Microtel Computer Boot Problem

[ujhlaurel]

Not long ago I experienced a problem booting my computer after hearing a
continuous beep-beep sound from the case. I posed the problem in a
newsgroup, and the consensus was to install a new hard drive. I would like
to pose another question that's related to the previous one. Question: if
I install another compatible hard drive, retain the original hard drive,
will I have the advantage/use of files and programs of both drives or will I
will only be able to boot from and use the newly added hard drive? No, I
didn't backup the original drive. I only backed up files and programs
selectively. I trust I can get useful responses without being chastised in
addition. I now realize my error and plan to be more responsible.

 

[Bob I]

If the old drive died, it is only good for a door stop. You will need to
install an operating system and programs on the new drive before you can
use it to boot of off.

 

[Anna]

Not long ago I experienced a problem booting my computer after hearing a
continuous beep-beep sound from the case. I posed the problem in a
newsgroup, and the consensus was to install a new hard drive. I would
like to pose another question that's related to the previous one.
Question: if I install another compatible hard drive, retain the original
hard drive, will I have the advantage/use of files and programs of both
drives or will I will only be able to boot from and use the newly added
hard drive? No, I didn't backup the original drive. I only backed up
files and programs selectively. I trust I can get useful responses
without being chastised in addition. I now realize my error and plan to
be more responsible.

ujhlaurel...
First of all, as you have heard from a couple of responders to your present
query...

If the "old" HDD was indeed defective, that is, if the disk was physically
or electronically defective...then the contents of that disk will not
ordinarily be accessible to you (with the exception of engaging a *very
expensive* data recovery service). I'm sure you understand that, right?

But in many cases where a system becomes unbootable or otherwise
dysfunctional, it doesn't necessarily mean that the problem is due to a
defective HDD. Perhaps in your case that *was* the problem. Who can tell
now?

As you have heard, disregard "beeps" from a PC. There are so many
differences among modern PC's that the number/frequency/sound of beeps is of
little or no significance to the average user, especially in terms of
diagnosing problems.

And I would be hesitant to install a new HDD *merely* because this was the
"consensus" of a number of newsgroup responders to your original query. What
one *must* do when suspecting that one's HDD is defective is to check out
the disk with the diagnostic utility that's freely available from the disk's
manufacturer. Or at the minimum let a competent authority check it out.

Now that you have a new HDD and installed the XP OS onto that drive, can you
not install the "old" HDD as a secondary drive in your PC (this assumes, of
course, that you're working with a desktop machine, not a laptop/notebook)
and try to access data from the "old" HDD (again, assuming it's not
completely defective as noted above). Is there any reason why you would need
"bootability" capability from that old HDD now that you've installed the OS
onto your new HDD?
Anna

 

[ujhlaurel]

As I'm not physically able to do the work myself, I originally thought to
take the computer to a near by shop and have the hard drive replaced.
However, through your responses (especially you Anna) I now feel diagnostic
testing is the right way to proceed. Thank you all very much. I will
return with an update on this when the repair work is completed.

 

[Gerry]

The Max

That a useful link. Added it to my favourites. Thanks.


--



Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
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