Dell computer, fans spin 20 seconds

[infoiltrator]

I have been asked to " fix" a Dell computer than will only turn on for 20 seconds or so.
I am awaiting model numbers and information.
Owner thinks hard drive is going and wants information rescue [and/or computer repair/upgrade].
Anyone familiar with this? Docking station copying.
Would I be better off plugging into my computer and copying to HDD?

I am considering using a docking station to attemp to copy the hard drive,
Is this a reasonable possibility?

Depending on the age and configuration of the DELL may upgrade the unit, any problem using Dell Windows 7 code on a reinstall? do you go thru Microsoft or Dell if I have to change motherboard?

Limited information I know.

 

[Fardringle]

Unless the computer (I'm assuming it's a laptop from your description) actually starts booting and then gives a hard disk error before rebooting, it's more likely to be a power or heat problem.

 

[infoiltrator]

Thanks for your reply.
No, this is a desk top. I am awaiting delivery to me.
I have sugguested cleaning out dust etc to see if it helps.

Owner and family are without computer knowledge.

 

[buggers]

Posted via Public Profile
by Hydranix@gmx.com


What you should first do, is confirm the problem persists upon arrival.

Then, do a visual inspection of the hardware if said problem persists.

If everything seems in place, completely disassemble to rig, down to every component.

Clean everything as if it were new, disassemble power supply, video card, and remove heatsinks from every component.

(Take serious note of hard drive ordering, and which EIDE/SATA/SCSI slots they inhabit)(ie. pen and paper)

Reseat the CPU, and all plugs on the MoBo. Reseat all PCI cards etc.

Be sure to apply fresh thermal compound to a clean CPU and heatsink.

Attempt a POST.

Upon POST-pass run a full 1-2 pass memtest. (1 stick at a time in DIMM slot 1)

Upon memtest pass, attempt a boot.

If it boots to the main disk, check SMART data, and/or test the hard drive.

If all is well, prepare to ship back, and prepare whatever charges that were incurred for your time, parts, and labor.

[If hard drive does not boot, SMART data warns of imminent failure, or any case where the hard drive is fubar]

Boot into Linux LiveCD/USB and do a 'dd noerror' disk image.

Mount the disk image to the loop device or find another way to access the disk image's data.

Copy all important data to the backup zip/lzo file.

Prepare new harddrive, and install appropriate operating system.

Copy over recovered data, as closely as possible to recovery locations.

If all is well, prepare to ship back, and prepare whatever charges that were incurred for your time, parts, and labor.


______________________________________
~Hydranix - Systems Technician, Systems Administrator, Software Developer.