[halo422]

Yes my parents old Dell is about to kick the bucket but they are persistent to squeeze every bit of mileage out of it. Well it seems that the computer is parting sooner then they expected. Just recently the computer has been booting to the black screen asking for the start-up options (Windows normal start-up, Load previous config, etc.). I tried every option but it keeps restarting the system. The windows xp loading logo displays for about 2 seconds and then it restarts. I don't even get the chance to access the bios. The computer is pretty much done anyway but there's crucial data on the 10gb hard drive that needs to be retrieved. Any and all help is appreciated.

[edhicks]

halo422

Can you install 10 gb drive into another computer for file retreivial?

[Wino]

I suspect the reason for the 'black' screen is because the unit is shutting down before Windows fully boots. When is the last time you opened the case and blew out all the dust? Also while in there check to be sure all fans are running when you power up. If the fan on the CPU isn't working or the heatsink is full of grime, you'll have the symptoms you describe.

[jazz3000]

And CMOS batteries die as well. When was the last time you swapped out the old CMOS for a new one. It can effect your time and date in bios and knock the entire system out of the ball park. Jazz

[halo422]

yea it might be the CMOS battery because the light on the motherboard is orange rather than green (unless its supposed to be orange :/)

i did open up the computer and spend a good 30 mins vacuuming all the crap outta there but i dont know about the heat sink and the fan does work

but wat do u recommend as the fastest, easiest, and most efficient way to get data off the HardDrive (the comp is gonna get scrapped after i get the data)

[jazz3000]

I'd figure if the system is gone and the HDD works that either an external casing to run through a usb port or slaving the thing to another system would work. If you need the data burn it to a DVD or CDRW. Jazz

[halo422]

k i'll try it out, thx

[CapriAnupam]

Did you try booting the PC in safe mode?

You can take off the data from the hard disk by attaching it as a slave drive in another working PC.