Pavilion zd8000 File Retrieval

[ajjam]

My Pavilion zd8000 crashed and I keep getting a blue screen error message.  After running the Hard Drive tests in the BIOS set up options, the initial test passed and the comprehensive test failed.  The HP Self Help manual recommends purchasing a new hard drive.  How do I retrieve my files from my current hard drive, before attempting to reload the operating system or installing a new hard drive?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

One possible way to try and retrieve your files from a non-booting drive is to follow the process detailed in the link below.  The Ubuntu operating system CD you create can run from the CD alone ( ie it doesn't have to install on the Hard Drive ) and I've often found it to be successful in retrieving data even from a failing Hard Drive.  When you've created the CD, follow the instructions and see if you can back up your existing files. 

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windo...

Regards,

DP-K