HELP - computer hard disk crash?

[Guest]

Hi everyone, my boyfriend's computer was not sending out emails (alerts
stating the SMTP was wrong), so I suggested he do a System Restore - when he
did that, he received a fatal error with a blue screen. He then did a hard
reboot, and the blue screen is still there.

Anyone have any suggestions other than reinstalling his system? He hates to
do that because he runs a business from home and that will wipe his computer
out. Thanks, Roberta

 

[Test User]

Hi everyone, my boyfriend's computer was not sending out emails (alerts
stating the SMTP was wrong), so I suggested he do a System Restore - when he
did that, he received a fatal error with a blue screen. He then did a hard
reboot, and the blue screen is still there.

Anyone have any suggestions other than reinstalling his system? He hates to
do that because he runs a business from home and that will wipe his computer
out. Thanks, Roberta

One thing you might consider is simply getting a new hard disk, setting it
as the primary disk, and the current disk as secondary. Then do a clean
install of XP on the new disk. When XP is set up properly, simply copy or
import the data from the "old" drive. You should be able to simply browse
the old disk - you don't have to boot from it.

Disk drives are not expensive now, and they do have a life span. This
procedure will get you shifted to a fresh disk with minimal risk to your
existing data. It will quite possibly be faster and less aggravating than
trying to fix hidden OS problems.

HTH
-pk

 

[Guest]

: ( The only problem with that is he is NOT computer-savvy and he wouldn't
know how to set up the other disk.

Any simpler fixes you can think of???

But thanks : )

Roberta

 

[Test User]

: ( The only problem with that is he is NOT computer-savvy and he wouldn't
know how to set up the other disk.

Any simpler fixes you can think of???

But thanks : )

Roberta

Simpler? Pay someone to install the disk and run the XP install fresh. Use
the install key on the CD case or on the side of the machine. Seriously,
this is probably the simplest way to do it; it most likely requires fewer
skills than tracking down bad drivers causing blue screens.

HTH
-pk

 

[Rick S.]

Just out of curiousity, What type of business is he in?? Selling peanuts at
the zoo???

 

[Guest]

ROFL That's pretty good Rick! He owns a limousine business.