Computer won't bootup how do I save my files?

J

Jack Burton

New Member
Ok, here's the situation. My computer has a bootup probllem but I want to try to save the files on it's harddrives.

I have 3 computers.

1. The new one, HP, that won't boot with Windows Vista and 2 SATA harddrives.

2. An older HP with IDE hardrive and XP and with a DVD burner.

3. An older Emachine with a IDE harddrive without a DVD burner.

I am trying to figure out the cheapest way to do this or without having to buy adapter cables so I can burn the files to DVD and then reinstall Vista on the New machine - 1.

So, would it be possible for me take the harddrive out of the Emachine and install that in computer ONE -- and then install Vista on that.. and then burn the files on my SATA harddrives to DVD? Can the harddrives from the Emachine work in computer ONE - the HP Vista SATA machine? Or is it not compatale?

So, in other words.. is it cheaper and easier to take an IDE drive and put it in a SATA machine.. or the other way around.. take the SATA drive and put it in a iDE machine?
 

My Computer

System One

Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
Have you made any attempt at using the startup repair tool if you have any recovery disks for HP #1 there? If not you can download a 120mb iso image onto HP #2 that contains the repair tools only from Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download — The NeoSmart Files

As far as the Emachines the only thing you would likely consider out of that is the hard drive for additional storage space on one of the two HPs. For seeing files burned to dvd simply move the drives from HP#1 into HP#2 or use an external usb enclosure where you simply copy from and burn files off of while booted in XP.

You also have the option of moving all files from one sata onto the other if you go the length of moving both into HP#2 temporarily just for that and then proceed to install Vista fresh unless you have the full restore option or a set of recovery disks onhand.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built desktops =2 Toshiba replace HP laptop
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb core 3.6ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper X 1.5v DDR3 PC12800 1600mhz 16gb
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1tb
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi XtremeAudio PCIe
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus 19" HP 20" second lcd main HP 20" remote pc.
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900, 1600x900 main - 1600x900 2nd desktop
    Hard Drives
    WD Black Edition 1tb Sata II -2 WD SAS "Heavy Duty" RE class 2tb - 2 External usb/eSata WD Black 1tb main -1 External usb only WD Green Power 1tb -1
    PSU
    Corsair 750w 750TX main - Corsair 600w remote
    Case
    Antec 900-2 - SSD compatible eSata ports 2 - NZXT Vulcan 2nd
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900A cpu, twin front 120s, top 200cm, rear 120
    Mouse
    MSI Interceptor D200
    Keyboard
    AZIO Ilumminated keys gaming keyboard/volume control usb
    Internet Speed
    30mbps upgrade

My Computer

System One

How are your SATA drives set up? You have two drives so one of these will remain unaffected if you have to do a new install, Is the other Partitioned?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
Night Hawk said:
Have you made any attempt at using the startup repair tool if you have any recovery disks for HP #1 there? If not you can download a 120mb iso image onto HP #2 that contains the repair tools only from Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download — The NeoSmart Files

As far as the Emachines the only thing you would likely consider out of that is the hard drive for additional storage space on one of the two HPs. For seeing files burned to dvd simply move the drives from HP#1 into HP#2 or use an external usb enclosure where you simply copy from and burn files off of while booted in XP.

You also have the option of moving all files from one sata onto the other if you go the length of moving both into HP#2 temporarily just for that and then proceed to install Vista fresh unless you have the full restore option or a set of recovery disks onhand.
Click to expand...

Hi Night Hawk. The problem I have is that the 2 harddrives in HP ONE are pretty full. So not enough room to move from one to the other. But could I do that even though I can't boot HP ONE?

For seeing files burned to dvd simply move the drives from HP#1 into HP#2 or use an external usb enclosure where you simply copy from and burn files off of while booted in XP.
Click to expand...

If I put the drives from HP One into HP TWO which is the cheapest option? some adapter cord? Or an external USB enclosure? I would think the cord.. but is it for sure possible to put a cord in? I guess I need to open it up and look for somekind of port on the m0otherboard, right?
 

My Computer

System One

pooch said:
How are your SATA drives set up? You have two drives so one of these will remain unaffected if you have to do a new install, Is the other Partitioned?
Click to expand...

I think there may be a partition on one of the drives in the SATA machine -- ONE. Do you think I can reinstall just on that partition -- do a recovery?

I think it's like:
C: 200 something GB
D: 5 GB
E: 2nd harddrive..

I'm trying to rememebr how exactly it was.
 

My Computer

System One

Yes you can but you need to know what is where
Do you mind having to install all programs new?
I take it that you want to save files such as pictures, music, films etc is this right?
I also take it that you have things to save from your users folder yes?
Iit will also be very helpfull if you know which drive has windows installed on it I mean physically so that you can remove the other for the new install.
let me know so I can work out the best way to do it
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
I take it that you want to save files such as pictures, music, films etc is this right?
I also take it that you have things to save from your users folder yes?
Click to expand...

Yes! :D That's it. But the thing is.. my files are all over (mostly on desketop files and sub desktop files)-- not in the windows recommended place -- their pictures, videos files. I don't think that matters, but wanted to make sure I told you.

I believe the partition with windows is on the "D drive". and C and D are on the main harddrive.

and then E is the backup - secondary. I am not certain I have the names right though. I am pretty sure the second harddrive is E. So if that is the case I don't see hw it could be anything other than C and D.. for the first drive with the partition.. right?

Is there anyway I can check in the crippled state?


Do you mind having to install all programs new?
Click to expand...

I don't mind that at all. Much better than having to burn all my files on the other computer for logistical girlfriend reasons. :)
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

Also..

C: 290 something GB
D: 5 GB.. something like that
E: 300 GB

This is a HP media center PC

I believe the little drive or partition (D drive I think) was called an image file or drive or something. and wouldn't let me access it in the past.

I don't know if that helps or not.
 

My Computer

System One

Jack Burton said:
I take it that you want to save files such as pictures, music, films etc is this right?
I also take it that you have things to save from your users folder yes?
Click to expand...
Yes! :D That's it. But the thing is.. my files are all over -- not in the windows recommended place -- their pictures, videos files. I don't think that matters, but wanted to make sure I told you.

I believe the partition with windows is on the "D drive". and C and D are on the main harddrive.

and then E is the backup - secondary. I am not certain I have the names right though. I am pretty sure the second harddrive is E. So if that is the case I don't see hw it could be anything other than C and D.. for the first drive with the partition.. right?
Click to expand...

Good

Please read this carefully, or print it out so that you know what to do.

This is not without risk it might well be possible that some files are lost especially if you install windows in the wrong partition

You will need your motherboard CD for the Drivers

If you know which drive is your E:/ drive then you can remove it from the computer before you start, this is not essential but it will reduce the risk of accidental erasure.

The Windows drive should be quite easy to identify during the install because if you are right it is the only partitioned drive and Vista should normally be on the first partition.

1/ Ensure that the computer is set to boot from DVD
2/ Insert your Vista disk and restart the computer
3/ Press a key to start the install when instructed. Wait for Vista to load files.
4/ Accept the Language etc by pressing next
5/Select install
6/Give in your Windows key
7/ Accept the License select next
8/ Accept the lower option to install (this is probably the only option)

You should now see your Drive/s and the Partitions. Vista is most probably installed on Drive 0 Partition 1
If you have both drives fitted the second one (E:/) should have no partitions leave this drive completely alone
If you have both drives fitted and they both have Partitions break off the install.

9/Select the first drive Partition 1 so it is highlighted in blue (This should be Drive 0)
Do not attempt to make any changes to the drives No Formatting!!

10/ Select next

Vista will now check the drive and if everything has gone right it will find the old Vista install.
Vista will now ask if you want to save the old install Answer yes
Vista will now install (NEW) all your old programs will be gone.
When Vista has finished installing you will be able to set up a new desktop and logon.
You will find your old windows in a folder on C:/ marked windows old.
This is where you can access your old user folders and copy everything to the new user folders

All other partitions will remain unchanged as they were before the install

There is a chance that any files on C:/, not in your user folders will no longer exist.

Finally when you have saved everything to the new VISTA you can delete the windows old folder.

Re-install all your programs

Finished


Alternatively build one of your IDE drives into the new computer (if this is possible as the IDE connections might be missing)
Remove both SATA drives
Install XP or Vista onto the IDE drive
Replace your SATA drives
you should now be able to see and copy your files Just not quit sure to where, you may have to buy another drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
Jack
I have just read about files on the desktop I cant remember if they will be saved or not.
(I have only ever tried this once)
I guess though that as Desktop is a folder you should be ok

I wish you well if you try this :) and a lot of luck

Pooch
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
Did you see this Pooch?

Also..

C: 290 something GB
D: 5 GB.. something like that
E: 300 GB

This is a HP media center PC

I believe the little drive or partition (D drive I think) was called an image file (factory image?) or drive or something. and wouldn't let me access it in the past.

I don't know if that helps or not.
Click to expand...


Also, my Vista install disk is the kind you make yourself as a backup (3 DVDs) -- not a install disk that came with the computer. Does this mattter?
 

My Computer

System One

Jack Burton said:
Did you see this Pooch?

Also..

C: 290 something GB
D: 5 GB.. something like that
E: 300 GB

This is a HP media center PC

I believe the little drive or partition (D drive I think) was called an image file (factory image?) or drive or something. and wouldn't let me access it in the past.

I don't know if that helps or not.
Click to expand...
Also, my Vista install disk is the kind you make yourself as a backup (3 DVDs) -- not a install disk that came with the computer. Does this mattter?
Click to expand...


I did now, and no it doesnt matter we just do it differently

Either, copy your old drives by one of the methods already dicussed or.....

The best option as I see it is to buy a new SATA drive (big enough for your files) build it into your new PC. Remove the two old SATA Drives. Install XP onto this drive you dont need to install any drivers.
When it is installed Switch off, replace your SATA drives, boot up and copy everything onto the new drive.
Switch off remove the new drive replace the old drives and carry out the next paragraph.

Begin The HP Recovery Process The first thing you should do is backup any important data, such as pictures, music files, favorites, and anything important that you've saved since purchasing the computer. All new data will be lost and the system will be returned to factory condition.
Next, you'll want to unplug any external devices, such as USB printers, cameras or scanners. These devices could interfere with the recovery process.
There are a couple of ways to reach the recovery screen. The easiest will be to tap the F10 key repeatedly when booting the PC. This will take you to a screen to begin the process. Or, once in Windows, you can go to Start>All Programs>HP Tools>HP PC System Recovery.
Follow the onscreen instructions. The process may take an hour or two depending on the size of the hard drive. Once complete, your HP computer should be reverted to the original factory condition.



Finally copy the files from the new drive back to the newly installed windows


I hope this helps this time :)


Pooch


http://www.pctechbytes.net/
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
You may also want to look at this as it is different to what I already pasted;
Restore the PC to its original condition with the HP Recovery Manager if Windows Vista is not accessible
If the PC cannot launch into Windows, it may still be possible to use the HP Recovery Manager on the hard drive to restore the computer to its original operating condition by first pressing the Power button to start the PC, and then pressing the F11 key to start the HP Recovery Manager.
NOTE: Depending on the BIOS version, your computer may display multiple prompts during startup including F11 to start System Recovery. Pressing the F11 key on a computer with an HP factory image will start System Recovery even if the prompt is not displayed.


  • If the HP Recovery Manager can access the hard drive, a prompt is displayed to backup the user files before beginning the recovery. Follow any on-screen instructions.
  • If the HP Recovery Manager cannot access the hard drive to fix any system errors, use the set of recovery discs to recover the hard drive to its original condition.


Restore the PC to its original condition with the recovery discs
If the PC cannot access Windows, and the Recovery Manager cannot be started by selecting the F11 key on start-up, use the recovery discs to start the PC and restore the hard drive to the original operating condition by following the steps below.

NOTE: Please be aware that using your system's recovery discs may take two hours, and that using discs ordered directly from HP may take four to six hours and include several restarts.

The HP Recovery Manager function on the recovery discs examines the condition of the hard drive and attempts to fix any system errors so that the PC can start and run Windows. If the disc sectors used by the HP Recovery Manager are corrupted or cannot be repaired, the Recovery Manager will overwrite all the data and reconfigure the entire hard drive.
Use the recovery discs to restore the PC by following the steps below.

  1. Open the disc drive door and turn off the PC.
  2. Insert the first Recovery disc in the disc drive and close the door.
  3. Press the power button to turn on the PC.
  4. The HP Recovery Manager window appears during the boot process.
    • If the HP Recovery Manager can access the hard drive, a prompt is displayed to backup the user files before continuing the recovery.
    • If the HP Recovery Manager cannot access the hard drive to fix the system errors, the HP Recovery Manager will overwrite all the data and reconfigure the entire hard drive to its original condition.

  5. Follow the prompts to insert any additional recovery discs in the disc drive.

After restoring the PC to its original factory template condition, it is extremely important to obtain and install updates for the PC and its software, which has been released since the manufacture date of the PC. Use the HP Drivers and Downloads page to search for updates relating to HP Update, HP Health Check, and HP QuickPlay. Also, search for an updated BIOS and any updated device drivers.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
Ok.. I have an idea.. I think this might be the cheapest solution..

-Let's say I buy the cheapest SATA INTERNAL drive I can find.. say around 20-100GB

-Then I take the TWO drives with my files out of my PC.

-Then I install the new harddrive into the PC.

-then can I do the recovery onto the new diskdrive? then install on eof my second old drives and burn files to DVD, then remove that drive.. install the second and burn those files to DVD.

- then when I am done I put my old 2 drives back in the way they were

- then would it be possible to use the little drive I bought as a 3rd internal drive? Will my computer allow a third internal drive or no?
 

My Computer

System One

Jack Burton said:
Ok.. I have an idea.. I think this might be the cheapest solution..

-Let's say I buy the cheapest SATA INTERNAL drive I can find.. say around 20-100GB

-Then I take the TWO drives with my files out of my PC.

-Then I install the new harddrive into the PC.

-then can I do the recovery onto the new diskdrive? then install on eof my second old drives and burn files to DVD, then remove that drive.. install the second and burn those files to DVD.

- then when I am done I put my old 2 drives back in the way they were

- then would it be possible to use the little drive I bought as a 3rd internal drive? Will my computer allow a third internal drive or no?
Click to expand...

If you have three SATA connectors and 3 SATA power leads then yes you can build in a third Drive

You wont need to burn anything to DVD unless you want an extra backup

You will probably only be able to reinstall to the original drive, not sure about this

During the recovery you may get the option to save all the old Vista files to a Folder called Windows .old, I believe this to be correct, but I have never had to try this so I am not certain.
This option could save a lot of copying
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
XP will burn files to disk just as easily as Vista will. The two drives from the other cases may be large enough combined to backup everything from your main OS rimary where you can even reformat the primary alone not touching the other partitions for a clean install of Vista.

Any 5gb partition is the factory recovery partition there for using the full system restore option or working with a set of recovery disks. Since you are working with multiple drives and partitions only one partition would be effected with either a factory recovery or full install from a separate full version Vista dvd
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built desktops =2 Toshiba replace HP laptop
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb core 3.6ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper X 1.5v DDR3 PC12800 1600mhz 16gb
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1tb
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi XtremeAudio PCIe
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus 19" HP 20" second lcd main HP 20" remote pc.
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900, 1600x900 main - 1600x900 2nd desktop
    Hard Drives
    WD Black Edition 1tb Sata II -2 WD SAS "Heavy Duty" RE class 2tb - 2 External usb/eSata WD Black 1tb main -1 External usb only WD Green Power 1tb -1
    PSU
    Corsair 750w 750TX main - Corsair 600w remote
    Case
    Antec 900-2 - SSD compatible eSata ports 2 - NZXT Vulcan 2nd
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900A cpu, twin front 120s, top 200cm, rear 120
    Mouse
    MSI Interceptor D200
    Keyboard
    AZIO Ilumminated keys gaming keyboard/volume control usb
    Internet Speed
    30mbps upgrade
Jack Burton said:
Ok.. this is why you said to install Xp instead right? Because the recovery won't work with a different drive? OK
Click to expand...

Yes this is right


Jack Burton said:
BUT.. if I install a little drive and put XP on it will it be compatible with my computer and will it run my DVD burner?
Click to expand...


I can't say with 100 percent certainty, but yes I believe it will work it should also find the burner, you will need to install a burning program, but I believe that most of the drivers will not be necessary as XP is just a temporary answer so that you can burn your files. You shouldn't need graphic, sound, lan etc.

It might be an idea to check with HP for XP drivers just in case
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB) Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB) Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB) Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
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