how do you backup files when there is a bad operating system?

Question

Have a Gateway MS2274 Notebook that is not turning on...screen is black....attempting system repair....how do I backup files to an external hardrive when the operating system wont work?

Answer 1

You've got a couple of choices. The idea behind these is to bypass the normal boot and get the files off that way.



1) Try starting safe mode. From the symptoms this isn't going to work but it's always worth a try. When starting Windows press F8. If the computer starts try copying the files whilst in safe mode or try using the option that says restart with last known good configuration.



The next ones rely on having another working computer.



2) Start the computer from a CD. Windows can't do this (not easily anyway) but Linux can. Download one of these - http://livecdlist.com/ - burn it to a CD then restart the broken computer from that CD. If you're not used to it Linux can be a bit intimidating but you should be able to see the drive and copy the files from it.



The next ones rely on you taking the drive out of the broken computer. Turn the notebook over and you'll see a number of small compartments held in by one or two screws. The hard drive should be under one of those.



3) You can get an external enclosure like one of these - http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=92 - make sure you get the right type for your drive. You can then attach the drive to any working computer and get the files that way.



4) Not so pretty but more versatile is one of these adapter cables - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=sata+ide+usb+adapter&x=17&y=19 - these things are great and will connect any drive, except SCSI, to a working USB port.

Answer 2

Dear Friend,



If you can not access in safe mode windows and either you cannot manage to get into dos then you need to take the hard disk out from the notebook and plug it in to an external device in order to backup your vital data.



if you manage to enter in dos ru the command chkdsk /f to try to repair the disk errors



thats the problem when people buy a computer and they dont explained them that they will need eventually a backup strategy. We all have a digital life and we need to start protecting it.



Best solution is to register with an online backup provider like www.backup-easy.com that they offer the no1 cloud backup solution in really affordable prices. They have a special deal for 25 gb and you can backup photoss , backup documents and any important files you have. Backup easy is using asigra mobile software that is certified with FIPS. Price of the software is free and you pay for the gb you backup only. You can check their prices here:http://www.backup-easy.com/backup-pricing-packages



Their backup solution is using great compression so even if you have large amount of GB will be reduced during backups so you can store more data than you think!!! Calculate your gbs from their calculator:http://www.backup-easy.com/instant-calculator



Hope i was helpful!!!

Answer 3

Wow did a search of your computer.. Loads of battery issues lol



Well.. Is it XP? Windows 7?



► ERD (Recovery) (XP) / Linux (Recovery) (Vista/7)◄



You Could Try Booting The Computer Using ERD If It's XP.. It's Free :)



You Can do So Much With ERD.. System Restore, Command's Ect

And Copy Any Files you want to a External HDD Or USB Stick.



ERD For XP CD Tutorial's...

1) http://calmit.org/free-erd-commander-2007/

2) http://101pctricks.blogspot.com/2008/03/reset-windows-xp-password-using-erd.html



ERD For XP USB Tutorial's...

1) http://forum.xatrix.org/tutorials-f26/erd-commander-2005-usb-t1552.html

2) http://forum.xatrix.org/tutorials-f26/erd-commander-2005-usb-t1552.html



If you Have Windows Vista/7 It's Still Possible For Free.

1) http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/274691-use-puppy-linux-live-cd-to-recover-your-data/

2) http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/



Hope it helps :)