Computer Workshops

Lucky Jackson · Post by **Lucky Jackson** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:47 pm

My laptop has turned traitor on me.
Initially it bunged up and slowed to a standpoint.

I recall a sign for techy workshops a little while back, are they still running, or maybe someone could shed some light here on my problem

I made a note of some of the warnings.

'If problems continue disable or remove any newly installed software. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to sue safe mode to remove or disable components restart your computer, press F8 to select advanced start up options and then select safe mode'

It would then state

'Beginning dump of physical memory' (Frightening phrase that one)

Now it refuses to boot at all stating

'Disk error'

Is this critical or is there an easy fix in the right hands?

I'm allowing it a cooling off period until I'm equipped with the knowledge.

I've obviously got a huge deal of files that would break my heart to lose and also the laptop is a lifeline in my world right now.

Does anyone have any insight or advice they may offer?

TheCross · Post by **TheCross** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:12 am

In short, not good.

I would recomend taking the HD out and attempting to recover any files. Then you will have to do a fresh install of the operating system.

The best thing you can do at the moment is nothing. Dont try and play with it. You will only make things worse.

I would love to offer my skills, but i dont have the time. Can you afford to take it into a shop? Or do you have any kind geek friends? they work best

hope you get it sorted.

xx. tim

pogo · Post by **pogo** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:39 am

i have a small firewire/usb enclosure. we could swap in your HD and try to pull the files out. as long as it mounts fine, it should be alright.
you'd have to ok with pulling out your HD and risks.

the other way is to take it to Scotsys, might be £60. they got data off one of our failed HDs a couple months back.

Lucky Jackson · Post by **Lucky Jackson** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:25 am

Thanks for some prompt advice.
Pogo, I haven't got £60 spare so I'm willing to plump for your option and accompanying risk.
I can stretch to the price of a pint and offer sincere grattitude if you can take time out to try and help me out.
If you can, I can fit into your plans, just let me know a time and place to show.

Thanks
Lucky

(another thread that makes a mockery of my moniker)

Fils d'Abeille · Post by **Fils d'Abeille** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 4:57 pm

hum... I have a hardrive that is basically fucked...

initialised for mac OS

it's gotten to the point that it no longer mounts correctly. makes strange noise when it tries to fire up. looks like the hardware is physically screwed. whether the disk itself is scratched beyond repair I have no idea.

Do you think taking it down to Scotsys might be worth a shot? or is this more likely to be a several hundred pound job involving dust free rooms and ultra expensive equipment? In short should should I say goodbye to years of emails? documents? pictures? music? pornography?

Any ideas? anyone?