Computer repair place? - Help!

Ok,..so im in abit of a panic.
I did an SP update on my pc but when i restarted,...windows wont start.

I've got all my lifetime photos on the harddrive,....i used to back it up on an external harddrive but the external one stopped working once it fell off the desk.

So i need a place that will help me get back my data from my pc, and if there was anywhere ppl know that can recover data from my external harddrive.

Most of my pics on the pc harddrive were on there own partition if that helps. Is there any hope for me??

Can you elaborate on "windows won't start"?

If it's an actual Windows error, then your data hasn't been deleted. You can just re-install windows and all your photos will be fine. Or you can stick the HDD in an external-casing and get to them that way.

If it says "Hard drive failure" or something like that when you boot up though, then that could be a little more problematic.

One of the other tech geeks here will be able to help further. good luck

I would take the harddrive out of it and use a USB enclosure to get the data off it.

If you reinstall windows DO NOT FORMAT IT.

USB exclosures are pretty cheap these days, youll just need someone with another computer to be able to plug it in.

Theres no need to take it to a hard drive recovery place unless it is broken or you formatted the drive.

Oh thanks for your help guys.
I was just about to reintall windows myself but thought i'd better call a proper technician to try and get the data off the desktop harddrive first and he can reinstall windows too,...just incase i did anything wrong.
All i care about are those photos. Thank guys.

You should be able to chuck in your Windows disk and choose an option to repair your installation of windows.

That won't delete anything. But if you are worried, do what Bob suggests to get the data off the drive.

just a word of warning... be careful with your windows install disk

the asus windows disk (that came with my laptop (so it is legit) actually formats my hard drive when i just choose 'repair'

(thankfully i have my drive partitioned with everything backed up on the non-windows part)