[123Runner]

Being that its a desktop, you can remove the drive and either place it as a slave in another desktop or place it in a USB enclosure.

Lets try and save the data 1st and then try to repair the OS.
A repair install will only repair the OS and will leave the data intact. You will need to do all the updates.

What is the make of the hard disk (western digital, seagate, etc)?
Is it a SATA drive or a ide drive?
Make and model of the drive will allow us to search and get that info if needed.

What computer are you using now? Desktop or laptop?

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Hi
Sorry for delay - family gathering.
Will find out hard drive details - but may have to access computer's innards... I'm currently using my daughter's laptop
m69

[maldon69]

Hi
Sorry for delay - family gathering.
Will find out hard drive details - but may have to access computer's innards... I'm currently using my daughter's laptop
m69

[Macboatmaster]

I do not think you will run the repair install.
I suggest you follow the advice that I gave in post 2 and 123Runner has repeated. Slave the drive and recover the data. Then reload using the product key on the machine.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 29 August 2010 - 12:36 PM.

[maldon69]

Ok - thanks for that - I assume I have to take the hard drive out....?
Once again thanks for your help in this

m69

[maldon69]

Hi guys
Just to update - I have managed to remove hard drive - it's a Maxtor DiamondMax 10 160GB PATA 133
Regards
m69

[123Runner]

You can either slave it to a friends desktop to get the data or use a USB enclosureand attach to the laptop.

[Macboatmaster]

http://seagate.custk....jsp?NewLang=en

On this link click the Diamond Max, you will find useful tools for when you reinstall AND if you wish for creating a backup of the drive, appreciating that you will not want the complete image for reinstallation due to the problems.

AND for your info - COA
http://www.microsoft...ent.aspx?pg=coa

Edited by Macboatmaster, 29 August 2010 - 04:15 PM.

[maldon69]

Thanks guys really appreciated - will let you know how I get on.
regards
m69

[maldon69]

Well I have bought hard drive enclosure, changed drive to slave, attached it to my daughter's laptop - and can now access all my data! Will pause now to consider next step - but just like to express my thanks to you two guys for all your help - much appreciated!
m69

[Macboatmaster]

maldon69
I am very pleased that you have managed to access your data.
PLEASE COME BACK ANYTIME YOU WISH - obviously.
Your courtesy and the trouble you have taken to say thanks, make the job worthwhile.
Thanks to you.
An entry on my signature notes says all - some people cannot even be bothered to post the thanks.
Take care and all the best.

[123Runner]

Macboatmaster said it all

Come back when you are ready to install the OS.