I am completely new to Ubuntu. I experimented with Ubuntu 12.04 by running it from a USB drive, in-order to recover files from my hard disc.

History: My laptop is an IBM R60 running windows 7. Suddenly it gave me an error stating "error 2100 - Hard drive initialization error".

I have read all the forums and most of them suggested that I remove and replace my HDD and that did not work. And one site suggested to try using Ubuntu to recover files.

I booted my system from USB, and once Ubuntu came up, I choose "Try Ubuntu". It came up fine and I was able to surf ,and do other things, etc. I was unable to to access my files which are on the hard disc and "Attached Devices" is grayed out.

1- Is there any way to gain access to my hard disc to recover the files? How do I navigate to search for my files.

2- Is it just simply not possible if the hard disc themselves are not working? Is that why I`m unable to find the drives.

I know its a very novice question, but hoping someone would help me out.

Thank you,

Eapen