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mathew_pms

updated

18 years ago

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2601

March 24th, 2008 13:00

Hard Disk Error

I own an Inspiron 9100 laptop and the internal hard disk seems to have failed (Error code 0F00:1A44).

 

The Windows blue screen message (UNMOUNTABLE DISK...) appears even after Windows Recovery Options.

 

My questions are:

 

1)  Is the hard disk permanently damaged? (The dell diagnostics only show a read error in Block 6773697)

 

2)  Is it possible to do a fresh install of the Windows OS using an external HDD (USB)? If so, what are the prerequisites?

 

3) Any External HDD recommendations?

 

4) Any option to recover the data from the problem hard disk?

 

Hope someone is able to help in answering my queries.

 

Thanks, 

  • Balaji Ramanath

    2 Intern

    1765 Posts

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    Posted March 24th, 2008 14:00

    You should remove the disk from this computer, mount it in an external case, attach it to another computer and try to recover as much of your data off it as possible before crushing it with a hammer and destroying it.:smileywink:

     

    Once you get a replacement harddrive for the computer, you should be able to install it, then put the OS on it from the OS CD by formatting and partitioning it as you wish, etc. 

  • ejn63

    11 Legend

    87468 Posts

    321253 Points

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    Posted March 24th, 2008 15:00

    You need an internal, parallel ATA drive, 120G or smaller.  No, you cannot use a USB drive as your primary drive.

     

    Something like this can be used to attempt recovery:

     

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817155704

     

  • 88

    0

    Posted March 24th, 2008 15:00

    Thanks for your prompt reply.

     

    I need further guidance on mounting the Internal HDD on an external case. Where is this available from?

     

    Does the replacement HDD have to be an internal one?  Has anybody used a USB drive as a bootable one on Dell laptops?