Need Computer Help (In Layman's Terms)

[ket_the_jet]

Kralik et al:

My computer (running Windows XP) has recently been a one-episode channel of the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH. The actual error is: UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME.

Even when I try to start the computer in "Safe Mode," it features the same blue screen with the same error.

The computer is about five years old and out of warranty. Most tech sites are for people with advanced knowledge (which I just don't have) and the guys and gals at Dell have been total #$&*@!. (Here's an actual quote: Legally, we cannot help you. I asked them what law that would be breaking, but they didn't know).

Any suggestions?
-wtk

[sharkey]

Wait what? How you post then? I call... FRUITCAKE! Oh wait. Wrong word, whatever.

My advice: Buy Mac next time.

[MR. Lurtzy]

My advice: Buy Mac next time.

LOL

[ket_the_jet]

Post from my smartphone. Also, Dell now knows that I will not be purchasing a PC ever again.
-wtk

[sharkey]

Good idea. I'm actually on a PC right now (and hating every moment of it!), and I cannot get a mac soon enough!

[Elessar's Socks]

Give this a shot?

[chompers]

I got two free 2nd hand Pentium 4's today, no mouse but everything else to run it. I can post it from Australia .... hmm i think it would be cheaper to buy a new one.

[Sete]

Wait what? How you post then? I call... FRUITCAKE! Oh wait. Wrong word, whatever.

My advice: Buy Mac next time.

Amén.

[Kralik]

If I were you, I'd try burning a Linux CD from another machine to boot the computer, then salvage my data onto an external hard drive or flash drive. You could also but a cable kit for about $10/$15 online to turn any hard drive into an external, then plug it into another computer via USB. After saving your stuff, you could wipe and reload the system.

Alternatively, if you have the Windows XP CD (who does?), you might be able to run its recovery.

Make sure to save C:\.gccg!

[Kralik]

Also, Dell now knows that I will not be purchasing a PC ever again.

So you expect your current gig to last forever?

[ket_the_jet]

If I were you, I'd try burning a Linux CD from another machine to boot the computer, then salvage my data onto an external hard drive or flash drive. You could also but a cable kit for about $10/$15 online to turn any hard drive into an external, then plug it into another computer via USB. After saving your stuff, you could wipe and reload the system.

Well, that would involve buying another computer. And once I get all of my information onto a new computer, this one is getting the Office Space treatment.
-wtk

[Kralik]

Well, that would involve buying another computer. And once I get all of my information onto a new computer, this one is getting the Office Space treatment.

You don't have access to a friend's computer then?

[ket_the_jet]

Okay, so I got the problem fixed...but it sure was tough. Until I googled the problem and fix. And then it just came down to believing this guy's solution.
-wtk

[Kralik]

Okay, so I got the problem fixed...but it sure was tough. Until I googled the problem and fix. And then it just came down to believing this guy's solution.
-wtk

Woot woot!