Took comp. for diagnosis...back, I can't open my files!!!

MeAndMyComputer said:

When you speak with the Microsoft technician, you might want to show him/her the comment included in that article.
On the 1803 version, it's the latest version I would trust at this time. 1809 has come out but it has been pulled due to issues on some computers. Once your computer is up and running properly it will be a matter of time when 1809 will be released and available for your computer.

Oh thank you so much for explaining about the versions, especially warning me of a troublesome 1809! I'll be sure to show them the link article to MS store when I go but also show them your paragraph in red. I was told they're open 24/7 so planned on going tomorrow, Sat. but I called and was told otherwise. I was so eager to get one last opinion this week and have it either repaired or thrown out once and for all...but will have to go next week.

Have a great weekend WITH ALL MY THANKS to you and all the others here who so kindly helped me so much!!! :)

Bat 1 said:

I expect the OS is even More Corrupted than the Data you tried to retrieve. If you were in my area I'd be happy to help but I live in south central LoUiSiAna. Again the Dell Inspiron 560S Desktop Computer Series Specs - CNET is 10 year old technology and I doubt if it's worth the cost of replacing the failed Hard Drive, in this case IMHO it's best to just let it go.

I agree with you, Bat 1, but since I've gone through so much already I thought I'd give it one last push at the Microsoft Store. Yes, it is a very old computer but Dells seem to last longer than other brands. My previous Dell desktop lasted over 10 years without as serious problems as I have now.

Thank you very much. You'll soon read here whether it will be allowed to live, or, it will be killed! Whichever it is, I won't be bothering anymore in this wonderful site with such knowledgeable and kind members! Ciao! :)

MeAndMyComputer said:

Windows Core edition--- I'm not familiar with that as I would have expected Windows 10 Home...

Microsoft use the name Core to mean the base level - ie. Core means Home.

Bat 1 said:

I expect the OS is even More Corrupted than the Data you tried to retrieve. If you were in my area I'd be happy to help but I live in south central LoUiSiAna. Again the Dell Inspiron 560S Desktop Computer Series Specs - CNET is 10 year old technology and I doubt if it's worth the cost of replacing the failed Hard Drive, in this case IMHO it's best to just let it go.

Hi again Bat 1, in thinking over what you said in your first line, could it be that the culprit is the 1809 update which had to be pulled out because of issues, instead of blaming the poor little techie? Just wondering as we don't know whether the data is corrupted. All I know is that my computer was working well (with some little bothers now and then) and when I brought it back from the techie's diagnosis, the computer opened but files, folders, etc. didn't. Then later I found out the OS was deactivated and I couldn't find the Activation Page to correct it because it froze completely.

Anyway, don't mind me, I guess I'm just thinking out loud... lol! Adela

Adela said:

I agree with you, Bat 1, but since I've gone through so much already I thought I'd give it one last push at the Microsoft Store. Yes, it is a very old computer but Dells seem to last longer than other brands. My previous Dell desktop lasted over 10 years without as serious problems as I have now.

Thank you very much. You'll soon read here whether it will be allowed to live, or, it will be killed! Whichever it is, I won't be bothering anymore in this wonderful site with such knowledgeable and kind members! Ciao! :)

I only suggested just "letting it go" since you're uncomfortable trying to change the HDD yourself, and not able to find someone trustworthy that could help you for free or on the cheap. It's really no use to keep trying to get activation on a corrupted OS on a bad hard drive, You could get a 1TB 7200 RPM mechanical drive or small SSD for under 60 Bucks and the Dell would still be very usable for web surfing or as a backup for the new laptop if there's nothing else wrong with it. Before you make the purchase I'd suggest running MemTest on the RAM from a USB boot. Even though the "cheapo capacitor" problem had been solved by the time the desktop was manufactured, I'd still suggest someone with a magnifying glass take a close look at the capacitors surrounding the CPU given that the airflow in some SFF Cases can lead to overheating problems. With all that said, You'll still Need to do a Fresh Install of a Operating System on the new HDD. It would then be your choice whether to install Win 7 and re-do the Free upgrade or Win 10 and call M$ support to get activation, The Win 10 may activate itself if only the HDD was changed.

Bree said:

Microsoft use the name Core to mean the base level - ie. Core means Home.

Thanks Bree. What's interesting is that in researching what Core means, I haven't seen it means Home but that's ok because now I know.
I didn't buy my Dell Inspiron 580 new, I got it for free from a friend of a friend who had multiple problems with it.
--- It was pretty easy to get it to run as good as new and it is Windows 10 Home.
--- That is why I have an interest in Adela's issues.

Adela said:

Hi again Bat 1, in thinking over what you said in your first line, could it be that the culprit is the 1809 update which had to be pulled out because of issues, instead of blaming the poor little techie? Just wondering as we don't know whether the data is corrupted. All I know is that my computer was working well (with some little bothers now and then) and when I brought it back from the techie's diagnosis, the computer opened but files, folders, etc. didn't. Then later I found out the OS was deactivated and I couldn't find the Activation Page to correct it because it froze completely.

Anyway, don't mind me, I guess I'm just thinking out loud... lol! Adela

If you wanna continue what you're trying, someone with experience using Windows 10 Recovery Tools - Bootable Rescue Disk - Windows 10 Forums is gonna be needed and that's not me

Adela, since you like to think out loud that's a good thing.

You could run Dell's built in pre-boot diagnostics. Upon startup, press F12 repeatedly or hold the key in immediately: you will see F12 Boot Options in the lower right corner of the screen: let it boot into the next screen and use the down arrow to select Diagnostics. Press Enter.
Let it run
It goes by pretty quickly but at the top of the page it will check for some time checks (I don't remember the exact wording)
but then it moves on and checks for system tests, hard drive -DST Short Test I believe, the Optical drive, Video card & Memory. The nice thing about this process is you don't have to touch anything, just let it run. On my computer it takes 5 minutes.
--- Yours might take longer but let us know if it reports any issues.
You will get an option to some remaining memory tests but unless you want to select No followed by selecting OK to reboot the computer.

BTW, did that person state your computer ran Windows 10 on their computer or mention anything about issues when using your hard drive?