WARNING SLIDE:
Yes, I have the computer-it is an HP all in one. 2014 purchase, IIRC. I am going to try to find someone to help me at least recover my document files and tax files.
Plus, I am thinking that the hard drive is ok and it’s the screen that’s malfunctioning. I looked up how to do the hard start. And the number lock lights came on and I think(not for sure) I heard a fan sound.
I had gone to Walmart to get a disc to save the files, and the computer guy talked me into some sort of usb thingy which I was still trying to figure out how to use-so that’s why I had no backup.
I am hoping it can be fixed to serve as a spare for the kids. It was working fine when I powered it off for the night. Then boom no joy the next day. Like I said I’m totally clueless, and even reading how to do the hard start made me cross eyed. LOL
Maybe this is the usb device you mentioned, but if your hard drive is still good, it can be removed from your old unit. For about $30-40 you can get a device called a cradle from an electronics company like Best Buy. You plug your old drive into it and the usb connector plugs into your new computer as an external drive - ie d: or e: device. You can then copy all your old files to your new system. Then, depending on how much room you have left on your old drive, you can use it for a backup device going forward. On the otherhand, you can get a new external drive for about $100 that holds 2-4 terabytes for a more reliable back up device.
It may sound a bit intimidating, but it is fairly simple for someone with even a medium amount of tech knowledge. Ask family or friends or someone from church for assistance. For something like this, you don’t need an expensive compute consultant.
Hope all goes well and you get your info back. lesson learned, backup is essential and doesn’t have to cost too much.
I’d take it to a computer shop where they can take out the hard drive and put it in an external case for you.
There’s a distinct possibility of disaster if you happen to have static electricity contact your exposed hard drive and a pro will have special mats and a wrist strap that grounds him or her. Your backup is worth the small cost.
Worth a try.