEM
By Wolfdave
Last week I had a Computer in for repair. The owner said it would not load his Operating System. After hooking up the bare essentials: Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse, I fired the machine up. I got the ‘single beep’ which means the Computer hardware is ok. It completed POST but at the first Windows XP screen it froze. And despite several attempts, I could not even get it to load in ‘Safe Mode’.
Normally when carrying out maintenance or repairs, I always back-up all the data on the PC. But since I couldn’t load his Operating System, even in Safe Mode, then this was going to require a different approach. This is relatively straight forward providing you have a spare Hard drive which has Windows XP loaded on to it. I explain this procedure in my blog which you can read by clicking the link at the end of this article.
Once that task was completed I could set about solving the issue of his Operating System not loading. I was able to determine that three start-up files were either missing, had been moved or had been deleted. The owner of the PC could have inadvertently deleted these files, or more seriously, Spyware or Viruses were responsible. So, the Operating System Installation had to be repaired.
We need the Operating System’s Installation Disc to perform this operation. But first, we have to alter the Boot Sequence, in Set-Up, so that the CD Drive is the first, boot device. Then ‘Save and Exit’ set up. Next, restart the PC insert the Windows Installation Disc, and choose ‘Boot from CD’. After a few moments loading, a dialog screen appears with: Install – Recovery Console – Exit. You can try Recovery Console and follow the instructions, but I have found the best method is to select, Install.
After another few moments, a message reports that a previous Installation has been detected, with a choice of: A new installation or Repair the existing Installation.
I chose the ‘Repair’. You are then warned that data may be lost during the repair and you should perform a Back-Up. Having already saved the data, I clicked on continue. From now on, it’s just a case of sitting back and letting the repair installation get on with it. A big sigh of relief, twenty-five minutes later when Windows finally loaded to the Desktop screen. I can confirm that all his data was still in place.
This is when you should, re-start your computer so that you can re-enter set up and reset the boot sequence back as it was. However, I had noticed that his Anti-Virus program was almost a year, out of date. Suspecting that a Virus was the most likely cause of his missing files, turning off the computer could have deleted them again. Fortunately I had an up to date version of a well known and trusted Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Utility on CD which has the option of running a virus scan from the CD. No less than 25 Spyware and 2 aggressive Worm Viruses were successfully removed. The owner now has his Computer back and phoned to say it was working fine and actually running much faster. I hope he has updated his Anti-Virus.
Computer running slower than it used to? Find the answers HERE
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980. He is a published writer and author of many Computer articles. The procedure he used to save data in this repair is explained in further detail in another Blog, see the right hand column.
By Wolfdave
Last week I had a Computer in for repair. The owner said it would not load his Operating System. After hooking up the bare essentials: Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse, I fired the machine up. I got the ‘single beep’ which means the Computer hardware is ok. It completed POST but at the first Windows XP screen it froze. And despite several attempts, I could not even get it to load in ‘Safe Mode’.
Normally when carrying out maintenance or repairs, I always back-up all the data on the PC. But since I couldn’t load his Operating System, even in Safe Mode, then this was going to require a different approach. This is relatively straight forward providing you have a spare Hard drive which has Windows XP loaded on to it. I explain this procedure in my blog which you can read by clicking the link at the end of this article.
Once that task was completed I could set about solving the issue of his Operating System not loading. I was able to determine that three start-up files were either missing, had been moved or had been deleted. The owner of the PC could have inadvertently deleted these files, or more seriously, Spyware or Viruses were responsible. So, the Operating System Installation had to be repaired.
We need the Operating System’s Installation Disc to perform this operation. But first, we have to alter the Boot Sequence, in Set-Up, so that the CD Drive is the first, boot device. Then ‘Save and Exit’ set up. Next, restart the PC insert the Windows Installation Disc, and choose ‘Boot from CD’. After a few moments loading, a dialog screen appears with: Install – Recovery Console – Exit. You can try Recovery Console and follow the instructions, but I have found the best method is to select, Install.
After another few moments, a message reports that a previous Installation has been detected, with a choice of: A new installation or Repair the existing Installation.
I chose the ‘Repair’. You are then warned that data may be lost during the repair and you should perform a Back-Up. Having already saved the data, I clicked on continue. From now on, it’s just a case of sitting back and letting the repair installation get on with it. A big sigh of relief, twenty-five minutes later when Windows finally loaded to the Desktop screen. I can confirm that all his data was still in place.
This is when you should, re-start your computer so that you can re-enter set up and reset the boot sequence back as it was. However, I had noticed that his Anti-Virus program was almost a year, out of date. Suspecting that a Virus was the most likely cause of his missing files, turning off the computer could have deleted them again. Fortunately I had an up to date version of a well known and trusted Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Utility on CD which has the option of running a virus scan from the CD. No less than 25 Spyware and 2 aggressive Worm Viruses were successfully removed. The owner now has his Computer back and phoned to say it was working fine and actually running much faster. I hope he has updated his Anti-Virus.
Computer running slower than it used to? Find the answers HERE
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980. He is a published writer and author of many Computer articles. The procedure he used to save data in this repair is explained in further detail in another Blog, see the right hand column.
Friday 9 October 2009
How Do I Set-Up A Home Wireless Network
HOW DO I SET-UP A HOME WIRELESS NETWORK
by Wolfdave
There are many advantages in having a home wireless network. No wires trailing all over the house is probably the most popular reason for going ‘wireless’. Other advantages include the need for just one printer for all your computers, being able to easily share files and the ability to have several computers connected to the Internet at the same time. So what do you need to achieve a wireless network? This article is for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later.
What do I need to set-up a wireless network at home?
1. A Wireless Router
2. Wireless Network Adapter (One for each PC)
3. A Broadband Connection
You will not be completely wireless, in that you will still need a physical device, your Modem, connected to your main phone socket. A Router carries out a similar function to your Cordless Phone’s Base Unit. It accepts the incoming Internet Connection then turns it into a wireless signal. Your computer is fitted with a Wireless Network Adapter, which picks up this signal, in the same way that the antenna on your Cordless Phone would receive a signal from its base unit.
It is a good idea to get your Router and Wireless Network Adapters from the same vendor. This will provide the easiest and most reliable set up. As you begin looking at Wireless devices, you will become familiar with certain specifications. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g are the ones to look for. 802.11g is the one now recommended as it is reliable and compatible with most other devices. Go for a USB Network Adapter, these simply plug into any available USB port. If you do not have a spare port, consider buying a USB hub.
So the basic configuration is this: Your Cable or DSL Modem stays connected to your phone line, the cable from your Modem that currently is connected to your computer, now plugs into your wireless router. You plug a wireless network adapter into a USB port on your computer. Read the documentation that came with your router to identify the different ports.
Step 1. Unplug the modem from your phone socket. Unplug the cable from your modem currently connected to the back of your PC; plug this cable into the port on your router labelled Internet, WAN or WLAN. Or check the documentation that came with your router. Now plug your modem back into the phone socket, give it a couple of minutes to connect to the internet, you can then plug in and turn on your router. After a minute or so, the Internet, WAN or WLAN light should illuminate, this shows that your router is now successfully connected to your modem.
Step 2. To configure your wireless router, you will need the network cable that came supplied with it. Temporarily connect this cable to the LAN port on the back of your computer and to one of the open ports on your router. You can turn your computer on if you want, it should connect to your router automatically. The instructions for your router should include an Internet address and password. Type the address into Internet Explorer to configure your router; you may be prompted for a password. Follow the steps on your routers configuration page, you will need to name your wireless network and create a password. When you’re done, remember to press Save or OK. You can now disconnect the network cable from your computer.
Step 3. Some modern computers have wireless support built in. If this is the case you will not need a wireless adapter. If your PC does not have wireless support then you can now plug your adapter into a USB port. Place the antenna as high as possible, on top of your tower, for instance. Windows will detect a new device; you may need to load the installation disc that came with your adapter. Follow the instructions to complete installation. Once this is completed you should see an icon on your task bar to show your wireless network is now connected. Right click on the icon to view wireless networks, you should now see a list of networks. Click on the name you chose for yours then click connect; you will be prompted for your network password created earlier. It may take a few moments to complete connection. That’s it, all done.
by Wolfdave
There are many advantages in having a home wireless network. No wires trailing all over the house is probably the most popular reason for going ‘wireless’. Other advantages include the need for just one printer for all your computers, being able to easily share files and the ability to have several computers connected to the Internet at the same time. So what do you need to achieve a wireless network? This article is for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later.
What do I need to set-up a wireless network at home?
1. A Wireless Router
2. Wireless Network Adapter (One for each PC)
3. A Broadband Connection
You will not be completely wireless, in that you will still need a physical device, your Modem, connected to your main phone socket. A Router carries out a similar function to your Cordless Phone’s Base Unit. It accepts the incoming Internet Connection then turns it into a wireless signal. Your computer is fitted with a Wireless Network Adapter, which picks up this signal, in the same way that the antenna on your Cordless Phone would receive a signal from its base unit.
It is a good idea to get your Router and Wireless Network Adapters from the same vendor. This will provide the easiest and most reliable set up. As you begin looking at Wireless devices, you will become familiar with certain specifications. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g are the ones to look for. 802.11g is the one now recommended as it is reliable and compatible with most other devices. Go for a USB Network Adapter, these simply plug into any available USB port. If you do not have a spare port, consider buying a USB hub.
So the basic configuration is this: Your Cable or DSL Modem stays connected to your phone line, the cable from your Modem that currently is connected to your computer, now plugs into your wireless router. You plug a wireless network adapter into a USB port on your computer. Read the documentation that came with your router to identify the different ports.
Step 1. Unplug the modem from your phone socket. Unplug the cable from your modem currently connected to the back of your PC; plug this cable into the port on your router labelled Internet, WAN or WLAN. Or check the documentation that came with your router. Now plug your modem back into the phone socket, give it a couple of minutes to connect to the internet, you can then plug in and turn on your router. After a minute or so, the Internet, WAN or WLAN light should illuminate, this shows that your router is now successfully connected to your modem.
Step 2. To configure your wireless router, you will need the network cable that came supplied with it. Temporarily connect this cable to the LAN port on the back of your computer and to one of the open ports on your router. You can turn your computer on if you want, it should connect to your router automatically. The instructions for your router should include an Internet address and password. Type the address into Internet Explorer to configure your router; you may be prompted for a password. Follow the steps on your routers configuration page, you will need to name your wireless network and create a password. When you’re done, remember to press Save or OK. You can now disconnect the network cable from your computer.
Step 3. Some modern computers have wireless support built in. If this is the case you will not need a wireless adapter. If your PC does not have wireless support then you can now plug your adapter into a USB port. Place the antenna as high as possible, on top of your tower, for instance. Windows will detect a new device; you may need to load the installation disc that came with your adapter. Follow the instructions to complete installation. Once this is completed you should see an icon on your task bar to show your wireless network is now connected. Right click on the icon to view wireless networks, you should now see a list of networks. Click on the name you chose for yours then click connect; you will be prompted for your network password created earlier. It may take a few moments to complete connection. That’s it, all done.
My Computer Is Slow To Connect To The Internet
My Computer Is Slow To Connect To the Internet
by Wolfdave
There could be several reasons why your computer is slow to connect to the Internet. When you consider what happens in the first moments you are connected, its little wonder your favourite web site takes ages to load.
First thing that happens is Windows calls home to check for updates. At the same time, your Anti-Virus programme also calls home to check for updates. And if you have an Anti-Spyware programme, it will also be checking for updates. Other programs, like your Mobile Phone’s PC Suite, for example, or any number of other programs, will also try to call home. All trying to elbow each other aside and all, using up valuable resources. Some multi-media programs use an awful lot of resources, even if you are not directly using them. Consider stopping these from automatically starting when you start Windows. You can still access them by clicking Start, and choose them from the menu.
Sometimes it’s best just to be patient for the first few minutes after you click connect and wait until they have all finished calling home before you start surfing. Keep an eye on those two mini computer screens on your task bar, just near the clock. If they are both illuminated, this indicates activity between your computer and the Internet. Wait a while until one or preferably both go out. Windows and Ant-Virus updates are important, you can turn off automatic updates, but I do not recommend doing this.
If your PC is infected by Spyware or viruses, these will also be attempting to call home; some can even alter your Internet Connection settings to make it easier for them to do this. Run a Full System Scan with both your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware utilities.
Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs all use much more resources than they did, even two years ago. So you should think about adding more RAM to your system or a faster CPU, or both. This should help compensate for all those competing programs.
If you have add-ons to your browser, Java or Search Bars for example, try turning these off to see if things improve. In Internet Explorer click on Tools then Manage Add-Ons. These options will return next time you start Windows.
Your Internet cache can become cluttered over time. Click on Start, then Control Panel, then Internet Options. Under ‘Browsing History’ click on ‘Delete’ this will clear up your Temporary Internet Files.
For Cable or DSL make sure you have a Phone Line filter, if you already have one it may be faulty, try another. Also try disconnecting all other Phones and extensions. It’s just possible the fault could be your wiring. Contact your ISP, they can usually check your Phone Line for speed, or offer helpful advice.
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980; he is a published writer and author of many free PC articles.
by Wolfdave
There could be several reasons why your computer is slow to connect to the Internet. When you consider what happens in the first moments you are connected, its little wonder your favourite web site takes ages to load.
First thing that happens is Windows calls home to check for updates. At the same time, your Anti-Virus programme also calls home to check for updates. And if you have an Anti-Spyware programme, it will also be checking for updates. Other programs, like your Mobile Phone’s PC Suite, for example, or any number of other programs, will also try to call home. All trying to elbow each other aside and all, using up valuable resources. Some multi-media programs use an awful lot of resources, even if you are not directly using them. Consider stopping these from automatically starting when you start Windows. You can still access them by clicking Start, and choose them from the menu.
Sometimes it’s best just to be patient for the first few minutes after you click connect and wait until they have all finished calling home before you start surfing. Keep an eye on those two mini computer screens on your task bar, just near the clock. If they are both illuminated, this indicates activity between your computer and the Internet. Wait a while until one or preferably both go out. Windows and Ant-Virus updates are important, you can turn off automatic updates, but I do not recommend doing this.
If your PC is infected by Spyware or viruses, these will also be attempting to call home; some can even alter your Internet Connection settings to make it easier for them to do this. Run a Full System Scan with both your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware utilities.
Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs all use much more resources than they did, even two years ago. So you should think about adding more RAM to your system or a faster CPU, or both. This should help compensate for all those competing programs.
If you have add-ons to your browser, Java or Search Bars for example, try turning these off to see if things improve. In Internet Explorer click on Tools then Manage Add-Ons. These options will return next time you start Windows.
Your Internet cache can become cluttered over time. Click on Start, then Control Panel, then Internet Options. Under ‘Browsing History’ click on ‘Delete’ this will clear up your Temporary Internet Files.
For Cable or DSL make sure you have a Phone Line filter, if you already have one it may be faulty, try another. Also try disconnecting all other Phones and extensions. It’s just possible the fault could be your wiring. Contact your ISP, they can usually check your Phone Line for speed, or offer helpful advice.
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980; he is a published writer and author of many free PC articles.
Friday 2 October 2009
5 Reasons Why My Computer is Running Slow
MY COMPUTER IS RUNNING SLOW. (5 Reasons that could cause this)
by Wolfdave
All Computers slow down over time as we add more programmes, store hundreds of Photo’s and Music Files’ add more Screen Savers and all sorts of other clutter. Often we don’t notice it has gotten slower because it happens gradually. Quite often a little maintenance, using Disc Clean Up and Defragmenting your Hard Drive is all it takes to restore your PC’s performance. However, a sudden slowing down, could mean more serious issues with your Computer. Here are 5 reasons which could cause your Computer to run slow.
5 REASONS FOR A COMPUTER TO RUN SLOW
* It is infected by a Virus or other Malicious Software including Spyware. Make sure your Anti-Virus and Anti Spyware are up to date and run a ‘Full System Scan’ with both.
* Too much clutter on your hard drive. Music Files, Digital Photo’s and unused Programmes and Games. Back up your personal files and Photo’s or copy or burn them to CD’s. Make two or more copies for safety. Then delete them from your computer. Go to Control Panel then Add/Remove. Look for any programmes or Games you no longer use and uninstall them. Note: Only uninstall Programmes and Games which you personally installed. If your PC came with programmes or games pre-installed, even if you have never used them, do not uninstall these. They may share files with programmes you do use. Never uninstall Microsoft updates or Hot Fixes.
* Lack of maintenance. 2 system tools you should use at least once a month are the Disc Clean Up tool and the hard drive defragmenting tool. These two tools alone will help your hard drive’s performance. It is also a good idea to run a system registry cleaner regularly, as this can also become cluttered with old unused files. Note: Always create a System Restore before using any system tools or changing any settings, including your Screen saver.
* Not enough System Memory (RAM). Anti-Virus, Anti Spyware and Firewall’s all use much more system resources than they used to, even two years ago. So the RAM that you had when you purchased your PC might not be enough for today. Add more RAM. Contact your Computer or Motherboard manufacturer’s web-site, with your model details, where you should find information on the ‘Type’ and Maximum amount of Memory your Main board will take.
* Low on Virtual Memory. Again, this can be caused by too much clutter on your hard drive. Your PC will use your hard drive as virtual memory, to supplement system memory, for heavy usage programmes or games. If your hard drive is cluttered up the amount of virtual memory available is reduced. Note: One of my free articles explains how to change your Virtual memory settings.
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980. He is a published writer and author of many PC articles.
You are probably quite competant at fixing computers, but we all need some help and advice from time to time. This ebook is full of excellent advice. Check it out, Here
by Wolfdave
All Computers slow down over time as we add more programmes, store hundreds of Photo’s and Music Files’ add more Screen Savers and all sorts of other clutter. Often we don’t notice it has gotten slower because it happens gradually. Quite often a little maintenance, using Disc Clean Up and Defragmenting your Hard Drive is all it takes to restore your PC’s performance. However, a sudden slowing down, could mean more serious issues with your Computer. Here are 5 reasons which could cause your Computer to run slow.
5 REASONS FOR A COMPUTER TO RUN SLOW
* It is infected by a Virus or other Malicious Software including Spyware. Make sure your Anti-Virus and Anti Spyware are up to date and run a ‘Full System Scan’ with both.
* Too much clutter on your hard drive. Music Files, Digital Photo’s and unused Programmes and Games. Back up your personal files and Photo’s or copy or burn them to CD’s. Make two or more copies for safety. Then delete them from your computer. Go to Control Panel then Add/Remove. Look for any programmes or Games you no longer use and uninstall them. Note: Only uninstall Programmes and Games which you personally installed. If your PC came with programmes or games pre-installed, even if you have never used them, do not uninstall these. They may share files with programmes you do use. Never uninstall Microsoft updates or Hot Fixes.
* Lack of maintenance. 2 system tools you should use at least once a month are the Disc Clean Up tool and the hard drive defragmenting tool. These two tools alone will help your hard drive’s performance. It is also a good idea to run a system registry cleaner regularly, as this can also become cluttered with old unused files. Note: Always create a System Restore before using any system tools or changing any settings, including your Screen saver.
* Not enough System Memory (RAM). Anti-Virus, Anti Spyware and Firewall’s all use much more system resources than they used to, even two years ago. So the RAM that you had when you purchased your PC might not be enough for today. Add more RAM. Contact your Computer or Motherboard manufacturer’s web-site, with your model details, where you should find information on the ‘Type’ and Maximum amount of Memory your Main board will take.
* Low on Virtual Memory. Again, this can be caused by too much clutter on your hard drive. Your PC will use your hard drive as virtual memory, to supplement system memory, for heavy usage programmes or games. If your hard drive is cluttered up the amount of virtual memory available is reduced. Note: One of my free articles explains how to change your Virtual memory settings.
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980. He is a published writer and author of many PC articles.
You are probably quite competant at fixing computers, but we all need some help and advice from time to time. This ebook is full of excellent advice. Check it out, Here
Thursday 1 October 2009
My Hard Drive is Noisey. Back Up Now!
My Computer's Hard Drive is Noisey.
by Wolfdave
My Computer’s Hard Drive is Failing. Back-Up Now!
If you suspect that your hard drive is failing, you need to back up your data immediately. A hard drive is most likely to fail as your computer is starting up. So if you have reason to believe your hard drive is about to fail, back up now before you turn your computer off. The next time you turn it on might be too late.
Your hard drive contains several spinning disks, which means mechanical elements. It is just as likely these mechanical elements could cause your hard drive to fail, as can malicious Software, viruses and poor maintenance.
It is rare, though not unknown, for a hard drive to suddenly fail. Usually there are signs, in the way of more frequent error messages, sluggish response and mechanical noise. All hard drives make some noise, usually a soft whirring background noise. If you have noticed your hard drive becoming louder with a grinding sound, then this is a sure sign of trouble.
If you start to hear ‘clicking’ noises from your hard drive, most noticeable as it loads your Operating System or other Programs, then mechanical failure is imminent. You need to back up and save your important files now. Don’t wait until tomorrow and do not turn your PC off.
If it’s impossible for you to back up the entire hard drive, then at least save all your personnel files and those precious Photographs. You can easily copy or ‘burn’ then to CD’s, make two or more copies for safety. No CD-R’s to hand? Then copy them onto a Flash Memory Stick. However, if you do use a Flash Drive, I would still recommend you get them onto CD’s, or DVD’s as soon as you are able. Flash Drives have a limited life.
Once you have your most important files and photographs safe, you can then think about a full back up. The quickest and easiest method to back up everything is to an External hard drive. These have come down a lot in price recently so it’s worth considering, even if your hard drive is as quiet as a mouse, it’s reassuring to have one with all your files backed up on it, just in case.
Again, it is extremely rare for a hard drive to suddenly fail. I have been working with Computers since 1978 and I have known only one. So become familiar with the sound of your hard drive, then if that familiar humm’ becomes louder, you will know you need to save your files. And really, you should have a back up anyway.
If you need some excellent help and advice, check out this PC ebook, Here
by Wolfdave
My Computer’s Hard Drive is Failing. Back-Up Now!
If you suspect that your hard drive is failing, you need to back up your data immediately. A hard drive is most likely to fail as your computer is starting up. So if you have reason to believe your hard drive is about to fail, back up now before you turn your computer off. The next time you turn it on might be too late.
Your hard drive contains several spinning disks, which means mechanical elements. It is just as likely these mechanical elements could cause your hard drive to fail, as can malicious Software, viruses and poor maintenance.
It is rare, though not unknown, for a hard drive to suddenly fail. Usually there are signs, in the way of more frequent error messages, sluggish response and mechanical noise. All hard drives make some noise, usually a soft whirring background noise. If you have noticed your hard drive becoming louder with a grinding sound, then this is a sure sign of trouble.
If you start to hear ‘clicking’ noises from your hard drive, most noticeable as it loads your Operating System or other Programs, then mechanical failure is imminent. You need to back up and save your important files now. Don’t wait until tomorrow and do not turn your PC off.
If it’s impossible for you to back up the entire hard drive, then at least save all your personnel files and those precious Photographs. You can easily copy or ‘burn’ then to CD’s, make two or more copies for safety. No CD-R’s to hand? Then copy them onto a Flash Memory Stick. However, if you do use a Flash Drive, I would still recommend you get them onto CD’s, or DVD’s as soon as you are able. Flash Drives have a limited life.
Once you have your most important files and photographs safe, you can then think about a full back up. The quickest and easiest method to back up everything is to an External hard drive. These have come down a lot in price recently so it’s worth considering, even if your hard drive is as quiet as a mouse, it’s reassuring to have one with all your files backed up on it, just in case.
Again, it is extremely rare for a hard drive to suddenly fail. I have been working with Computers since 1978 and I have known only one. So become familiar with the sound of your hard drive, then if that familiar humm’ becomes louder, you will know you need to save your files. And really, you should have a back up anyway.
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