I cannot update my laptop. I have tried everything. I can't even backup my computer.

[bruce1270]

Hi Adria

The hard drive is damaged beyond repair and your only option is to replace the drive and start afresh I'm afraid.

The drive is too damaged as evident from the GSMART tests and from the symptoms that you cannot update or back up the computer, unfortunately there is nothing more we can do.

 

[Adria]

That sucks. Is there any way to back up my information? Thank you.

 

[bruce1270]

Hi Adria

You might be able to try recovering data using a puppy linux bootable CD or USB but there is no guarantee this will work.

===================


***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 Xout 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.