Ok, this has bothered me for quite a while now... system formatting gone bad

[Juli26]

So, I have this ancient computer, an Intel Pentium 4 2,4 ghz since 2001. It had a virus some times ago (around summer 2009) and I tried to format the system drive. The formatting went well until something happened. The CPU was heated too much and the computer froze. I didn't want to buy a new cooler for a crappy computer that I was going to throw away in the same moment I would get my data from the data HD. Anyway the setup won't go further now and the computer won't start because it deleted the system files during the format. When I try to continue the setup it freezes. When I try to start a new format from the WIN XP CD it doesn't recognize the CD.

So, now I'm thinking on what to do. I don't want to buy a new cooler. I don't want to buy a new CD either (that's irrelevant anyway).
Is there any cheap way or without money at all to get my files from the data drive? If I put the drive in a new computer only to get the files will it work?

[Freddie]

Well if your sure it's the CPU heating up then I suggest you clean the HSF with some compressed air to clear away any dust that has built up or replace the crappy thermal pad that Intel used at that time with some thermal paste. Also leave you case open and get a large desk fan and run it directly at the motherboard so air is being directly blown onto the PC to keep it cool and this should solve any heat issues you might have.

[Juli26]

Well if your sure it's the CPU heating up then I suggest you clean the HSF with some compressed air to clear away any dust that has built up

I already have done that many times, still no result.

or replace the crappy thermal pad that Intel used at that time with some thermal paste.

I'll try that

Also leave you case open

I already have done that

and get a large desk fan and run it directly at the motherboard so air is being directly blown onto the PC to keep it cool and this should solve any heat issues you might have.

I don't have one. I'll see if I can find one or buy it.

Thx for the reply. Anyway if this doesn't succeed is there any way to retrieve the data from the second hard drive?

[Legionary Jezza]

Well I am sure if the HD is alright you can hook it up to another computer than transfer the files to a temporary memory stick or external HD or something like that.

-Evil

[Juli26]

Wouldn't the other computer try to format it? If not then that is the thing I'll do tomorrow.