Computer help needed please!!

[selfraising]

Hi
Went to start up our computer this evening and it came up with the message 'No boot device available'. Not sure what to do. Switched power off and back on and the power light comes on on the processor, starts firing up and then the message appears again Is there anyone out there who can offer any advice in simple terms (I'm not great with computers!)please?

[chris]

Do you have a Windows CD? (assuming that you're running windows?)

Edit: if so, put it in, and boot up (you may need to reboot if it says no boot device again - this will make it start up from the CD). You can then go through a windows repair, which should repair the boot record/sector - if the hard disk is ok. It won't erase any data..

If that doesn't work, there is another potential way but it's best to try other avenues before doing that method.

[selfraising]

I have windows vista and am currently looking for the CD, I know its around here somewhere!!

[chris]

ok, not familar with the vista install/repair - but it should be pretty self explanatory, boot up - option to re-install, repair, etc - try repair. If it's like earlier versions you'll need the administrator password to do it... then its just follow the screens really.

[selfraising]

Okay so I need to put the vista CD in and go from there? Sorry to sound such and idiot but I did say I needed it spelling out for me

[selfraising]

Well found the CD and tried the repair option but it says there is no hard drive!

[Glutton4...]

What you need is a large Hammer!



*I'll get my coat...

[Capsid]

Hmm, sounds like your hard drive has failed.

[lizzylemon]

it probably means there is a problem with your hard drive. if it was me, I'd ask around and then take it to a local repratable pc repair person. They can pull of any data on the drive, save it for you, tell you whats wrong and how it can be fixed.

Or you can put the boot disk (it will have boot disk written on it) in the cd reader bit and either hold down any key or the F1 key as the cd starts and see if that re-boots your system.

whatever happens, back your info up to a second source (on line or external hard drives will be fine) because if your hard drive dies, everything goes with it.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Well found the CD and tried the repair option but it says there is no hard drive!

Don't panic yet. switch everything off and disconnect from the mains. take the casing off your computer and disconnect the hard drive then refit all the cables. Do likewise at the other end of the ribbon cable attached to the hard drive. The reassemble and reconnect to the mains. If you are lucky, it will only have been a poor connection.

[selfraising]

Don't panic yet. switch everything off and disconnect from the mains. take the casing off your computer and disconnect the hard drive then refit all the cables. Do likewise at the other end of the ribbon cable attached to the hard drive. The reassemble and reconnect to the mains. If you are lucky, it will only have been a poor connection.

Okay, being a complete novice how do I disconnect the hard drive?

[Capsid]

Okay, being a complete novice how do I disconnect the hard drive?

If you are a novice then I advise you take it to a PC repair shop.

[selfraising]

If you are a novice then I advise you take it to a PC repair shop.

Whoops too late, had the screwdrivers out and casing off!! Found the hard drive, disconnected and took out and reconnected. Unfortnately it made no difference so looks like the hard drive has had it (worth a try though). Will take into computer shop tomorrow, hope it won't be too costly! Thanks for all your help

[Glutton4...]

Whoops too late, had the screwdrivers out and casing off!! Found the hard drive, disconnected and took out and reconnected. Unfortnately it made no difference so looks like the hard drive has had it (worth a try though). Will take into computer shop tomorrow, hope it won't be too costly! Thanks for all your help

LOL - Another one like me! I loved taking my old lappy apart when it went wrong - and I fitted the new parts, successfully, too. Hope you get it sorted, and have backed-up all your 'stuff'

[Capsid]

Whoops too late, had the screwdrivers out and casing off!! Found the hard drive, disconnected and took out and reconnected. Unfortnately it made no difference so looks like the hard drive has had it (worth a try though). Will take into computer shop tomorrow, hope it won't be too costly! Thanks for all your help

Well now you know how to remove it. You could just buy yourself a new hard drive and fit it yourself. The problem will be accessing all your data on the old hard drive, it is possible to buy (borrow?) a Hard disc caddy to do this. Or the PC repair shop can do it. But buying and fitting your own hard disk may be a cheaper option for you.