Plazticpaddy

 Error Code 3, indicates fatal error or unknown test error occurred while device was executing its self test routine, the drive is failing and should be replaced.

Backup any files, or folders yoy wish to save to other media.

Bev.

Thanks Bev, but a stupid follow-on question...  how do I go about backing up the files if I can't get past the initial boot up/login?  Do I buy an external drive and try to boot from that?? 

Thanks!!!!!!!

Plazticpaddy

Good question.

It would be handy to know the computer model.

You could remove the hard drive and using an USB adaptor similar to THIS and attach the hard drive to a working computer and see if you can transfer the files and folders to it, but if the hard drive cannot be read, then it's likely the drive is toast.

Bev.