When requesting assistance, please provide the complete model name and product number (p/n) of the HP computer in question. HP/Compaq makes thousands of models of computers. Without this information it may be difficult or impossible to assist you in resolving your issue.
The above requested information can be found on the bottom of your computer, inside the battery compartment or on the startup BIOS screen. Please see How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number? for more assistance locating this information. DO NOT include your serial number. Please enter the model/product information into HP's Online Consumer Support page and post it here for our review.
There are a number of ways you can use in an attempt to recover your files. You can boot the computer using a Linux LiveCD, try to locate your files, and save them to an external hard drive. You can remove the hard drive, place it in an external enclosure, connect it to another computer, try to locate your files, and save them to the internal drive or an external hard drive. You can also use other means of recovery, other software, etc.
Typically, a "Short DST" failure indicates that your hard drive has failed or is about to fail. Generally, replacing the hard drive with a new like drive is the only way to solve this issue. Once you replaced the hard drive please use the HP Recovery Media, you created when you first setup your computer, to return the computer to a factory like state.
If you didn't create your HP Recovery Media, please contact official HP Customer Support in the region / country you bought the computer, via the HP Worldwide Support Portal, to see if HP Recovery Media is available for your computer. Software may not be covered by the warranty and there may be a charge for the HP Recovery Media.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
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