Missing Operating System

[CraftMatic]

Hi there. I have an HP G60-235DX laptop with windows vista as the operating system. Ive been having issues with keeing a charge, but i need a new battery and cord. So, i was using my laptop and i have to keep it plugged in to work. I looked down at the charge indicator light and saw it wasnt on. I couldnt figure out why at that moment but it powered off. A few minues later i plugged it back in and it worked so i continued my work. Then, it did it again so i made a the quick decision of moving a few small files onto a USB, but i didnt have enough time. It shutoff again near completion of moving the files. I then figured out that the metal to my charge cable and laptop werent connecting becuse it was bent. So, i bent it back and got it to hold a charge. The screens that showed on start up are the HP logo and Press the ESC Key For startup menu then it's a black screen that says Missing Operating System_. I need to know if theres a fix for this because the files i was trying to move were important and i hope that they are not now corrupted. I don't know too much about computers, so i appreciate any help.

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

If the files on the hard drive are important to you then I suggest that we try to access those before we try anything else.

 

There are a couple of things we can try:

 

1. Download Linux Mint from here:

click here

 

There are a few options - any will do.

This is a Linux based operating system that will run from a CD - no need to install it.

 

Once downloaded click on the ISO and burn it to a cd.

 

Check that the CDROM is the first in the Boot Sequence in the BIOS.

To do this you need to switch on and tap either DEL or F2 ( I tend to alternate if I am unsure ) about once per second.

This should take you to the BIOS screen.

Here you are looking for Boot / Boot Options / or similar

There will be a list of options. The CDROM should be top of the list. If it isn't you need to move it up.

It will tell you on screen how to do this. ( sometimes with the + / - keys )

If you do need to move it don't forget to "Save and Exit" ( usually F10 )

 

Once you have done this you simply put the Linux CD in the drive and switch on.

It should boot up. ( DO NOT install the Operating System - you want to run it from the dosk )

 

You should be able to have a look around and find your files - assuming that the hard drive is OK.

 

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

 

A far easier solution is to buy a 2.5 inch Hard drive to USB enclosure. ( example below )

click here[/url]

 

You need to take your hard drive out and simply pop it into the case.

You then connect the USB cable to another pc and the hard drive should be recognised.

You access it like you would a memory stick and if you can see your files you can transfer them to the pc or burn them to disk.

 

If there is a problem with the hard drive then with the adapter connected we can run a couple of tests from here.

 

You need to make sure which type of connections your hard drive has.

Most these days have SATA connections - but there is an older IDE ( they are very different )

 

If you are unsure click here

 

Let me know if you need further advice on any of the above. :)

[CraftMatic]

Alright. Ill look into both of those options. I dont really have much computer access without my laptop but I will see what I can do and post my results. Thankyou for your reply.

[KenB]

Sorry for the slow response - I am on holiday at the moment. :)

 

The external enclosure is probably the easiest option.

 

A further thought - try taking the drive out and re-seat it to make sure that the connections are good.

This is worth a try before you spend any time and money on the earlier suggestions.

[CraftMatic]

Okay. Good news. I dcided to try andboot up on last time, and it ran with no errors, and all files accounted for. Only problem is my charger wont work unless you bend it in the charge port which is a no. Hopefully, this time it wont shutoff and ill try to backup my files just in case. Thankyou for your help. If anything comes up ill try your previous suggestions. Kudos!

[KenB]

I think you have already worked out that it is probably a physical connection on the motherboard.

Your hard disk is obviously fine.

 

The problem with laptops is that they are difficult to take apart and work on.

If you need any more advice just ask :)