possible bad HD

[Guest]

Original Problem: On boot up, system would sit on blank screen after the XP
Logo splash screen. Could only boot in Safe Mode. Was able to transfer most
of my photos/files to USB thumb drive. Still need to get Outlook Express
contacts and email off, if possible. Now the Hard drive makes a clicking
noise when booting up, can't get to the OS menu anymore. States HD not
found. Is there any hope? Is it possible to add bad hd to another pc and
access Outlook and files as an additional drive?

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Hard drives will make noises, and a clicking noise is not unusual. However,
a clicking noise in combination with the problems you are experiencing is
likely the sign of a failing drive.

You did the right thing by backing up your files to an external drive. To
backup your Outlook Express data see here: http://www.insideoe.com/backup/

You should visit your hard disk manufacturer's web site. There you can
obtain their disk diagnostics, which you will run from a floppy or CD drive.
The diagnostics will tell you what is going on with your hard disk.