hard disk crashed

[Castellente]

I took this to a computer repair guy and I don't know what exactly he did. Can you tell me how to try to get into recovery? That way I know whether the hard drive is completely gone. 

[mdklassen]

> I took this to a computer repair guy and I don't know what exactly he did.

Is he the one who initially told you that the "disk has crashed", or did you take your computer to him after the above discussion?

If the former, he really was not helpful -- like taking your automobile to a garage to have the mechanic tell you that a tire is flat, and then doing nothing more.

If the latter, did he do something to restore Windows to working status?

> Can you tell me how to try to get into recovery?

Turn off the computer.

Turn on the computer, and repeatedly tap-tap-tap the 'F8' key.

If the disk-drive is somewhat OK, it should show a menu of start-up options, including 'Recovery'.

> That way I know whether the hard drive is completely gone. 

The error-messages that you have posted indicate that the disk-drive is "physically" OK, because Windows starts to load, but is "logically" messed-up, to a state where Windows cannot complete its startup.

This status means that it should be possible to make a copy of all your Personal Files, onto an external disk-drive,

or to remove the disk-drive, install a brand-new disk-drive, install Windows onto it, and then copy your Personal Files from "old" to "new".

[Dragon-Fur]

@Castellente

@CherylG has provided the advice and the document(s) you need to understand how to attempt the Recovery.  

Post 6226563 1 Recovery document link and Recovery Media (for Purchase)

If the "onboard" Recovery does not work (F11) and you must replace the hard drive, this next post provides the link to the relevant guide:

Post 6226563_2 System Maintenance Guide - hardware "how-to" instructions

Please do take the time to familiarize yourself with the procedures (read the information) -- afterwards, you can make a decision on whether you want to attempt the repairs.

If you like, return to the Repair shop and ask the technician what, if anything, was done to your computer.

Good Luck.

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