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Question

Can I save my HD--and if not, at least the data

Jul 7, 2015 2:27PM PDT

I have a system that boots from a 256gb solid state drive. It also has a 4tb conventional HD for storage.

Today I got the "American Megatrends" screen saying that the HD "S.M.A.R.T" status is "Bad". Reading up on this, it means that the HD is either dead or close to dead.

When that HD is plugged in to the SATA port, the computer will not boot past the American Megatrends screen. When it is not plugged in, the computer boots as normal and appears to work just fine.

I could certainly get a new HD if necessary. But is there any way to save the data on the current one? If so, how? I cannot access it through Windows since the computer will not boot to Windows as long as the HD is plugged into the motherboard.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
boot to linux live disk
Jul 7, 2015 2:31PM PDT
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forgot to mention
Jul 7, 2015 2:32PM PDT

If linux can see your drive, you can copy your files to a usb drive.

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Thanks
Jul 7, 2015 2:34PM PDT

Thanks, I will try this.

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The Drive is there in Linux
Jul 7, 2015 3:38PM PDT

So I assume, or hope, that all I have to do is buy a new drive and then copy everything.

I really appreciate your help. I believe this is going to work. Cost me a few $$$ but it's better than losing everything.