My computer has gone really odd recently. I have no idea what's caused it but one day I switched it on and the screen was blue and my settings and documents were gone. Eventually I found my documents HIDDEN away in the hard drive. I want to remove this onto a portable hard drive, but when I plug this in a SMALL bubble pops up saying 'Found new Hardware', then a BOX comes up saying 'Install new hardware'. I try this, but every TIME a message comes up saying 'Cannot install this hardware'. This happens with new memory sticks and anything that I hadn't already used on it before. I'm currently using a borrowed laptop, because the internet on my computer isn't working properly either. When I load it up, it's fine, but when I try to enter a web page, it just keeps loading it, almost finishing and then reloading it. I think that ultimately I will have to buy a new computer, but I really want my documents first. I can't even put them on cd's because when I try it says: 'Incorrect Function'. Is there anything I can do?You don't have to buy a new computer-you just have to reinstall Windows with the Install DVD that came with your computer.


Try this first, though:
www.sensible-computer-help.com/safe-mode.html


Shows you how to boot into Safe Mode and run a chkdsk, which checks for file system errors.


If this fails you might want to get a hard disk enclosure to salvage your files to another PC before wiping your hard drive.How old is the computer?
Is it a laptop?
What OS?

If it is a laptop over three years old, it is time to buy a new one.Quote from: Transfusion on August 25, 2011, 06:42:25 AM

You don't have to buy a new computer-you just have to reinstall Windows with the Install DVD that came with your computer.