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  1. #1
    Machine Gunner spyder's Avatar
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    Default Computer guru's, need help

    I'm using my tablet currently because my computer won't get passed the "boot from bbs-harddisk" screen.... What is wrong with my computer? It's a toshiba satellite L500 running windows 7 made in 2009 with an intel core i3 processor.
    If you make something idiot proof, someone will make a better idiot... Forget youth, what we need is a fountain of smart. There are no stupid questions, just a lot of inquisitive idiots.
    Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome. --Isaac Asimov
    Like, where's spyder been? That guy was like, totally cool and stuff. - foxtrot

  2. #2
    MODFATHER cstone's Avatar
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    Can you boot from a live CD? This would allow you to access the data on your drive to make a backup.

    Most likely there is a system file that is corrupted. You will probably wind up doing a restore from the factory hidden partition on the laptop's hard drive. This will overwrite your data and bring your computer back to the way it was when it was first purchased. There should be information on how to conduct a restore in your manual or on the manufacturer's web site.
    Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.

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  3. #3
    Machine Gunner spyder's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cstone View Post
    Can you boot from a live CD? This would allow you to access the data on your drive to make a backup.

    Most likely there is a system file that is corrupted. You will probably wind up doing a restore from the factory hidden partition on the laptop's hard drive. This will overwrite your data and bring your computer back to the way it was when it was first purchased. There should be information on how to conduct a restore in your manual or on the manufacturer's web site.
    Will that erase all my files and pictures? I guess it doesn't matter if that's the only way to fix it, but would like to know...
    If you make something idiot proof, someone will make a better idiot... Forget youth, what we need is a fountain of smart. There are no stupid questions, just a lot of inquisitive idiots.
    Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome. --Isaac Asimov
    Like, where's spyder been? That guy was like, totally cool and stuff. - foxtrot

  4. #4
    MODFATHER cstone's Avatar
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    If you run a restore, it will reformat your drive and overwrite much of your data. Before doing a restore, you should boot the computer from a live CD and find your data and copy it to an external drive first.
    Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.

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  5. #5
    Machine Gunner spyder's Avatar
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    No live cd... I have to order one... damn...
    If you make something idiot proof, someone will make a better idiot... Forget youth, what we need is a fountain of smart. There are no stupid questions, just a lot of inquisitive idiots.
    Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome. --Isaac Asimov
    Like, where's spyder been? That guy was like, totally cool and stuff. - foxtrot

  6. #6
    High Power Shooter Rabid's Avatar
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    If your hard drive did not die on you chances are it can be repaired or at least get your file back.

  7. #7
    Gong Shooter
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    Try using utility called spinrite from grc.com, if your hard drive is recoverable this could help. Once you get it to boot do a backup of important files.

  8. #8
    Witness Protection Reject rondog's Avatar
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    Computers suck. I like 'em, but I hate 'em as well.
    There's a lot more of us ugly mf'ers out here than there are of you pretty people!

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  9. #9
    Paper Hunter mtik00's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by spyder View Post
    No live cd... I have to order one... damn...
    If you have access to someone else's computer (work/friend), Live CD's can be downloaded and burned to disc for free. All you need is an internet connection, CD burner, and CD.

    I'd recommend Ubuntu Desktop. It's probably the most Windows-like linux.
    http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

    After you burn the live CD, you should be able to boot from your CD-ROM drive (instead of your hard drive), grab the files you need (probably to a USB thumb drive), and then do a restore.

  10. #10
    High Power Shooter Rabid's Avatar
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    Ubuntu will also tell you if the hard drive has an error.

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