I can't boot up. Using Kinko's at 20 cents a min... help?

goodmorphing

Join Date 03/2002

I can't boot up. Using Kinko's at 20 cents a min... help?

I had been losing my connection so I thought something was starting to go wrong. I decided to do some preventive maintenance.

*I unplugged the computer for a few hours. It booted up fine after that and even seemed to run better.

*I ran object sweep, I ran disc cleanup, I deleted all but the last restore point, I defragmented.

*On normal surfing i heard a series of clicks from my tower. I got the blue screen that said something was wrong with hardware or software recently installed. To protect data windows was closing...

*could boot as far as the bootskin (my most recent software install) and then kept getting a black screen "we are sorry windows could not open"

*can not boot into safe mode...

I'm at kinkos, and this is costing 20 cents a min. I don't have lots of $$$

If anyone knows anything that might help, I will look here again in a minute or two. I have my old computer, I will try to get it set up, and some ISP installed for later on... And check again tomorrow or sometime.

I am not sure it is the bootscreen since I got dropped roughly 20 min after I booted in the last time. Those clicks prolly weren't good. sometimes I do get the bootskin I had installed.

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goodmorphing

Join Date 03/2002

Thanks, Paul. That'll help. What was included with the hd was lacking in pictures and I use them a lot!

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goodmorphing

Join Date 03/2002

You'll also need an IDE cable with two connectors on the end.

They sent a little baggie with stuff in it. And a cd, but i haven't looked at that yet. I have the impression it is settings.

What I'd do is install the O/S with just the new drive connected, you can connect the old one as slave later.

...trying to imagine what that looks like. Is there an unconnected cable hanging down in that case?

Thanks again! I'll do this tomorrow.

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Fuzzy Logic

Join Date 05/2002

+493

I meant disconnect the old drive, then connect the new in its place. That way the O/S on the old drive can't interfere with the install process. Not that it should, but best be safe

. Then when everything is working ok you can connect the old drive as a slave.

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Don't worry, GM...You can do this!

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http://www.pcmech.com/show/harddrive/43/

Not too many pics, but helpful information. Good luck!!

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goodmorphing

Join Date 03/2002

Hi jebland! Long time no see!

How are you?

Ok, Fuzzy, will do!

Thanks jesterb, I'll study that!

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kona0197

Join Date 02/2003

+86

Installing hardware is easy. It can be scary I guess.

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ama02

Join Date 05/2002

+11

You're wise to do the installation yourself.

I made the mistake of allowing my boss (the computer geek?) to install my new hard drive as the master, and my old one as slave, and using the included software to copy everything over to the new drive. Unfortunately, I got the call...he thought he was doing the copy and left the computer "for a moment", then came back to see that he had completely reformatted the old drive instead.

I have been slowly reinstalling what files I didn't lose (like all email and address book). I had several partial backups...but still. But, in the end, I have a lot more space and an upgraded USB card.

(I don't mean to scare you, just letting you know you've made the wiser decision to work through it yourself

)

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I would certainly hope you fired your boss....

Hey gm.....you got mail baby

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goodmorphing

Join Date 03/2002

I'm a little embarrassed how easy that was.

Only now my house is all a mess and i still have to move things around.

Thanks everyone!

I will be back after some sleep and stuff....

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1845

You got your new drive up and working?...good show...

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Fuzzy Logic

Join Date 05/2002

+493

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Tiggz

Join Date 08/2003

+39

Tiggz welcomes another techy geek into the fold

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Congrats, GM. I know you could do it. It's just a matter of confidence. (which will grow with each success)

I'm doing fine. Still around here a lot, but mostly just "lurking".

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goodmorphing

Join Date 03/2002

-its a geek beanie!

Thanks!

I still have to finish moving stuffs around. I just got a little lazy today...

Computer is much quieter. I'll let it be for a bit while I consider what to do with that idle hd.

Thanks for all the help and advice and good wishes..

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