All else has come good - I pulled apart the laptop in the hope that I might be able to get it going long enough to remove the HDD security password.
Don't pull your laptop apart - it is a pita - none of the wires and ribbons are long enough to get piggy fingers inside with it all connected. So I disconnected everything - lengthened some wires pored some hot candle wax on other bits to keep them in place and then sort of put it back together - and she fired up first go.
I managed to remove the HDD password and as expected when connected to my PC the files could be read - but on the other computer it said I did not have access privileges so while I can now see the files folders etc - I still cannot read the files on another computer. I will ask how to gain access another day.
So the old laptop is running - I think I will leave it on and will get another one next week.
So - do not outsmart yourself and put a HDD password on - might stop the baddies but also stops you if you have issues with your computer.
Thanks for all you help and suggestions.
Garry.

