Saving data on hard disk after computer died?

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cheezeoid

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Oct 13, 2016
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Hi All,
My computer has died. When I turn it on the BIOS loads then says 'missing operating system'.
I think the hard disk with the operating system has died?
I have a separate internal hard drive which had all my important files (pictures ect) on it.
What should I do?
If I disconnect the drive then reinstall the operating system then reconnect the drive will it find the pictures?
I will probably go and see the local computer guy but just wanted to get an idea of what is possible. Would I need to take the whole computer to him or would just the hard disk do?
 
Solution
Boogieman_WD
Hi cheezeoid.

Basically @Ethan is correct. If the secondary storage drive is in a good condition, all your files should be intact. Recovering them should be as easy as connecting the drive either externally (via a SATA to USB adapter, external enclosure, or a docking station) or internally (via a standard SATA connection) to a computer with a working OS drive. Another option if you need to get to those files before you get a new drive (if your main HDD has failed) would be to access it via Ubuntu Live USB. This is a freeware, bootable, portable version of Linux. Here's a guide on how to make a bootable USB: https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows.

Hope that helps. Please let us know if there's anything...
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Ethanh100

Ethanh100

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Jun 10, 2014
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The system is likely fine if it says missing operating system, as if there was a problem with the installation, there would be some kind of error or further bootstrapping. Go into the bios or the boot menu and ensure that you are booting off the proper device. Otherwise yes just remove the drive with the files on it, reinstall, and the files will still be there.
 
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cheezeoid

Commendable
Oct 13, 2016
4
0
1,510


Hi Ethan,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry I forgot to mention that first of all i got a message about a disk being failed. I tried a couple of restarts but nothing. then the no system message. I was running vista. It was installed when I got the computer and I don't have a disk or validation code. what would happen if I installed windows 10?
 
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Ethanh100

Ethanh100

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Jun 10, 2014
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Okay so yeah just go ahead and remove the drive without the os on it, and install whatever OS you want and you will be good. Just make sure that you have a key for that os. a Vista key wont work for windows 10.
 
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cheezeoid

Commendable
Oct 13, 2016
4
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1,510


Thanks for your help Ethan It's much appreciated.
Anyone else have any tips let me know, i'm off to bed for now.
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

Judicious
Jul 31, 2014
6,050
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Hi cheezeoid.

Basically @Ethan is correct. If the secondary storage drive is in a good condition, all your files should be intact. Recovering them should be as easy as connecting the drive either externally (via a SATA to USB adapter, external enclosure, or a docking station) or internally (via a standard SATA connection) to a computer with a working OS drive. Another option if you need to get to those files before you get a new drive (if your main HDD has failed) would be to access it via Ubuntu Live USB. This is a freeware, bootable, portable version of Linux. Here's a guide on how to make a bootable USB: https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows.

Hope that helps. Please let us know if there's anything else we can help you with.
Boogieman_WD
 
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cheezeoid

Commendable
Oct 13, 2016
4
0
1,510


Thanks boogieman,
I think i'll give it a go myself.
 
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