Windows won't boot, looking for something to recover the files so I can do a format.

format_quote Originally Posted by squiggle

I can't get into Windows, whenever the pc comes on it says something about a file being corrupt or missing. I've tried putting the windows cd in and repairing the install however it doesn't recognise any operating system as being installed, it only gives me the option to do a fresh install.

So how do I recover the files? then I can proceed with a fresh install.

Ouch, that hurts

If you using Vista it is a fairly common problem. It is a corrupted system 32 file. This might work for you, restart the PC while holding down on the F-8 key. It should open with the MS-DOS menu. Select Safe mode with Command prompt. Inshallah it will open. Select yes on each of the choices. When it opens if Safe Mode, immediatly click start and then restart from the close menu. It should open. But at this point insert you set-up CD and choose the setup option without restarting. It should te-install without any loss of your files.

May it work for you, it worked on my wifes laptop when we got the dreaded blank screen. I did that out of frustration and trial and error. Mashallah it worked on her laptop before I threw it out the nearest window.

I've tried that akhi woodrow. can't even get into safe mode I'm going to take the hard disk out and connect it to another computer, or I might buy a new hard drive and install Windows on it. Then copy the stuff from the old hard drive on to the new one. Then format the old one.

format_quote Originally Posted by squiggle

I've tried that akhi woodrow. can't even get into safe mode I'm going to take the hard disk out and connect it to another computer, or I might buy a new hard drive and install Windows on it. Then copy the stuff from the old hard drive on to the new one. Then format the old one.

Since what I said did not work, That is the only option left.

If that don't work, it means there was physical damage done to the HDD and for that, home repairs are out of the question.

format_quote Originally Posted by Bedouin

You could get a hard drive enclosure like this and use it as an external USB drive.

For a more immediate solution, try downloading a Ubuntu live CD and booting from that. Here's some instructions (few years old so make sure you check around to get the latest info):

I have an external drive but no idea how to run Windows off it, I'm going to go to my aunties house and burn the Ubuntu cd and give that a try.

The ubuntu should sort you out inshaAllah.

As for the other thing, what I meant was, buy an enclosure/hard drive caddy (around 5-10 pounds) that will let you use your non-booting hard drive as an external USB storage device. You don't need to boot from it, you can simply use it as a 'usb drive' for storing data. You would of course be able to retrieve what's already on there.

format_quote Originally Posted by Bedouin

The ubuntu should sort you out inshaAllah.

As for the other thing, what I meant was, buy an enclosure/hard drive caddy (around 5-10 pounds) that will let you use your non-booting hard drive as an external USB storage device. You don't need to boot from it, you can simply use it as a 'usb drive' for storing data.

Ah I get you now, make it into a external hdd then copy the information from it this is also worth a try hmmmm

OK I'll burn Ubuntu live onto a cd, boot from it, copy all the information onto a external drive then format it

If the problem is related to missing or corrupt NTLDR; its easily repairable. Use any system repair CD, e.g. Acronis Disk Director, Spotmau Powersuite, Norton Ghost or anything similar. I recommend either Hiren's Boot CD or Admin Tools or Admin Tools from Vortex.

If the problem is something other than NTLDR; please give any details you think are relevant to diagnose the fault.