Fatal hardware error- hard drive failure

get hold of a copy of Alsoft's Disk Warrior and try to fix the file directory on your hard drive. that may enable your system to mount the disk so you can get a backup made. Get a copy of Super Duper, this makes it easy.

Then run tests to check if the disk is damaged. Tech Tool Pro or Drive Genius are both good for this.

If it's damaged, replace it asap.

Unfortunately, utilities like DiskWarrior, TechTool Pro and Drive Genius will not help you repair a hardware failure. They only repair software problems. For something like a hardware failure, you may need to take your drive in to a company that specializes in recovering data from damaged disks like Drive Savers. They can be VERY expensive. A hardware defect/failure could have also created software problems on your hard drive and one of those programs may help temporarily and allow you to recover some of your files. But, I wouldn't count on it. You don't have a recent backup of your important files?

-Doug

Do you think Apple will extend their 1 year waranty by two weeks?

I can't speak for Apple, you don't have anything to lose by calling them. However, they are usually very strict about the dates for the warranty.

Is it difficult to replace the hard drive?

Replacing the hard drive in the iBook requires you to remove more than thirty different screws and, basically, completely disassembling the entire iBook. Personally, even I would pay someone else to do it.

-Doug

Well, if you did buy them at the same time and just never enrolled your agreement, they may be willing to get that worked out for you now. When you call the AppleCare Support number, there's an option to press for technical support and there's another option to press for questions about AppleCare plans directly. I would press that option and talk to them. If you still have your box and the enrollment number, they may still be able to help you enroll your Mac...

-Doug

Well, then you should call AppleCare Support and get your hard drive replaced right away. You still have two weeks to enroll the AppleCare Protection Plan you purchased too. You'll just have to find the box...

-Doug

Great! You're very welcome.

-Doug