My computer powers up to the "windows cannot start normally" page and gives me option - safe mode, safe mode with networking, last known good configuration and start windows normally - I have tried all options and nothing works it just reboots after this page,I did try chkddsk but it wouldnt work because of errors or something like that - I tried using system repair by using the installation disk but it just wants me to format the drive but i want to save my data first is this possible is there a way to save my data I have not made a back up disk since mid july and there is too much info to walk away ftom please help I have just run the diagnostics tool after pressing f12 at startup and it failed - i got the following message - No Diagnostics Utility partition found. To run diagnostics insert your dell "drivers and utilities" CD then select OK to restart and boot off CD?? - what does this mean - please help

yeah it sounds like your hard disk drive (HDD) is on its way out, if it hasn't left the building already. on your NEXT SUCCESSFUL boot, pull all your data off because it may be your LAST. do you have another PC? is your current HDD IDE or SATA? You could always try plugging it into a different port on the mobo, using a different cable. Failing that, I would try attaching it to a working PC as a slave drive and trying to retrieve the data that way.

Thank you so much - but I bit the bullet and did a full system restore so I have already lost all my data - I do have some data recovery software so will give that a go - thanks anyway - will remember to back up my data to an external drive on a more regular basis from no w on............................