unable to boot laptop

Hello, I have a Lenovo Flex 2-14 running W 8.1 which had blue screen' episode after doing some driver updates, then would not reboot. It said that it had a problem and was looking for a solution. It gets to 100% and tries to reboot but just goes back to 'got a problem' then just keeps repeating the cycle.
I do not have a restore disc but there is a reset to factory settings button on the machine which I could try.
Problem is that there is data on there that I really want to save so do not want to reset to factory settings. It is still under warranty but Lenovo say they cannot save the data when will repair it.
I have been told that if the hard drive is removed it can be linked to another machine to retrieve the data. Is that really possible? If that was tried, would opening the machine void the warranty?
I would appreciate any help or suggestions that anyone can give me.
Thanks, Jan

 

There is the possibility of simply refreshing the operating system and leaving the file system intact. This will remove all your apps, and you will have to fully update Windows from square one, or the latter option is to completely wipe the drive.

If you are so inclined, you can use an ATAPI bridge like an Apricorn DriveWire device to connect your hard drive to another machine to back up your data. An R&I on the hard drive should be fairly easy as the specs on a Flex 2 show a SATA hard drive. However, the specs do not specify if the drive is a 2.5" SATA, or a 1.8" mSATA. Most likely, it's the former instead of the latter. I don't think that an R&I on the hard drive would void your warranty, but I could be wrong. That you would have to take up with Lenovo, and sometimes don't ask, don't tell is a good idea...



MajorGeeks: Helping you void your warranty since 2002 :-D

:major

 

Thank you. This is all new to me, so could you give me some idea where to get these items and most importantly how to use them.
What is an R & I?
If I refreshed the operating system and left the file system intact, would that save my data? How would I do that. Is it an option on the reset button on the machine?
Jan

 

R&I: Remove and install

When Windows asks to reset the machine it should show two options. The first is to simply refresh the operating system which should preserve the file structure. The second is to completely wipe the drive and reinstall windows. It is your choice. I do recommend a backup regardless of your choice of options.

As far as the adapter, this would suffice provided your drive is 2.5"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2RB16J0694&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Security+Locks+%26+Accessories-_-9SIA2RB16J0694&gclid=CjwKEAjwhbCrBRCO7-e7vuXqiT4SJAB2B5u7xlJKhSJ444g6Vr3byo9xlFgGZUpbyZMWGFKkersMhhoCrEnw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

The difficult task on your part may well be disassembly of your Flex. I've not had the privilege of upgrading or repairing one as of yet...

 

Unfortunately I've seen more than one W8 machine borked like this from an update. When you get the "frowny face" screen, normally Safe Mode doesn't work either. But, it never hurts to try.

After the machine has it's "episode", it normally goes straight to the refresh or wipe options.

 

Thanks JoeRay12 and the mekanic,
I can't boot into 'safe mode'. The message I got was 'Unexpected kernel mode trap BSOD'. Does that mean a problem with the operating system or is the hard drive damaged?
This is all sounding a bit too difficult for me to do I'm afraid.
I think I'll have to try to find someone to do it for me.
Really appreciate both of you helping me.
Jan