Almost everything was backed up except, unfortunately, several months worth
of email
I always have copies of original programs; the issue there is time.
Did try the repair install with the windows CD - it wouldn't work.
Actually went through the whole Dell customer service list, item by item.
Just couldn't get anything to boot.
Will download the Linux CD "just in case" for next time.
Thanks.
"Gordon" wrote in message
...
"its_my_dime" wrote in message
...
Did the check disk. Computer locked. "Press any key to abort checkdisk"
didn't work. Would not reload windows, even in safe mode. Coldn't step
back. Spoke with Dell. Tried a bunch of stuff. Ended up with a
complete reformat of the hard drive.
Suggest that the next time you recommend an on boot disk check run in a
case like this where there may be some system damage, you also recommend
a full hard disk backup first.
Thank you.
So why aren't you backing up anyway?
If your computer really will not boot into Windows, then have a Live Linux
CD to hand, from which you can boot and transfer all your data to an
external drive first, before you re-format and re-install.
get the most popular he
http://www.ubuntu.com/GetUbuntu/download
I can tell you it's a great tool to have around anyway.
BTW, if you have a proper Windows install CD/DVD you DO have the option to
repair the install, rather than a destructive re-install. Did you try
that?