That's usually how it starts. You hear a familiar sound when you turn on your computer. Or we can all work together and all of a sudden, the computer stops responding. Most people ignore one of these signs that something is wrong. You start or ignore the noise.
And therein lies the biggest problem. If the user immediately all important data when these events occur the replacement of the component (there are few components with moving parts of a computer -the power supply fan and hard drive are the two main suspects, if there are any unusual noises) is just time. But if you do not look for these signs, then the real fun begins. Recover data from a damaged hard drive is not for the faint of heart. Well, only if the unit is damaged, then there are several ways to recover data with software utilities. But our discussion today is going to physically damaged disks.
The first question I usually ask for a service call (I use a computerServices company) have current backup of all your data? If they say no (about 75% of the time), is the first thing I do is I tell him as a backup or if I place before I do it for them. Once there is a verified backup of the data, the rest is easy.
A technician has a 98% probability of recovering data from a hard drive, if there is no physical damage. A normal user with some help (information, tools, or both) has a probability of 90%. But, depending on the situationvery frustrating and time consuming. However, if the injury, forget it. Unless the data has a value of $ 1000, not because of what the bill would be to restore the data disturbed.
Soapbox on. Before going to shoot aspects of the problem, let me impress upon you the importance of all the current backup data. If you have backups in progress, not a computer problem may cause permanent damage. The best defense against computer failures of any kind is to back upData with a certain frequency. I like the concept is there, when I worked for over an hour spent on a project, I have once I'm done for sure. I'm lazy, I do not like to do everything twice, so often the backup. OK, I get out of the soapbox now.
Depending on what you save on your computer (and what you store, such as photos, movies, financial data, etc.) is the best way to protect themselves. There are so many simple ways to get back up there in these days there is absolutely no excuse not to gofrequently. USB flash drives and hard drives, DVD and CD burners (though there have been a lot written recently on these two media are not reliable for more than 2 years), and 1.44 disks can be used if you have the patience and individual files are in shape.
My first choice is a USB drive, because you can have a large hard disc for purchase under $ 75 these days. Many come with a one-click software that makes backing up data in an instant. There are many ways to use incremental backups (again up to a certainWeather) small daily backups and then a full backup weekly. But I digress, because this article is to address the problems and not the backup data.
Back to to strange noises from your computer. Two items to be checked before the supply fan and hard drive (which could be a third choice of the newer computers, as most have a fan on the processor chip). Both bearings and spinning at high speed. It is usually possible to determine if the noise comes from one or the other.Replace the power supply is not a big deal, but annoying, depending on the computer model and case design. If you are not handy with a screwdriver and understand a little basic structure of positive and negative terminals, is necessary for a computer repair shop. It is not difficult, but the connection is simply wrong, and you can fry your motherboard and everything attached when something goes wrong.
So, you have the power supply fan and the noise comes to be seenelsewhere. Because there are several elements within the hard disk, the noise can, but I will not bore you with details. Just enough to say, when the noise starts, it's time for a replacement. Mean time to failure these days is 3-5 years older units. But remember that a value of every day, then it can happen at any time.
The easiest way is to replace the hard drive, the exact model and there is none, the price point drops ever buy. So instead of a 20 gig hard(This is never filled one), go for the 120 gig hard drive replacement. Along with the disc is a CD, the installation routine for most computers have. You must open the case (make sure your computer is connected not only down, but the power cord from the back of the computer) and remove the old hard drive, carefully replacing the links in the same way as the old hard drive to new drive drive. There are only two, one power and one that the drive is connected to the motherboard.
Once youthat the unit is plugged in and the case together again ready to use the installation CD from the drive manufacturer. If the computer's BIOS to boot the CD (most are since many do not even have a floppy disk anymore), I start again and an error message (we need to have power to open the CD drive) , and open the CD and insert the disk in the installation CD and close it. Now reboot and the CD usually starts with a menu that you can configure the machine and oftenThey ask for the operating system (usually WinXP) CD to start the installation. And therein lies the first potential snafu. You do not have the WinXP installation CD, because the computer with XP on the hard drive.
Do not worry, it's a slow, but not an insurmountable problem. You have to call now or visit the website of the computer manufacturer and ask for a set of restore / install CD. They usually charge 50-10 dollars for shipping, but you like the CD. EnsureYour exact model of your computer so you have all the correct video card, sound card and other drivers for your computer. This is very important!
Most computer manufacturers have this down to a science and the CD has everything you need. Simply start the first CD and restore / installation process is fairly automated with you just answer a few questions. The whole process takes about 90 minutes and do not forget to check all applications must be installed after the installationHe bought the computer.
A very important detail that must be addressed is to ensure that the installation of antivirus software. Make sure you install it before connecting to the Internet itself. I can not tell you how many times I come from a computer within seconds hit seen online, and if you have no protection, immediately suggested. They also install all the updates WinXP clicking on the Microsoft Windows Update Web site and click on the left side of the opening to see. Leaveit is magic, and install all critical updates.
Now you can copy all the data on the new hard drive and are now back in operation. Now, for all of you reading this article and not backed up your data, you should do it now. You will be very glad you are only in the event of disaster.
