HP Recovery needed, but important files on computer that are not backed up. [ Edited ]

[cazzuey]

Hey there,  

My computer is a HP media center PC m7657c. Just last night, after a normal day on my PC I turned it off as usual, only to wake up to an error this morning. Today, when I first turned on my PC after the HP page a messaged showed up that said "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER". I put in the disc and it read "NO OPERATING SYSTEM OR PARTITION INSTALLED CORRUPTED", "PRESS ARE TO PERFORM A FULL SYSTEM RECOVERY". I would do that without hesitation, if I could be certain my files would not be lost. I can no longer back them up as I cannot get any further than the page with that message. Is there any way to get back on without doing a recovery. Please help.

Thanks,

cazzuey

[wb2001]

Wecome to the peer to peer forum where other users try to help each other with their problems. That said, I am going to formulate an answer based on HP site support and common sense.  Sometimes they are not the same.

First of all, you remove the hard drive. It is imperative that you try to access the hard drive remotely.  I use this, and it's an ideal accessory to keep:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002&cm_re=sata_to_usb_adapter-_-12-232-0...

Warning: As the drive is XP OS, it is better to hook up to an XP or Vista machine. WIN7 has some problems with XP.

This is a USB product, so bootup the host computer, and then attach your faulty hard drive. Hopefully only the OS is corrupt. If you can access the data, copy all files. Then, if the drive was accessible try the usual maintenance, ie; error-checking on the drive.

Upgrade and Service Manual (how to remove drive): http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00681228.pdf

Troubleshooter Manual from HP: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00757358.pdf

The following page references assist you in finding the full text. I have enhanced the plain text to warn you about differences. Also, there is an valid contradiction.

PG 17:

Standard Recovery — This option recovers factory shipped programs, drivers, and the operating system without affecting any data files that you may have created since purchasing this PC. Some data files may be difficult to find after the System Recovery, so it is best to back up all hard disk drive files before performing a System Recovery.

Full System Recovery — This option completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive — this

includes deleting all data files you have created. The Full System Recovery reinstalls the operating

system, programs, and drivers from the recovery image or discs. However, you must reinstall any

software that was not installed on the PC at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs

included in the PC accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.

NOTE: If your PC has a blank or corrupted hard disk drive, you will see only the Full System Recovery option.

PG19, section 7. I find this has a contradiction.

For standard System Recovery, press R. Choose

Next to proceed with the System Recovery.

Choose Yes to start the recovery. Insert the remaining recovery discs when directed.

Or

For Full System Recovery, press F. Choose Yes to perform a Full System Recovery. Insert the

remaining discs when directed.

Or (this is a contradiction)

If your PC hard disk drive is blank or corrupted, press R to perform a Full System Recovery. Insert

the remaining recovery discs when directed.

PG20: Starting System Recovery if the PC is not responding

Hopefully this helps.