I think I have a rather serious problem...

[m1spw]

IK got a new laptop recently, but didn't transfer all the files off my old computer. I took it off my desk and put it in a cupboard. Its about a week and a bit on now, and I've tried to switch it on to get all my music, photos, school work and email from it onto my laptop, and it won't switch on...

I've tried 2 different power leads, so its not the mains cable. I would imagine its just a wire that has come loose inside, so is it worth opening the case and having a look?

How much is it going to cost to have the data taken off the computer and put onto a CD/DVD by someone like PC World?

[m1spw]

Its ok about the stupid question, I was actually trying to turn it on with the mains power switch off first, then found I was pressing the reset button rather than the power button (they look the same dammit!). Basically, when I press the power button nothing happens at all, it doesn't send any signal to the screen, the fan doesn't come on, etc etc.

Whats this about an external USB thingummy? Would that work without any power source?

It mights just be a loose wire, but I can't get the case off for some reason

[m1spw]

tvrforever said:

another stupid one - but have to tried removing and re-fitting the battery?

Battery? Maybe I didn't make it clear, its a desktop PC I'm having problems with, not a laptop.

[m1spw]

tvrforever said:

m1spw said: tvrforever said: another stupid one - but have to tried removing and re-fitting the battery? Battery? Maybe I didn't make it clear, its a desktop PC I'm having problems with, not a laptop. Oops sorry! Have you tried serious use of #1 tool?

You mean a big hammer? Not yet, I'll go get one in a second....

Its a PC, not a laptop. I'll open the case up and see if the powersupply wire has come loose. Its about 4 years old now I think...

[m1spw]

Ok, I'll be honest. I've tried hitting it, shouting at it, screaming at it and none of it has worked.

I tried to remove the case and its somehow stuck on, and I can't work out how (time for tool #1 I think )

Can someone explain simply what the hard drive looks like should I get into the case, and how one of these adaptor things work in basic terms?

ETA: how do I know if I need a 2.5 or 3.5?

Thanks

>> Edited by m1spw on Saturday 7th January 20:42

[m1spw]

JonRB said:

m1spw said: Can someone explain simply what the hard drive looks like should I get into the case, and how one of these adaptor things work in basic terms? Hmmm. Do you know anybody local who does know what a HDD looks like? Because that would make life a whole lot easier.

I don't know, its not really the kind of thing that comes up in normal conversation - "nice day today" "yeh it is, oh and I know what a HDD looks like btw"...

Ok, so if I just ripped the side off the computer could I take a photo of it and post it up on here so someout could put a big arrow pointing to the HDD and tell me how to take it out?

[m1spw]

So its probably going to be a big metal shiny box that I can just unplug yeh?

Does this have everything on, including files and emails and stuff like that?

This has taught me to back more often - my most recent back up is from April last year

[m1spw]

SS2. said:

m1spw said: So its probably going to be a big metal shiny box that I can just unplug yeh? Does this have everything on, including files and emails and stuff like that? This has taught me to back more often - my most recent back up is from April last year Yup, and it will have a flat (probably grey in colour) cable plugged in the back plus a power lead (yellow, red, black cables). Likely to be below the CD drive..

Ok, thanks. I'll do it tomorrow, I can't be bothered with ripping the case open, and I'll wait till I've got the little USB connector thingummy.

[m1spw]

docevi1 said:

Um, Christian, I'm only on the other side of town...

Hi mate

Thanks for the offer, but I don't want to drag you out in this horrible weather. As for reading the manual, my dad had the computer built to his specification (and its basically an over priced piece of crap) so there is no manual for it. I would imagine it's just a loose wire inside, but I'm not going to use the computer any more so I may as well take the HDD out and then use the USB thing to backup all my documents in future.

I've tried different wall sockets and power leads, but nothing has worked, no lights or anything happening. Although I did get a rather large spark from a fan at one point which was a bit worrying...

[m1spw]

docevi1 said:

well to be fair, the past few days I've been sitting down f'all I'm off to see my sister and then the cinema this eve tho. As for the weather, I've already been out walking the dog & have a proper car now If you need a hand or advice, feel free to email me (address in profile or on www.stefancarlton.net).

What kind of car have you got now? Its times like this I'm glad I don't have a dog

Its not going to get sorted today anyway as I've got to get my coursework finished (not that I havn't done it or anything ) but if I need any help I'll email you.

Cheers

[m1spw]

Quick update, I got the hardrive out last night. Found and taken out easily!

Talked to someone at PC World about getting the data off it, they quoted....wait for it...£100

I refused pointing out I could get the data off myself for about £30, so now all I need is to get one of those USB hard drive connector thingummy's. I don't have the hard drive with me now, so am I right in thinking I need a 3.5" USB thing?

Also, as the computer is basically buggered, is it worth removing the CD drives/USB ports etc and trying to flog them on ebay?