Hard Drive Failure

It seems that my computer reached it's end.
Recently it has been randomly freezing while I was working on it, unfreezing a few seconds later.
And I had noticed that the tower was making clicking noises while frozen.
I tried to back it up overnight, but when I checked on it in the morning, I saw these words: Hard Drive Failure.

I ran a diagnostic test (DST Short Status Test?) and got Error 1000-0141.

My question is: what can I do to recover my data on the HDD? I tried running rc.iso from a disc to run chkdsk /r, but I got a BSOD. All I can do is access BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, or press f12 to run a diagnostic. Any suggestions? I am willing to work directly on the tower if necessary. Thanks in advance.

 

First, you'll have to purchase a new hard drive and reinstall Windows on it.

Recovery of the data on the old drive is iffy. The clicking sound indicates it likely an internal problem with the platters and/or needle.

To attempt recovery of data on the old drive, hook it to a working PC using an external drive adapter such as this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156102

If the working PC recognizes the old drive and assigns it a letter, you can search for the "Users" file and attempt to transfer the files (My Documents, My Pictures, etc.) to the working PC.

If the drive is not recognized or asks you to reformat it before using, you will likely need to decide how much the data is worth for a professional to recover it.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks! I'll try to see if I can transfer my data soon.

 

You can also try booting up to a utility disk, like:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/ultimate_boot_cd_(ubcd).html

There are utilities on the disk that can help diagnose a hard drive.

Also, failing that, once you get a new drive and get it installed and booting to the operating system, you can install the old drive in the system as a second drive, and see if the OS can "see" it . . . that would save you the cost of an external enclosure for the drive. Most Motherboards can support more then one harddrive at a time. Just make sure you have the old drive jumpers (if it has them) set to "slave".

I'm with gman863 on the clicking sound not being a good sign . . .