Computer bricked?

[fastfood15]

So my parents computer has been making clicking noises recently, i think corresponding to when it uses the processor, or maybe the hd.

So today when attempting to turn on the computer on, they find that the fans spin up and it sounds like the hd is spinning, but them every thing just turns off. I don't think they care to much about saving the computer, but they need the data off the hd, (tax info and such).

So would it work to just disconnect the hd cable, and then hook it up to another computer and back the data up from there? If it makes a difference their OS is xp.

Does the problem sound like something common, and fixable? I told them that it probably will require replacing some parts.


Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Clockworks]

Clicking is usually bad. If it is the HD that makes that sound, there's is a good chance the data might be gone. Do they have a new machine yet? If they do, you can just hook up the old drive to the new machine and remove the data ou of it.

-WARNING- Opening a brand new machine will most likely void the warranty, do this with caution.

 

[IceDigger]

I agree with the above. Clicking is VERY bad for a hard drive.

If you can't get your info off it there are places that can do it but they charge an arm and a leg literally.

 

[filthysanchez]

it cost $20,000 for my school to recover some data from their servers.
i think it was a few TB though, but not less than 1.

 

[Joves]

I would stick a new drive in it and, transfer all the data over after formatting it ofcourse.