*really* Bad Computer Problems

[Nerdz]

Might not be on for a while it seems, I think my main HDD crashed

First boot up, saw the drive, went through GRUB, loaded up Kubuntu, and then when it went to desktop, just crashed (blank screen). Restarted comp, go up to grub and just sat there. Now it wont even get to grub, hangs on "Verifying DMI pool"

So youd figure I can repair the drive or atleast salvage data from it using a Kubuntu CD right? WRONG. Doesnt see the drive AT all! . I'll hook up the drive to another comp and use a linux CD there to see if I can salvage data.

The sad thing is, I dont think the drive spins up

[boognish]

I've heard people putting the disk in the freezer then plugging it in and copying the data fast. If there is a mechanical problem, the cold will shrink some pieces and allow them to move more freely. I guess that is the reasoning, i never had to do this.
I believe that mechanical problems are the most common hard-disk failures, but make sure you check cables. IDE cables can get messed up if they are kinked, and I never liked those power connectors, i guess that stuff could come loose with vibrations.
I have had disks come back to life briefly after being jiggled around a bit, upside-down and on edge, tapped lightly. I assume because of mechanical problems. If that doesn't work you can do the same thing but use a big hammer to "tap" it. Then you will have cool refrigerator magnets.

[Nerdz]

BOOT DISK FAILURE

^F**k

Thats the thing, I tap it and it comes back to life (momentary). Im trying it on another comp to see if I can get data off it. My main concern is getting data (bookmarks, documents..etc). I have a 2Gb flash drive that should be good enough. I guess I'll have to start looking for a cheap 40gb HDD. I might go sata This time though, and put that Socket 754 Mobo in.

Oh, how long do I stick it in the freezer?

Kubuntu 8.04 Sees the drive, but shows it has no partitions SO either way Im going to loose data it seems

[boognish]

Oh, how long do I stick it in the freezer?

Until it's frozen. Somewhere between Glasgow winter and witch's teat.

You don't need a partition table, you and dd can become close friends.

[Nerdz]

Me and LNX guild went through every trick in the book. dmesg gives errors, Fdisk says cannot read, DD says 0 bytes transferred in 7 seconds, its a brick.

Also the disk is like 5+ years old

Now heres the thing:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148231

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST380815AS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

35.99+6 shipping which brings it to $42 something.

For $5 more I can get this (with free shipping):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148261

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

Makes no sense does it? I think I'll use that Socket 754 comp and just go with SATA. Screw IDE and its parallel data transfer.

[Nerdz]

From the Ashes Arises the Phoenix, Im back babbeh. Managed to find a 20Gb drive I can survive on, Not much but it will do.

[Nerdz]

Of course, its still giving me problems. Im about to reformat and put kubuntu 8.04 on it . Keeps saying "ubuntu has started in low graphics mode" and then sometimes sound doesnt work :/

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