Need help with a computer problem......

[bubbadave3]

One thing that I failed to mention is that I went to use Yahoo messenger earlier that morning, and got a strange message from someone that I didn't know.  The message contained this weird URL.  Before I could even think about what I was doing, I clicked on the link, and it was to porn.  So, I'm thinking that the system picked up something from that site that wiped out my hard drive.  Once a hard drive is wiped out like that, can it be restored or is the only choice to replace it?  I got my laptop from Best Buy in Dec., and didn't buy the Geek Squad protection plan.

[Tyler]

One thing that I failed to mention is that I went to use Yahoo messenger earlier that morning, and got a strange message from someone that I didn't know.  The message contained this weird URL.  Before I could even think about what I was doing, I clicked on the link, and it was to porn.  So, I'm thinking that the system picked up something from that site that wiped out my hard drive.  Once a hard drive is wiped out like that, can it be restored or is the only choice to replace it?  I got my laptop from Best Buy in Dec., and didn't buy the Geek Squad protection plan.

If the hard drive was knocking, then it has nothing to do with downloading a virus.  It's probably just coincidence.  Though, if the hard drive is knocking, then you still might be able to get the files off.  Put the hard drive in a plastic ziplock bag and get as much air out as possible.  Then put the bag and hard drive in the freezer for about 2 to 4 hours.  Take the hard drive out and place it immediately in the machine and turn it on or place the hard drive into an enclosure that allows you to access it through USB.  Then transfer the files off as soon as you can.

[PeripheralxMvmnt]

One thing that I failed to mention is that I went to use Yahoo messenger earlier that morning, and got a strange message from someone that I didn't know.  The message contained this weird URL.  Before I could even think about what I was doing, I clicked on the link, and it was to porn.  So, I'm thinking that the system picked up something from that site that wiped out my hard drive.  Once a hard drive is wiped out like that, can it be restored or is the only choice to replace it?  I got my laptop from Best Buy in Dec., and didn't buy the Geek Squad protection plan.

If the hard drive was knocking, then it has nothing to do with downloading a virus.  It's probably just coincidence.  Though, if the hard drive is knocking, then you still might be able to get the files off.  Put the hard drive in a plastic ziplock bag and get as much air out as possible.  Then put the bag and hard drive in the freezer for about 2 to 4 hours.  Take the hard drive out and place it immediately in the machine and turn it on or place the hard drive into an enclosure that allows you to access it through USB.  Then transfer the files off as soon as you can.

Seriously, dont go to geek squad. they will rape and pillage your wallet, and all they do half the time is use programs that are free to get online. try using a program called "Recuva" (the same people who made ccleaner made Recuva.) Hook the HD up to a functioning computer and boot off the working OS. It should recognize the bad HD as a removable device.

Also, regarding the freezer hard drive trick, if you happen to have one of those "freshness packs" that you see in packs of bacon (one thats not covered in grease, mind you) it would help to put that in there. That will suck up the condensation that forms. The condensation can kill the drive faster than anything that might have been wrong with it.

[cvasara]

Well, you're ahead of the game by not buying the Geek Squad.   What a $$ waste that one is.  Almost (but not quite) as bad as buying from Best Buy in the first place. 
If you just bought that laptop in December, it should be under warranty, so I'd start by just taking it back to Worst Buy   --  Oops, sorry , Best Buy, and getting it replaced.  Which, of course they aren't wanting to do, and will probably tell you  you have a virus, and it isn't covered.    Visiting Yahoo Messenger is pretty darn safe,  I would be surprised if you picked something up there.   Unless you linked through to some site, that is maliciously sending a virus, to anyone who clicks it.  If that were so, You are not alone in that boat.
The cleaners and AVG are some really good first lines of defense, but the best defense is the operator.  Firefox has quite a few extensions that can be added to your machine(s) that will help in treading lightly around places that we tend to go. 
I've bought two laptops this Christmas Season, one for a grandson, but the other for little ol' me.  Both on line, both un-seen by me in person, and both from companies that offer a no questions asked return policy.  Even if you don't like the color it can be returned.  Try that from Worse Buy.

[bubbadave3]

Thankfully, Best Buy didn't give me a hard time at all.  They didn't have any other Sony Vaio's, so I asked some friends of mine who own a computer shop in town which brand of laptop that they'd recommend.  They told me to buy an "Asus".  It was somewhat more expensive than the Vaio, but it didn't have any where near the amount of junk on it AND it had a bigger hard drive.  (I later found out that Asus makes the motherboards or hard drives that a lot of other laptop makers use).  So far, so good.

[wpruitt]

I've got something better than the Geek Squad ... The college kid down the road !

[bubbadave3]

I've got something better than the Geek Squad ... The college kid down the road !

I hear ya on that one.  There was no way that I'd pay for the Geek Squad services.  In fact, when I picked out the laptop, I told the sales person that I wanted on that the Geek Squad hadn't gotten its hand on.  There's this local company that I've gone to for years now.  They're reasonably priced, and I can pick up the phone and ask them questions about things and they won't charge the daylights out of me for their help.