Stupid computer question. - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

FlamesKickAss · 03-02-2009, 10:37 AM

So my spare computer, that i use for things that I dont want to clutter up my laptop with, won't load up I tried the recovery disc and it cant read the C drive and then it flashes a message fast that says something about drive crashing.

If I take out the main drive and put the 2nd one will I be able to reload everything from recovery cd? I dont have my xp disc anymore.

or would it be easier to find someone with a cheap computer that is able to access internet and pretty much thats all it can do as thats all I need it for.

mykalberta · 03-02-2009, 10:52 AM

Do you still have your activation code?

You can find copies of XP on b/t sites, just download them, ISO them to disk and use them with your activation key.

FlamesKickAss · 03-02-2009, 11:00 AM

maybe somewhere at my parents place. Is there a way to transfer files from the busted hard drive once i get it fixed?

GoinAllTheWay · 03-02-2009, 11:26 AM

/\/\/\/\

If the hard drive is toast, it's unlikely you are going to be able to copy files from it. If it was still able to read/write, you wouldn't be in this mess to begin with.

GoinAllTheWay · 03-02-2009, 04:29 PM

Just a small edit, I have read in the past that sealing the drive in question in a ziplock back and then chucking it in your deepfreeze until frozen and then quickly putting the drive back into your PC MAY buy you enough time to get the files off. Never tried it, no idea if it works but if you have important files on it you want it's worth a try.

FireInTheHole · 03-02-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Just a small edit, I have read in the past that sealing the drive in question in a ziplock back and then chucking it in your deepfreeze until frozen and then quickly putting the drive back into your PC MAY buy you enough time to get the files off. Never tried it, no idea if it works but if you have important files on it you want it's worth a try.

Confirmed - this does sometimes work and is worth a try.

FlamesKickAss · 03-02-2009, 05:07 PM

Thanks will try that. If that works temporaily is there a way to find my xp code while in there?

Hack&Lube · 03-02-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesKickAss

Thanks will try that. If that works temporaily is there a way to find my xp code while in there?

Your XP code is on a sticker on your computer or your recovery disc package. If you don't have either, try this

http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/...mment-page-11/

FlamesKickAss · 03-02-2009, 06:00 PM

yeah i saw it when I got home, forgot it was on the tower

Rathji · 03-02-2009, 06:58 PM

Belarc Advisor will give you the product code for your installed software.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Also, if you do put your drive in the freezer, seal it in a airtight bag, and try and put some of the silicon packets in it to prevent condensation from forming on the platters.

Edit : Now that I have read your last post - ignore the part about Belarc Advisor

FlamesKickAss · 03-03-2009, 09:10 AM

well the freezer thing didnt work, but I was reading that if its pooched enough it wont work. just makes a clicking so I installed windows on my other drive but its not accepting my key which is really frustrating. on a plus side the computer is awesome fast now!

GoinAllTheWay · 03-03-2009, 09:50 AM

Oh ya, clicking noises I believe means the arms aren't even moving properly anymore. That one needs a nice funeral.

Does it give any reason for not accepting the key? Is this an OEM version of Windows?

FlamesKickAss · 03-03-2009, 10:48 AM

^^ just says its not valid. I got it from a b/t site as someone above suggesting

Rathji · 03-03-2009, 12:18 PM

This thread has got me thinking.

I have an old HDD that I was saving for eventual use, but I no longer have a desktop to use it with. It is only a 40 gig drive, so I just want to get rid of it but since i have zero idea as to what is on it, I need to erase it.

Without a computer to put it in, or an enclosure to hook it up to my laptop, does anyone have any ideas about how I can get it cleaned? As it stands now, my best idea is to pile my daughters fridge magnets on top of it and wait a month.

GoinAllTheWay · 03-03-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rathji

This thread has got me thinking.

I have an old HDD that I was saving for eventual use, but I no longer have a desktop to use it with. It is only a 40 gig drive, so I just want to get rid of it but since i have zero idea as to what is on it, I need to erase it.

Without a computer to put it in, or an enclosure to hook it up to my laptop, does anyone have any ideas about how I can get it cleaned? As it stands now, my best idea is to pile my daughters fridge magnets on top of it and wait a month.

Take a sledge hammer to it and be done with it.

dobbles · 03-03-2009, 12:47 PM

wait, did you use the same version of xp? like was your code for xp home, but the version you downloaded was xp pro?

FlamesKickAss · 03-03-2009, 03:17 PM

^^ no I downloaded home edition and key was for home edition. I made sure I checked that

FlamesKickAss · 03-03-2009, 03:20 PM

after googling i must have downloaded a retail version and not a Oem version. I will have to check when I get home for what type my sticker is for. I read that if i have oem code it wont work retail and vice versa

Is there much difference between the two types?

Cliche · 03-03-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesKickAss

after googling i must have downloaded a retail version and not a Oem version. I will have to check when I get home for what type my sticker is for. I read that if i have oem code it wont work retail and vice versa

Is there much difference between the two types?

Only the copy protection as far as functionality is relevant.

Also enjoy calling into Microsoft to activate the software depending on the number of times the key was activated.

FlamesKickAss · 03-03-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliche

Only the copy protection as far as functionality is relevant.

Also enjoy calling into Microsoft to activate the software depending on the number of times the key was activated.

well by me it has only been activated once