Computer Panic - Help!

I hope it isn’t a Seagate or Maxtor drive Deb! I had two fail on me and read that they are quite unreliable. I’m just saying . . . .

It is promising that part of the drive opens, even though it isn’t the part that you need. I would go to a reliable computer guy (do you have anyone you can use?) and see if he can get it. There are ways, I just couldn’t tell you how without being there. I hope you get the help you need.

Please let us know – my heart goes out to you!

Sheila

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"

Can you still download?

-- Fred

Is your new computer a Mac or a PC?

-- Jeff - I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

I have a Mac and the drive doesn’t even show up as an option re: downloading to it.

I think what caused the problem is a poor connection cable from the computer to the little boxie thingy where the cables connect (I’m tired and the brain isn’t working right now) .. USB port.. phew .. found the words.
It keeps disconnecting/reconnecting on me, so I can’t “eject” the external hard-drive before it disconnects.

the hard-drive is a “SimpleTech”.

And that would be the extent of my computer knowledge :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

First, I would say you need to start with a new “little boxie thingy” that works. If you already know you have a problem with that part, it would be the place to start.

Second, are you certain you got the data on to the external drive?

Third, do you still have the original drive (maybe still in the old computer) that has the data?

There are reliable companies that can recover lost data. These aren’t ypur local computer shop. Check your phone book or use someone elses computer and google data recovery services.

-- Don't rollerskate in a buffalo herd

I had transferred all my data off of the old computer in an attempt to figure out what the problem was that I was having with it (a whole other issue) .. so all of the data went onto the external.

It was working fine until yesterday … I think it is the multi-port that is between the computer and the hard-drive that has caused the problem … that’s what I think anyway.. so I’ll have to invest in a new one of those little box thingies for sure.

I guess I could try connecting the external directly to my computer. Haven’t tried that yet.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

If the data was ever on there, it is probably still on there! So simplify your troubleshooting by eliminating the usb bub and connecting the drive directly to your computer. It should detect it and mount it. If it doesn’t try another usb port on your computer.

-- Mike P., Arkansas, http://mpounders1.blogspot.com

Sh…........ampoo.
MsDebbie
this is awful.
I do believe that there is no such thing as lost.
My eldest used to do data retrieval.
I dont know anything about it all though.
So I’m just going to do a good old fashioned “Hold Thumbs” for you.

Jamie

-- Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The direct connection might do it. Some USB peripherals won’t work through a hub. It is a good place to start.

no luck. (the direct connection)

And thanks for the “holding thumbs”. Tack!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

You need to download this Ubuntu distribution and burn it as an iso.

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Here are some examples of the possibilities

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/31804/the-10-cleverest-ways-to-use-linux-to-fix-your-windows-pc/

-- Fred

Debbie, put your ear to the drive … can you hear the drive spinning. It may just be an electrical problem, in which case your data is safe and the drive can be repaired. I will send you my direct email address, I may be able to help.

Jim

-- Jim in Langley BC Canada --- www.sollows.ca

Deb,

Have you restarted the computer at all? One thing I would suggest is to disconnect the USB and reboot the computer. Once it is back up, try the USB connection or direct connect again.

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.

I work as a computer repair tech by day for a big electronics chain and there is a good possibility that your data may still be retrievable if you can’t get it working again. Places like Future Shop or Best Buy for example, may be able to retrieve lost data using special tools and software when all else fails. They probably won’t charge you for the diagnosis to rule out another mechanical or electrical issue first, but may charge about $100 to back the data up onto a new drive if they can retrieve it. Unfortunately, any warranty you have with the drive itself only covers the drive, not your data. They don’t really make that clear when you buy them. Hopefully, it’s just a faulty power adaptor or USB cable, something simple like that.

Good luck.

-- Rob, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, newagainedm.blogspot.com