Leon, I really recommend giving Linux a try, you don't even have to install it on a hard drive!
Make a bootable USB stick and...well, follow
https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/tutoria...ows#1-overview
Linux has been a virtual breath of fresh air for me (even the Mrs agrees)!
As I suggested before, I think you could even plug in your bad drive and recover the data from the Ubuntu system. Linux hasn't been the command prompt "gobbeldy-gook" nightmare which seems to be prevalent in forum chats.
