How can I do a backup if my laptop wouldn't boot?

[Tony321]

My 3 mths old laptop won't boot after I did a virus scan that detected the boot file was corrupted, selected the repair and now it won't boot. The sad part is that a few days ago, I deleted the auto backup file because of memory space.

I called Dell support and they will save my data at a cost.

Does anyone know how I can retrieve my data? The OS is 64-bit Windows 7.

 

[Cobster]

Best and fastest way, take the HD out, mount it via USB cable to another computer, find your files, save.
Reformat the drive, re-install, done.

Doesn't take long if you know what you're doing. If you don't, find a local computer store that's a bit more reasonable than ShitBuy or FutureCrap.
Check Staples for a big box store and maybe some local repair shop and compare prices for what you want done.

That's assuming you don't care about the files you have on your drive and who sees them.

 

[Tony321]

Cobster, I can easily take my drive out but do i need to get one of those HD case for my drive to do this?

 

[danibbler]

There are two options that I am aware of; an external USB case that will take that size of drive (meaning a 2.5 inch) or you can find one of those devices that provide an interface for a bare drive to be hooked up to a computer/laptop. Best to find an external case.

Cobster, I can easily take my drive out but do i need to get one of those HD case for my drive to do this?

 

[Cobster]

Cobster, I can easily take my drive out but do i need to get one of those HD case for my drive to do this?

Not at all, go to TigerDirect, get something like this ......cost me $15
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2477926&CatId=3770

Can't tell you how many times I've used it to transfer files from old HDs to other HDs.
Transferring files, recovering, from laptops (like your scenario).
Save you the hassle of visiting a "genius bar" or ShitBuy for service.

Also used it a few times on a friend's Mac Pro which was out of warranty and essentially, the guts are the same as any other PC.
No need for an external case.

Just be sure you don't zap the drive with a static charge, get an anti-static bag at the store, a large one.

 

[Tony321]

Cobster, thank you very much for your help.

 

[danibbler]

Not at all, go to TigerDirect, get something like this ......cost me $15
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2477926&CatId=3770

Nice. I was thinking of something else.

Just be sure you don't zap the drive with a static charge, get an anti-static bag at the store, a large one.

Or a static discharge wrist strap.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Cobster, I can easily take my drive out but do i need to get one of those HD case for my drive to do this?

You don't need any case as long as you can connect your drive to another PC.
I've done this many times in the past without any problems since it's a temporary short term operation. Just make sure you are well grounded to avoid any static discharges while recovering files you desire.

 

[Twister]

My 3 mths old laptop won't boot after I did a virus scan that detected the boot file was corrupted, selected the repair and now it won't boot. The sad part is that a few days ago, I deleted the auto backup file because of memory space.

I called Dell support and they will save my data at a cost.

Does anyone know how I can retrieve my data? The OS is 64-bit Windows 7.

Windows does the option to repair when you boot with the disk or the recovery system, once you but assuming the HD is good you can back up.

 

[Cobster]

Or a static discharge wrist strap.

And one of those, can never be too cautious.

 

[Tony321]

wtf i cant believe this, there's one screw that I can't get out on the hard drive, even the guy at Staples don't have a tool that fits.

He suggest that I boot the computer up with Ubuntu and then connect my external drive and transfer the files that I need before doing a full Windows install.

The computer boot up with Ubuntu ver 9 but when I select try ubuntu without changing the computer, it went into command mood. I have no idea how to transfer the files using commands.

 

[Cobster]

Model laptop?

 

[Tony321]

its a Dell XPS L702X

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDGwt470zY4&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLB565E0DB412BF512

 

[Cobster]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL702X/en/SM/hdd.htm

Can't be all that hard, I've done it plenty of times upgrading HDs on Dells.


edit - Read your post too quickly, but you said one screw. Is it round, almost like a hexagon'ish shape or rounder?
Like an allen key?

 

[Tony321]

for some reason one of the screws is not phillips-head screw. lol

I took it to Staples and they can't unscrew it either.

 

[Tony321]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL702X/en/SM/hdd.htm

Can't be all that hard, I've done it plenty of times upgrading HDs on Dells.


edit - Read your post too quickly, but you said one screw. Is it round, almost like a hexagon'ish shape or rounder?
Like an allen key?

Yes, it round and nothing fits lol

 

[Cobster]

So the HD is attached to the laptop by these screws, you haven't removed it at all correct?


Do what some guys suggested on macrumors (to avoid costly upgrade lol) http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=927648
Stripped screw remover.
or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_s6CxwFoNM
(R/C cars kick ass btw)...

 

[Tony321]

I removed one drive, its was the backup drive,all the screws were phillips-head but the system drive has that round-head screw on top right side next to the memory, thats the one I can't get out.

I was able to connect and read the backup drive.

 

[Cobster]

Looks like this? If so, you need a T15 Torx scewdriver or another variant.
http://www.ges.cz/en/torv-m2x3-a2-GES06814067.html

 

[Tony321]

Hey Cobster, lol it looks like the same type of screws on my drive.

The repair guy at Staples suggest to drill it out lol, or use Ubuntu to boot and transfer the files