When I start my computer I get "operating system missing" message. Wiggle harness connections and tap on drive and and so far I have gotten it to start. I am copying system image to external HD as I type and will make a system repair disc ASAP. But one of these times after I turn it off I expect it not to start. Anybody have any particular advice for making things less painful if I have to replace HD. Ways to make files easier for me and my DAWs to find later? Western Digital WD10EADS 1 Terabyte. Suggest better replacement? I don't usually, but I will take the dumb drummer label here because my PC is mostly just a musical instrument/studio to me and my tech skills are minimal. Thanks.

 

I'm no Computer Engineer,but it sounds like your running things right using an external! "Operating system missing "is or seems to be a critical error, you could have inadvertently moved a crucial system file out of place perhaps just my 2cents,It would seem like you need to take your comp in for fixin ijs...

 

I had something similar. Do you hear any kind of clicking? If so, your hard drive may be dying on you.
So try to save all your import files. Maybe use a external drive to backup all your audio files.
Hopefully you will make it through okay.

 

It sounds like your doing the right thing, to back up.
Normally hard drive don't recover from a "operating system missing" message just by wiggleing a wire.
Are you sure the dive is damaged and not just got a break in the cable?

 

Don't know for sure. next time it happens I'll try a little more trouble shooting. Right now I just want to make sure I've done everything I need to get back up to speed no matter what the problem is. Not turning off or restarting until sure I have latest image and files saved. Seven eighths of the way into a new song project and I really am anxious about maybe having to start over or getting back to my current place.