Help with Windows booting

[shootweb]

Earlier while on my computer I heard a strange clicking noise which I recognised as coming from my harddrive, I felt the side of my computer and noticed that It was extremely hot. Suffice it to say a paniced a little and turned it off via the button on the front, a manual turn off. After letting it cool down for a while I tried to start it again, I got the expected choice of booting in safe mode or normally and all that jazz but none of the options avaliable work, I get to the windows logo with the little bar underneath and I then see a blue screen of death flash up for a second at which point the computer restarts itself. Cananybody offer any help or insight into the extent of the damage?
Thanks,
Alex.

 

[Bobbye]

If you're getting Safe Mode when you reboot, it means there is a problem. You mention heat- if enough, there may be some internal damage.

Let the system boot into Safe Mode. Once there, look for any Error corresponding to the time you get the bluescreen:

Start> Run> type in eventvwr

Do this on each the System and the Applications logs:

• 
  [1]. Click to open the log>
  [2]. Look for the Error>
  [3] .Right click on the Error> Properties>
  [4]. Click on Copy button, top right, below the down arrow >
  [5]. Paste here (Ctrl V)
  [6].NOTES
  • You can ignore Warnings and Information Events.
  • If you have a recurring Error with same ID#, same Source and same Description, only one copy is needed.
  • You don't need to include the lines of code in the box below the Description, if any.
  • Please do not copy the entire Event log.

Errors are time coded. Check the computer clock.

Some system information would help> Make and type of computer (laptop vs desktop), operating system (paths for Windows XP and Vista may be different)

 

[shootweb]

The problem is I cannot boot the computer full stop, it wont even allow me to start it up in safe mode, I get as far as the windows logo and the it just restarts. Im sory if this is vague but I do very much appreciate your help.

 

[Bobbye]

Do you have the CD for the operating system?

 

[LookinAround]

1) Providing information about the stop message (write down the stop code and parameters when it appears) can help diagnose your specific problem. (You need write it down if you can't boot to get to the Event Viewer)

2) Your CD install disks can help you fix filesystem and Windows corruption on your HD which might be causing the failure

3) But i'd also be concerned about HD failures/reheating/etc. Did you run backups before it failed? As you might want to first focus on your file recovery from HD and THEN address Windows sytem corruption

4) See this thread about options for file recovery. Also note the thread ends with full and successful! method for the user to recover their files even when hindered by not having their install or bootable CDs on hand
>> As if you don't have CDs you can download boot CDs to help as well
>> Or remove the HD to put it in an external enclosure and try to fix it on a friend's computer
>> IMHO If you try the external enclosure approach be sure to buy one with an AC adapter

As to fixing your HD/getting its files
>> I'd normally recommend first run chkdsk. But it can take a looong time to run. I'd be concerned about the HD reheating/failing again before it can complete
>> So you might be best to just first try booting from the Knoppix CD and try to save all your files/folders first
>> If Knoppix reports file corruption you'll have to run chkdsk first to try and fix it before Knoppix can read it
>> Also if your HD is failing and you can't read it, note the "freezer" trick others have said has helped get it working long enough for file recovery