Can Someone Help me Out?

torrentg · 29 Oct 2009

Run Spinrite on the drive if can not copy from it.

torrentg · 29 Oct 2009

LPDad said:

Yep, unless your computer underwent a complete electrical short, it sounds like your harddrive should be good to go.

HDD fail all the time w/o previous abuse. It's just how it is. All models no matter how good or not, have failure rates. So can't tell.

MattMJB0188 · 29 Oct 2009

torrentg said:

LPDad said:

Yep, unless your computer underwent a complete electrical short, it sounds like your harddrive should be good to go.

HDD fail all the time w/o previous abuse.

That's what I'm afraid of either way I have nothing too lose as there is just a few files I need off this hard drive. I would have everything to gain with that tool LPDAD recommended.

LPDad · 29 Oct 2009

BTW... the problem with your LAPTOP might ALSO have been a powersupply that blew out (they go out more often then motherboards).
If it IS the powersupply, you should be able to find another fairly cheaply..and think of all the fun you can have replacing it (not too hard).
The motherboard, on the other hand, would be a nightmare to replace for someone not used to repairing laptops.

Just a thougt... Take the powersupply out of your laptop and take it to someone who has a tester (newegg has those also) or take it to a computer store..they can test it in about 10 seconds and tell you if that is the problem or not.
Just a thought.

torrentg · 29 Oct 2009

Run Spinrite now then, if all you want to do is get to files. Should fix.

MattMJB0188 · 29 Oct 2009

LPDad said:

BTW... the problem with your LAPTOP might ALSO have been a powersupply that blew out (they go out more often then motherboards).
If it IS the powersupply, you should be able to find another fairly cheaply..and think of all the fun you can have replacing it (not too hard).
The motherboard, on the other hand, would be a nightmare to replace for someone not used to repairing laptops.

Just a thougt... Take the powersupply out of your laptop and take it to someone who has a tester (newegg has those also) or take it to a computer store..they can test it in about 10 seconds and tell you if that is the problem or not.
Just a thought.

LPDAD, I did that the day after it broke. It was tested and the power supply powered another laptop. The motherboard did die and I was told it would cost $500 to replace. I said F that. I currently have a Dell Studio XPS 16 on the way with the new 720QM processor

Only thing I want from this laptop are the files.

mpcrsc562 · 29 Oct 2009

i didn't check the newegg link, but a sata laptop drive can indeed use a desktop sata data and sata power cable--i've done it. beside, you'd get better copying speed using it hooked straight to the motherboard rather than usb.

LPDad · 29 Oct 2009

From what your describe, there is a 95% chance that your drive is fine.
Just be careful not to drop it, and keep it away from static electricity. You should have no problem with the static electricity issue, being from Santa Clarita...unless the Santa Ana Winds are blowing....that would be bad, if you know what I mean.

Go for it. You have nothing to loose. and the price is minimal.

MattMJB0188 · 29 Oct 2009

LPDad said:

From what your describe, there is a 95% chance that your drive is fine.
Just be careful not to drop it, and keep it away from static electricity. You should have no problem with the static electricity issue, being from Santa Clarita...unless the Santa Ana Winds are blowing....that would be bad, if you know what I mean.

Go for it. You have nothing to loose. and the price is minimal.

I know exactly what you mean lol. Thanks again for the recommendation.

blackroseMD1 · 29 Oct 2009

Yeah, before you go spending any money though, I would try popping it into a desktop. If it does fit, you should have access to you files without having to spend the extra cash.