All was going well the last time I used my computer. The next time I tried to turn it on I got a black screen with a blinking cursor. No C:\ prompt, and I cannot type any commands. I tried to use my XP disk to fix the problem, but it told me the drive had an unrecognizble format or serious problem and must be reformatted. I want to save the data on my drive, but so far I cannot find a program that will read anything on it, or that does not require a floppy as my computer does not have such a drive. I tried using Knoppix, but it told me the drive did not have a specific file system and could not be accessed. Any sugestions?

Boot from the xp cd to the recovery console and run CHKDSK /R. http://computervitals.com/

Make sure that your HDD cabling (power and data) is OK. Slave your HDD on another computer that can read NTFS and see if you can read it.

Does POST load when you turn on the machine? Can you get into the BIOS and confirm that your HDD is indeed being recognized? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

I'd get a knoppix live CD. (well barts too) See if a live cd can access the drive. Then I'd go to bios to see if the drive show up. There might be some bios tests to see what is going on. Might have to get an OEM hard drive test. See ultimate boot cd. Don't wreck your chances to get data off. As above you can check the cables or reseat them. Anytime you get in there you run the risk of esd or bent pins so make that a lesser try.

Slave your HDD on another computer, then use data recovery software to recover files from corrupted drive. I suggest you use EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Hi, I almost the same probem. When i turn ON my Pc LED light is ON on power and HDD but nothing popup on monitor. yes monitor is working Ok When I reset I could see BIOS setting and system work OK! Any suggestion? Thanks