Member Avatar for regular14

I have an HP laptop that recently died, and actually this site really helped me out with that which is why i'm back.

Since i can't boot my laptop to backup my files, is there any way that i can take the HDDs out, stick them in an enclosure and back them out? HP is gonna fix it for free, but they're all going to restore it to factory settings, but i have a lot of things that i really need. Please help.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by kaninelupus

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Given the motherboard failure reported by , recovery options that rely on the laptop actually booting are effectively off the table. The useful choices therefore fall into two groups: preserve the original drive and its data before any repair touch, or hand the job to professionals with a clear chain of instructions so the drive is not overwritten.

Administrative first steps: open a formal repair case with the vendor and get everything in writing. Request a nondestructive diagnostic and an explicit confirmation that the storage device will be returned (or imaged and the image returned) before any OS restore is performed. Record the case number, date/time, and the support representative’s name; that documentation is what protects against accidental or intentional data erasure (this echoes the caution from ).

If the drive shows physical-failure symptoms (clicking, grinding, not spinning), power should be removed and the drive kept offline. Continued attempts to spin a failing drive risk irreversible damage; a reputable data-recovery lab with clean-room facilities is the safe option for such symptoms. If the drive appears normal but is logically inaccessible, insist on an image/copy of the device before any write actions. Imaging preserves the original for a second attempt or professional recovery and is standard practice.

If a decision is made to handle the device personally, document everything: photograph service tags, serial numbers, connectors and any factory seals; follow the OEM’s service manual to avoid unnecessary disassembly; handle the drive on a grounded surface and store it in an antistatic bag. Also verify whether full-disk encryption was enabled (BitLocker/TrueCrypt); recovery requires the correct key or passphrase. Combining careful documentation with written instructions to the repair agent is the most practical way to protect data while using warranty service.

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Member Avatar for Chaky

You can boot via USB stick. You can also boot via CD using ERD (you'll have to google for it). ERD has a similar interface like windows and it hosts some crucial tools to backup or repair the drive.

Member Avatar for regular14

but, with the motherboard dead, and the computer un-boot-up-able to the point where when i hit power all that turns on are the HP lights along the keyboard, wouldn't that make the ERD useless?

Member Avatar for Chaky

Well, THAT you didn't say at first.

In that case, I don't think that HP ppl will mess with your HD if HD is not the source of problem and I doubt that they wouldn't back up the data on your request even if they were to revert the contents of HD to original state.

Member Avatar for kewlman

if you are concerned about your files, yes you can get an external enclosure and copy the files you want... of course you will need another computer to access the files and save them to.

Member Avatar for kaninelupus

I wouldn't guarantee you wont void your warranty doing that those - HP just love wriggling out of any warranty contracts at the slightest excuse (thus why this is HP-free zone here).

I'd consult HP as to whether or not you can either remove drive to copy off data, or whether they are prepared to transfer themselves (though I highly doubt it personally). Just make sure you get a reference number for any contacts made with HP's tech-support to cover your own butt.

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