HP pavilion hard disk error

[LisaAnn99]

I have a hard disk failure with code

U4L37D-7L4A3G-RXPR6K-60U603

does anyone happen to know what this means?  I have a blue screen and the login prompt, and I can type in my password, but then it goes nowhere. 

also, right now the login screen is locked up on the secondary monitor, rather than on the laptops touchscreen.  

This is how I remote in for my job while I’m forced to work from home.  I’m at a loss for what to do at this point.  I can’t even walk it into a store for help.  

Any ideas would be appreciated.

thanks! 

[WAWood]

@LisaAnn99 

The tool we use to check that code doesn't tell us much -- as it only says you have a hard disk failure.

So basically, that code means you have to replace the drive -- and if you have anything valuable on it that you have NOT backed up (like nearly everyone else), then you need to let us know so we can provide you advice about doing data recovery before you replace the drive.

[LisaAnn99]

Thank you. No, I do not have it backed up.  I’m not sure how to go about saving anything when I am not able to log in or use it at all.  

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@LisaAnn99 

OK, then let's deal with data recovery first.

1) Remove the hard drive from the old PC
2) If you have a PC with a spare hard drive connector, then connect the laptop drive to that. If you only have a notebook PC, then you will need to purchase a USB-to-Hard Driver adapter kit (like the one illustrated below)

3) Connect the old drive to a working PC,using that adapter if it is a laptop
4) Try to retrieve the files and folders you want to save from the old drive and copy them to the new PC.

If this does not work, then you need to do the following:
1) Download and install this utility on a working PC http://www.majorgeeks.com/news/story/recover_data_in_3_steps_with_minitool_power_data_recovery_free_...
2) Run the data recovery utility to see what can be retrieved from the old drive.

If that tool does not find what you need, an alternative is Recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva

And, if that does not work well, the best tool out there is this one, but only the trial version is free http://www.file-recovery.com/

[LisaAnn99]

I think I’ll need to find someone who understands how to do this.