Nic.Lishko

I'm on Windows -- and it was a system failure from Windows not an actual hardware problem. So I just got an external hard drive enclosure popped the drive out than connected it to another computer via USB -- that enabled me to bypass the system and just read all the files like it was a random external drive. Not only did I easily recover any files -- but was able to restore windows and pop the drive back into my computer.

If you're on Mac or the drive itself is physically damaged, that solution doesn't help. But if you're on windows and it's a system fail, it's worth a try. External Hard Drive enclosures are not expensive at all.

Second the external drive solution. For around $40 you can but a caddy that will take laptop or desktop drives. You remove the drive that is unbootable, put it in the caddy, see if you can get another computer to recognise it -- if you're lucky you will be able to read information on the old hard drive even if it doesn't boot. Given what you've lost, it's worth spending the $40 to find out whether you've got a shot or not. Really hope it pans out for you.