Can I still start my computer if my hard drive fails?

Answer: If you can't boot up your computer from your hard drive, the next best option is to start up off a CD. If you have your Windows or Mac OS CD, you can usually start up off that. Just make sure the CD is in the computer before the operating system loads. You can then use a diagnostic program on the CD to check your hard drive and hopefully repair it.

If that doesn't work, you can boot of a utility CD such as Norton Utilities and use the hard drive utilities on the CD to repair your hard drive. If you still can't get the hard drive working, it's best that you call the manufacturer and explain the problem to them.

Published: February 9, 2000 — by Per Christensson