unmountable_boot_volume

Yes, you can slave the unbootable drive to another system that has a bootable drive and copy your data from it.

You will need to contact Gateway for an answer to why you do not have an install CD to repair or replace your corrupt system. I'm sure they will have some options for you.

Not to worry about making anyone mad here, this forum is for helping people. However, it is handled by volunteers so you cannot expect service on demand. Patience is required. If you are in need of fast results with a complex problem, this forum isn't the preferred method.

 

unmountable boot volume

I found my Gateway XP CD. But, when I go to boot up from the cd, the meneu isnt't the same as the "Pictoral guide" you sent. The instruction are different. The space bar doesn't do anything to advance to the repair- reinstall. Only the "enter" key will advance. Then it does something else.

 

In that case, follow the instructions given by the Gateway CD. I don't have a Gateway so I have no insight as to what type of CD they have provided for you.

What does it say on the CD? Are you sure it's for XP and not Win98? It must have some information printed on it. What did the various prompts say when to tried to use it? Did it indicate what type of installation it would do? Why didn't you proceed? Try to give more complete information when you post with a problem. It will help speed things along.

 

unmountable boot volume

I taken the route of installing a new hard drive, and making the old drive a slave. So far it says the drive is unreadable. Does this mean all my file are gone? Can I still bring it in for a data recovery?

Thanks for all the help!

 

It appears that your old HDD has failed. If you didn't make any backups when it was operating normally, you're pretty much out of luck.

Data recovery is always possible if you take it to a professional but they charge the big bucks.

There are some free data recovery softwares out there but I have had very limited success with them. Do a Google search and you'll turn up several.

If the drive media is damaged, the head/heads may also be damaged. In that situation, you're not going to do any recovery and likely will do further media damage by attempting it. It the data is valuable enough to justify the expense, stop using it and get it to a professional.