[parrot feet]

Bad news - I found all the paperwork etc I got with the laptop, there is no disc.

More bad news - attached is a photo of the product key sticker on the base of the laptop, the sticker is really worn and can only just make out a couple of letters. Can Photoshop help?

Some good news (I hope!) - I found three discs which I've written on recovery 1 2 and 3. I remember making them at the start when prompted by an icon on the laptop. I also have my external HDD which I did a backup on I think.

At this stage I am just looking to get the laptop fixed, and determine what is broken, and if anything needs replaced. I made a backup of all my important files and documents a day or two before I dropped it, so data recovery isn't entirely essential at this point, just to see if the HHD is healthy.

Edit ... I had it in peices a day before I dropped it to clear the fan. I took it apart again after the drop to see if anything was loose, everything seems normal. I gave the HDD a very gentle shake to hear if anything was loose, and the best way to describe it would be that it sounds like a postage stamp is loose inside and making a subtle sound.

Edit 2 ... I haven't booted it for the last day or two so as not to cause any more damage. I did try again this morning though just to give you a couple more details. The Acer screen loads and I can press f2 For setup. I can then press f8 for safe mode options etc. When I continue, the windows loads a list of drivers and stops half way, then automatically goes to system repair. After a little loading it says 'windows cannot repair this computer automatically'. See my reply #10 for details. It also says ...

Problem event name: startup repair offline
Problem signature 01: 6.1.7600.16385
Problem signarure 02: 6.1.7600.16385
Problem signature 03: unknown
Problem signature 04: 21200714
Problem signature 05: autofailover
Problem signature 06: 6
Problem signature 07: corruptfile
OS version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Locale id: 1033

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by parrot feet, 13 February 2015 - 03:11 AM.

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Apologies for the delay been rather busy with work 

 

Would it be possible to use a work or friends computer to find out what is on the disks that you created, an appropriate Windows 7 disk will possibly be needed to repair/replace damaged files.

 

See if you can boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt and run SFC on the C: drive, if you can, at the command prompt type in sfc /scannow then press Enter, this can take some time to complete, may need to be run 3 or 4 times to complete any/all repairs and may ask for the installation DVD if it cannot complete all repairs.

 

If needed we can point you towards a Windows 7 ISO download, if you are able to repair the present Windows installation I suggest that you make a note of the licence key number and keep it somewhere safe Magical Jellybean (free) will give you your product key details.

[phillpower2]

Apologies for the delay been rather busy with work 

 

Would it be possible to use a work or friends computer to find out what is on the disks that you created, an appropriate Windows 7 disk will possibly be needed to repair/replace damaged files.

 

See if you can boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt and run SFC on the C: drive, if you can, at the command prompt type in sfc /scannow then press Enter, this can take some time to complete, may need to be run 3 or 4 times to complete any/all repairs and may ask for the installation DVD if it cannot complete all repairs.

 

If needed we can point you towards a Windows 7 ISO download, if you are able to repair the present Windows installation I suggest that you make a note of the licence key number and keep it somewhere safe Magical Jellybean (free) will give you your product key details.

[parrot feet]

No problem with delay getting back to me, your help is greatly appreciated. I have managed to get my hands on an old desktop to tide me over for the moment.

I tried running in safe with command prompt, but the same thing happens, it freezes at the driver fltmgr.sys and then automatically runs startup repair where it doesn't allow me to progress.

I put the 1st recovery disk in a different computer to see what's on, and there are 5 foleders titled BOOT, EFI, GAIA, IMAGES, and SOURCES. There are 4 other files - ACERBOOT_FOLDER (TAG file), BOOTMGR (file), RCD (DAT file), and Restore (DAT file). This means nothing to me but hopefully sounds promising!

[phillpower2]

Those folders are of no particular use in this situation as what we need is a Windows OS disk to obtain the missing drivers etc from, the above can be achieved easier by using the Acer e recovery option if the recovery partition is still present, you have backed up your data so that is not a problem so if you want to check for a recovery partition, restart the computer and keep tapping the Alt and F10 keys down both at the same time.

[parrot feet]

Well, Alt + F10 worked, and loaded the Acer recovery. I have 2 options, which would you recommend, and would either require a Windows OS disc (which I dont have)?

 

1. Completely restore system to factory defaults

2. Restore Operating system and retain user data

 

I did save all personal and important files the day before onto an external HDD, and the super important of these are now on my temporary desktop PC. It would be nice to keep these on the laptop, but isn't essential. All I would like to do is be able to see if indeed I do need a new HDD, and if anything else needs replaced (apart from the screen too!).

[phillpower2]

Neither should require an installation disk as they are supposed to be Windows untouched (many updates to be installed etc).

 

Option 2 

[parrot feet]

Um, I think this could be the end! I tried option 2 and it said error code =0x3. It recommended option 1 which I tried, but it quickly flashed up something about a path or image cannot be verified, it was too quick to read. It restarted automatically but its froze on the Acer screen, and any button I press just beeps. It was stuck there for a while and I couldnt turn off, so as the HHD light wasn't flashing, I took the cable out. I tried again but the same thing happened. Could this be the end of my harddrive?

Would it hep to put the HDD in my desktop to test thing out on it? Can I even do that?

Edit ... Its starting to look like the best case would be to sell the laptop for spares for a couple of pennies and get a new machine. I'm surprised to see entry level desktops have higher spec on paper than the 5 year old laptop. At the moment to repair it, it looks like I need a new HDD, windows OS and screen at least.

Edited by parrot feet, 17 February 2015 - 10:42 AM.

[phillpower2]

The HDD will not fit into your desktop without an adaptor but if your desktop has a CD/DVD burner you can burn a disk or create a USB thumb drive that you can use to test the HDD within the notebook;

 

Run the HDDs diagnostics tool;
Make sure you select the tool that is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive but if unsure of the brand Seatools works well with most of them http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Depending on the program it'll create a bootable floppy or a bootable DVD/CD.
If the downloaded file is the .iso type use ImgBurn to burn the .iso file to a DVD/CD disk depending on your OS (select "Write image file to disc" option) and make the disk bootable.

RE ImgBurn: please use the custom install and uncheck the attached foistware such as "Install Entrusted Toolbar etc

 

 

Alternatively try Seatools for Dos on USB, see here

[parrot feet]

This is starting to get way over my head, but thankfully your advice and the links guidelines are very helpful. I opted for the Seatools as the first link wasn't clear what to do with a Toshiba brand.

 

After running it initially though, I was stumped as the results said 'no hard drives found'. Could this indicate a faultly connection rather than broken HDD? Though surely if it wasnt connecting properly, how would it be able to load half the window drivers?

 

Anyway, after running a second time, it picked it up and the short test result stated the drive was not responding to commands. As for the long test, it doesnt look good. It scanned about 10% and showed about 100 errors before a message flashed up saying the test had failed the diagnostic test, and recommended repairing problem sectors. It automatically went to another message about 30 seconds later and said 'bad sectors found' and the repair was unsuccessful.

 

While I was waiting for the scan, this is what it said under the drive information. Its likely of no use to you, but I had nothing else to do!

 

Device 0 is ATA Device TOSHIBAMK3265GSX 30V3S3TGs On Intel 5M series/3400M series AHCI

Max Native Address 625142447

Device is 48 Bit Addressed - Number of LBAs 625142447 (320.073GB)

This drive supports security features

SMART is Supported and ENABLED

SMART has NOT been Tripped

DST is Supported

Logging Feature Set Is Supported

POH 6271

Edited by parrot feet, 17 February 2015 - 05:10 PM.

[phillpower2]

You may recall the following from my reply #15

 

The hard drive itself being damaged could cause an issue such as this if it is an area of the disk that has Windows files on it.

 

 

The above explains why Windows would partially boot up and then fail as in Windows files being on the bad sectors of the HDD, the following is somewhat confusing though as SMART being enabled should flag up a bad HDD;

 

SMART is Supported and ENABLED

SMART has NOT been Tripped

 

 

The short and long test results + bad sectors being reported does suggest that the drive is bad I'm afraid  have you tried running the tests again since.

[parrot feet]

I ran it again, and oddly the short test passed. The long test however failed again in the same manner. It got to 9% and stated to count up errors. For every LBA it counted, it added an error until it got to 100 and failed. I ran an acoustic test and it sounds fine.

I'm resigned to the fact that its a goner. Am I right in thinking the HDD is the only thing that holds important data? I will likely sell the laptop for spares so just want to make sure that's the only part to not include.

Edited by parrot feet, 18 February 2015 - 01:30 PM.

[phillpower2]

Yes the HDD is the only item of permanent internal hardware in your present notebook that retains data when the computer is shut down.

 

It still could be a poor connection so if you are willing I have a further check that you can try which is Puppy Linux, see if Puppy is able to mount the drive, if it is you will be able to check what contents on the drive are accessible, see Puppy tutorial below;

 

=================== 

***Required Hardware*** 

CD Burner (CDRW) Drive, 

Blank CD, 

Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)

=================== 

 

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:

• Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-528.iso) 
  

   

  Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software 

   

  There are instructions on how to boot from flash drive with puppy here; http://www.pendrivel...e-from-windows/ 

   

   

   



• Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer 
  

   

   



• Extract All files to a location you can remember 
  

   

   



• Double Click BurnCDCC 
  

   

   



• Click Browse and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded 
  

   

   



• Open/Double Click that file 
  

   

  IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x 

   



• Click Start  
  

   

   



• Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically 
  

   

   



• Insert a blank CD and close the tray 
  

   

   



• Click OK 
  

   

   

Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created

 

 

2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second 

 

•  
  

   

   



• Start the computer/press the power button 
  

   

   



• Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka "Setup" 
  

   

  (Usually shown during the "Dell" screen, or "Gateway" Screen) 

   



• Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to: 
  

   

  CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd 

   



• Open your ROM drive and insert the disk 
  

   

   



• Press F10 to save and exit 
  

   

   



• Agree with "Y" to continue 
  

   

   



• Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD 
  

   

   

   

   

 

 

 

 

3.  Recover Your Data 

 

• Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer's Memory (RAM).  You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call "your computer".  Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning.  Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy.  To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once.  Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to.  This is normal.  Ready?  Let's get started. 
  

   

   

  3a. Mount Drives 

   



• Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop.  
  

   

   



• A Window will open.  By default, the "drive" tab will be forward/highlighted.  Click on Mount for your hard drive. 
  

   

   



• Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount. 
  

   

   



• USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the "usbdrv" tab and make sure it is mounted. 
  

   

   



• If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the "drive" tab.  Mount it now. 
  

   

   

 

 

3b. Transfer Files.

•  
  

   

   



• At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon. 
  

   

   



• Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1 
  

   

   



• Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1 
  

   

   



• If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows) 
  

   

   



• From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive's Window. 
  

   

   

 

 

For The Novice:  The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders for XP is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each individual name of each user, for Vista and above  C:\Users\$USERNAME\[...]. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos. 

 

Remember to only click once!  No double clicking!  Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy.  Choose COPY each time you drag and drop. 

 

YOU ARE DONE!!!  Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer.  Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations! 

 

 

 

 

 

[parrot feet]

I gave it a try, and tried to boot from a usb, but it hung on the first line of text (syslinux, copyright etc ...) with a flashing cursor, and didn't do anything for 10 mins, though I suspect this is my fault rather than any fault with the laptop.

Thankfully I got all my files backed up the day before the drop, so recovery isn't essential. Is this linux puppy (ive never used a linux os) to see if the faulty section can be identified and blocked?

[phillpower2]

I would give it another try but again it does not look good.

 

In answer to your question, no, If the drive has a single bad sector then it is toast as where there is one more will follow and so the drive cannot be trusted, the idea was to see if all data on the drive could be accessed and to try running a basic disk check using Puppy, see Running a basic disk check on partitions in Puppy Linux here

[parrot feet]

Ran again and just hangs for 10 minutes at ...

Syslinux 4.07 edd 2013-07-25 copyright © 1994-2013 h. Peter anvin et al
_

One very poorly hard drive then

Could I trouble you for your wisdom one last time before I resolve this thread? I'm looking at a new machine, even the basic entry level towers (I'm not getting another laptop!) have more RAM, bigger HDD and better processor. Is it really that simple? All I use a PC for is browsing the internet, Photoshop, Nikon RAW editing and word and excel. I don't use it for games. The laptop handled this lot no problem so is it as simple as the better spec above meaning better performance?

Edited by parrot feet, 18 February 2015 - 05:01 PM.