How do I back up my data before format reinstall XP..

Question

Hi guys - hope I have the right forum thread.   Dell support (hardware and software) have tried to help me with a corrupt registry but to no avail, so I've been told to back my data up using a local technician and then they will talk me through the format reinstallation of windows XP.   Can anyone tell me how I back up my data? The only options I get on my screen on startup are F2 or F12 etc, otherwise I get a config/system error message. Can I back my data up using the Boot menus etc?? If so how do I do this.   My Dell is a Dimension 9100. And I am completely perplexed and would appreciate any help!   Thanks, Martin. :smileyhappy: Message Edited by Marty Boy on 01-04-200705:19 PM

mombodog · Answer

If the PC will not boot into windows, I suggest you remove the hard drive from the Laptop and connect it to another PC to save your Data, using this tool or similar. To back up simply means to copy data to another location, ie, pictures, My documents, email, video, ect..   http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812156102     After backing up data see this for info on reinstall   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=DC493DC313321A9BE030A68F27281E82&c=us&l=en&s=gen

Marty Boy · Answer

Hi mombodog, thanks for your reply.   So I copy the data to the USB drive on that link - that makes sense. When I remove the hard drive (my 9100 is a desktop) and put it in another computer, will it recognise it as another drive on My Computer? Or do I need to set up the computer to recognise it?   Sorry about all these questions! Thanks again for your help.   Martin.

rickmktg · Answer

Marty Boy wrote:

Hi mombodog, thanks for your reply.

So I copy the data to the USB drive on that link - that makes sense. When I remove the hard drive (my 9100 is a desktop) and put it in another computer, will it recognise it as another drive on My Computer? Or do I need to set up the computer to recognise it?

Sorry about all these questions! Thanks again for your help.

Martin.

Your best solution is to buy an External SATA USB drive holder, remove the drive and put it in that holder, then access it via any computer.

mombodog · Answer

'So I copy the data to the USB drive on that link - that makes sense. When I remove the hard drive (my 9100 is a desktop) and put it in another computer, will it recognise it as another drive on My Computer? Or do I need to set up the computer to recognise it'   No, if you buy the item in the Newegg link, you do not have to put it In another PC, just follow the directions for the USB converter and plug it into a USB port on another PC. Yes it will be recognized in the PC you plug it into.

The-Lucky-Sparr · Answer

Hello, mombodog! I am having a similar problem. I have a 1720 laptop with Vista and my hard drive is faulty. The Dell people say to back up my hard drive and they are sending a replacement hard drive. I was wondering if your advice about plugging my hard drive into another computer would work if I put it into a secondary hard drive slot in another computer? Do you think this would work, or might it mess up the other computer, too? Thanks for your time!

Bonnie

The-Lucky-Sparrow

mombodog · Answer

Try it, it can do no harm.

Storage, Drives & Media

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