Computers Died

If the compute is failing to turn on I would be interested to know if you are getting and POST (power on self test) beeps or if the unit is totally dormant. If you are getting beeps it could suggest that an additional component has failed or become disconnected i.e. Video card, hard drive and so on. If you are getting no power at all have you checked your external power supply, does it light up? You can usually find what drives are included in Packard Bells by searching for the model no on line (assuming you have alternate access to the internet).

Graham

Tim

Have a look on the web for troubleshooting getting the laptop working. There are lots of pages about this. If you have no joy and you feel the laptop really is is dead, have a look at getting the drive out, (without killing it with static or bending any pins). There are many more causes than listed above so have a look first.

If your laptop drive is SATA:
I have a drop in SATA adapter that I used to recover files from my corrupt laptop HDD. If you have a separate external drive I'll recover any files that can be recovered from your laptop drive, you pay for postage. Or I can lend you the docking adapter again you pay postage.

(using a docking adapter or a disk enclosure is no harder than using a USB memory stick, you simply have to take care and do things slowly and logically. So if you are confident with copying data from one USB memory stick to another or to your HDD then perhaps have a go) [ you just have to watch not copying system files over , just get the data/images]

So I'd say
1. try getting it going using online troubleshooting
2. ask a friend and pay beer
3. find out where the HDD is in the laptop and if it is IDE or SATA. (small screwdriver required)
4. report your progress

I recently had a warranty repair done by TechGuys and they trashed the machine whilst "repairing" it. Eventually, the purchase price was refunded.

When I say trashed they replaced the screen, but when reassembled they probably split the data cable, definitely over-tightened all the fixing screws cracking the case, reassembled it all misaligned, returned it with bits rattling around inside, scratched the case and screen....and it still didn't work either.

We have now discovered our local computer repair/supply house and we deal with Chris and Paula who know what they're doing and do it in-house wherever possible.

If you can find such a place where you live, then go for the local suppliers if you can.

That's the thing, the OP didn't said he wants to make it into an external drive

No problem, if you try to access parts that are private and password protected you will be prompted with a window to input the password.

If it's the graphics card the PC will still turn on but it won't show anything but you will hear the hard-disk spinning for example.
If it's the hard-disk the BIOS will still fire up and show on your screen.

If the PC doesn't start at all it's either the motherboard or the power-supply that has given the ghost.

thanks people , the computer is totally dead ,have measured the voltage coming out of the adapter and its 19v as stated. will have a go at retrieving the data from the hard drive sometime this week . its been an unlucky few days what with the computer , my dogs also been ill and unfortunately i had to take it to the emergency vets in Bury this morning and have it put to sleep , so will have a try later in the week, will keep you informed .
once again, many thanks, tim.

Sorry to hear about the dog.

As regards the laptop, Maplin sell cables that will allow you to temporarily connect your laptop HDD to a PC's motherboard for about a fiver. At least you'll be able to retrieve the files you need.

If you then decide that the laptop is beyond economical repair, you can get a tray/bracket that will enable your HDD to be fitted into a 3.5" bay in a desktop machine as a permanent addition - for a similar cost.

(You can probably get both items from a well known auction site or elsewhere, depends on how much of a hurry you are in)

Sometimes a point is better made when, of necessity, it is written in an aseertive manner.

There is a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive. I like lively discussions but prefer them to remain good humoured.

Archie

External hard drive casing is the way to go for data retrieval, SATA here

link

IDE here
link

Just chose 2 of the cheapest on ebay.


As for TechGuys I wouldn't trust them with a calculator.


I had to return my netbook as the screen had developed a fault, the machine was like new, it is my 3rd machine of use in my choice of computers, so gets very very little use. It came back much the same as John's however the top case is a very shiny, reflective black surface. The tech had turned the netbook upside down on the bench & swivelled it repeatedly, scratching with deep gouges the shiny black surface... They wanted to return it to techguys, but as I had a festival shoot that weekend, which is what I bought it for, I declined. I am sure the netbook will suffer an accident at some point

Well would you adam and eve it ive got it working !took doug8,s advice and trawled the internet and typed in google ,laptop totally dead and came across a forum that suggested a ATX reset , (hold the on button down for 15 plus seconds with both power supply and battery disconnected ) thought to myself yeah ok but the things totally dead ! did the button thingy then reconnected power supply , pressed on and got a flicker or two of life , put battery back in tried again and it booted up ! great result . am off to currys after work tomorrow and getting that 1tb hard drive just in case ! thanks again, tim.

All that is needed for this data recovery job is a cheap 2.5"/3.5" IDE/SATA to USB adapter, available for peanuts on ebay. It'll come with a PSU too, but that's only normally needed for 3,5" or larger devices. 2.5" devices will normally be powered by the USB port.

There is little or no risk of 'frying' the drive, unless you are very careless. Just remember that with the drive removed from its normal operating environment, anti-static precautions should be taken. In other words, put it on a desk, connect it to a PC, turn power on to the PC then don't touch it until the PC is again turned off.

Now enjoy drama free data recovery.

Not as spooky as our two posts at exactly the same time . . .

Well done for fixing it.

peter , i think the dog must be helping me from the other side !
regards, tim.

Whether due to supernatural intervention from beyond the grave or just the quirky behaviour of electronics you have been lucky.

Memo to self - get backups up to date!

Archie

I have to agree. If you are sending someone to PC world and suggesting that they are technically minded enough to help you then clearly you know very little!

For a start off PC world send away laptops. They will only attempt to repair something that they know the make of, and they want you to supply recovery disks! Laughable! I know because I fix computers all the time and save people the misfortune of the PC world 'techs'.