This is a really bad way to start the week! Need Computer HELP!

[Virgo10]

As always, I went on line first thing this morning. My computer was up and running and I sat down to start my day. Then I hear this really bad noise coming from the computer. I have a feeling that no noise is a good noise when it's being made by a computer.

Next the screen freezes. I shut it off with the on/off switch because nothing else works. When I turn it back on the noise happens again and I see a message on the start up page:
PRIMARY MASTER HARD DISK FAIL

Honestly, I feel sick if that means what I think it does. My hard drive is gone? All that information is lost?? Somebody tell me that's not what I've got to deal with.

There is so much on that computer that I can never replace. Although I have some music and some of the photos on disks, much of it is no where else. Yeah, I know I should have backed it up but there was always tomorrow to do that.

Thank goodness we've got other computers I can use. I've got Ebay auctions running. I'm going to start calling repair places around 9 a.m. but any words of wisdom (or comfort) would be most appreciated.

Roberta

 

[Cindy B]

Its a shame you're not closer. My DH is doing this as a "side" job. Now if you were in Philly, we could be setting up an appointment.

Hard Disk Fail does not sound good.

Good luck!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I did find this, Roberta. Maybe?

http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/booterrGBER21-c.html

There are MANY talented people here on the board, I know you will get some thoughts. My best. I can imagine how you feel.

 

[Alex]

You need to get some professional help. Do not keep trying to bring it up, if it's indeed a hard drive failure the more you try to boot it the more damage you are liable to do. Sometimes even a failed hard drive can be brought up once or twice by swapping out the electronics package or, believe it or not freezing it for a while. If you do get it going though you need to be prepared to back it up immediately because you may only get one boot.
I would try to find a local shop.

 

[jfulcer]

I agree with Alex - turn it off, leave it off, and find someplace local that can work on it. Don't take it to Best Buy or Circuit City - they don't have the experience to deal with anything like this.

Be prepared to pay some money to get that data back (if it can be revived), and keep your fingers crossed.

I found a few places in Boston:

http://www.midwestdatarecovery.com/boston-data-recovery.html

http://www.techfusion.com/boston-data-recovery.htm

http://www.data-recovery-service.com/data_recovery_service.htm

There are more, but without really knowing about the places I can't recommend anyone. Check out the BBB.

Good luck!

 

[Virgo10]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm waiting for the store that put this computer together to open this morning. I took your words of warning and have not attempted to start it up again.

I'm hoping that the people who built this will have the best ideas on how to fix it... if it is fixable.

I also did some research and found a few places close to where I live that do data recovery. I'm sure, if the guys who put the computer together can't fix it, they will give me a referral.

It won't be the end of the world if I lose everything but it would be sad. So many pictures, songs, etc. that I can't get back. I do have some of the photos stored on Picturetrail so those are not lost forever.

At least I've learned a lesson. SAVE EVERYTHING!

Roberta

 

[JoNo]

That's why I'm glad I have a DVD-burner. You can save up to 4.7 gigs of info per disk (those not in the techno babble that's a LOT). I would have suggested using system rollback from DOS (Even in XP) has saved me from this prob a lot in the past.