try this and see if you have a hardware issue -
This will run a completely different operating system from the CD
UBUNTU
It may be possible to boot from another Operating System
This will at least test the Hardware and also see if you can see the Harddrive and possibly get data off.
If you have another PC with a cdwriter and spare CD
goto
http://www.ubuntu.com/ and download the ISO
full details are here
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/
click on the image "download ubuntu"
Select a location
then begin download
Save the file onto your PC - remember where you saved it - so you can find it again to create the image bootable CD.
You do
NOT copy the ISO file onto a CD - you have to use the ISO to create a bootable CD
The CD creator software you have on the PC may have an option to create an image from an ISO
If not - use this free program
http://www.imgburn.com/
When the UBUNTU CD boots - you will see the following options
1) Try ubunto without any change to your computer
2) Install ubuntu
3) Check CD for defects
4) Test memory
5) Boot from first hard disk.
Use
OPTION 1 "Try ubunto without any change to your computer" ONLY this option this will run from the CD and not install onto your harddrive -
be careful, if you do install onto the PC - you will wipe the data and software OFF your hard drive.., so repeat only use option 1
Now you should see a UBUNTU desktop
This at least proves the main parts of the PC are working
You may see your Harddrive on the desktop - if not have in look in the places on the tool bar at the top of the screen.
If you can see your harddrive - see if you can find the your datafiles -
XP look in "documents and settings" under the user name you had on the PC
Vista look in "user" under the user name you had on the PC
Now if you have a USB flash drive or external harddrive - you should be able to copy your data from the harddrive onto the USB device
If you still have issues mounting the harddrive:
On the main menu of Ubuntu, there's an option to Check CD for defects. I ran this and was able to mount the C Drive.