IainG

It worked. The hard drive 'enclosure' from ebuyer.co.uk was easy to assemble and worked first time. I've now recovered all my old files. Thank you all for your help. Not only was the information useful you also gave me the confidence to do it. (All at no risk to the warranty - thanks for that advice anyway.) The only thing I haven't been able to sort out has been the 'outlook' addresses. I can't find them on the old drive.

Thanks all. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks for the advice. I am trying to avoid opening my new PC, as you point out, so that I don't undermine any warranties. I have located various devices that I can use to 'enclose' the old dive and that (they say) can then be plugged into my PC via a USB2 port. These seem to provide what I need without opening the new PC, but my greatest concern is the possible conflict if the old drive contains Windows XP start up commands and procedures. Will Vista ignore these if I plug in the drive? Thanks also for the comment on the Outlook files. It is 'Outlook' (not O/Express) so hopefully the .pst files will be recoverable. Iain

I have bought a new Dell 'Studio' PC with Windows Vista Home Premium already installed. My old PC died (see my posts under "Is it dead - Windows XP") and I have extracted the old hard drive - Western Digital WD800 "serial ATA". I would like to recover some of the files from this old drive (e.g Outlook addresses etc) and I have discovered that I can buy an 'enclosure' for this that will allow me to plug it into my new PC via a USB2 port. As the old hard drive has all the Windows XP stuff on it and is the main drive from another PC with all the 'start up' commands and procedures will it conflict with my new PC if I simply plug it in?

Hi Match - thanks for the tip. It maybe very useful if I could salvage information from the hard drive - especially my Outlook address book but I am a complete novice when it comes to opening up the 'box'. Unless you guys think it is straight forward I suppose my best bet is to take it to a local computer shop? Iain

Thank you all for your help. This is a truely marvellous service. The bad news is that I've tried a USB keyboard - no joy I'm afraid. The good news is that my insurers have accepted a claim and will contribute towards a replacement pc. Thanks again for your help. Iain

Hi again Nev, If it helps the screen reads: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A01 Copyright 1985-1988 Phoenix Technologies Ltd Copyright 1990-2004 Dell Inc. Dell System Dimension 8400 Series BIOS version A01 Dell Österreich - Startseite - Computer, Computerausrüstung, Elektronik und Service. Keyboard failure This is the exact message if it throws any light. Iain

Hi again I've now tried another keyboard unfortunately with the same result. I have tried turning on without the keyboard connected which gives me the same message as above ".... keyboard failure". I've also noticed that pressing the F2 Set up when the screen prompts results in 'entering set up' but then nothing but the blank screen with the white cursor flashing in the top left. This is seriously terminal isn't it? Iain

Hi Wolfey, Thanks for trying to help. It is neither wireless nor USB it is the one supplied with the PC with a round multi-pin connector. Iain

Sorry should have thanked you for your help first.

Hi Nev. There is no "last known good configuration" comment. The screen simply displays specifications e.g. Dell Bios by Planet.... Also the keyboard isn't operating so any attempt to scroll or enter anything doesn't work. I suspect you are right this "doesn't sound good". This support forum is my last hope before I set out on the 'enjoyable' task of buying a replacement. Iain

Hi, I'm new here so my apologies if my approach or words seem naive or amateurish. I've had what I suspect is a terminal disaster. My PC is a Dell Dimension about 4 years old, running Windows XP. Yesterday there was a local power cut while I was using it. (NB: I have no power protection devices.) I turned everything off and only turned it back on after the power was restored. Unfortunately now when I turn on, while the screen displays the usual Dell stuff to start with including "F2 Start up" and "F12 Safety start", it then goes blank with a white cursor dot flashing in the top left. If I manage to catch and press the F2 or F12 buttons in time I get a black/white Dell BIOS system display and "keyboard failure" at the end. I have tried putting the Dell supplied restore cd discs in before and after I turn it on and I've tried every combination of 'F' and 'ctrl+alt+del' keys I can think of. Has it passed on, crossed over, deceased, died, or suffered some form of terminal trauma? Or is there any miracle someone can provide to bring it back from the dead? Please... Iain