Laptop issues

[marty]

My HP laptop has some issues.

It starts, begins to load windows (XP Pro) then goes to the DOS-based 'load safe mode/last know good configuration' etc screen.

Loading in safe mode brings a screed of .sys code lines up, then returns it to the DOS screen. If I leave it alone it just continues to loop through this process.

I've searched the interweb thingy for solutions, but apart from pulling the hard drive out and copying it to another, does anyone have any suggestions?

[HornetBoy]

Had the same thing happen to me a while back ,is a typical thing with HP machines

Have you tried loading it with the last known good configuration yet?
or
Go to the recovery console and run chkdsk
or
Press F8 and find the bit that says disable automatic restart on system failure

[zaq]

As a last resort, before reloading Windows, try booting up with a WinPE (or BartPE) cd. You may be able to recover some of your data (pics, docs, etc) to a usb stick or networked drive from here. Then do a chkdsk /f from in here.

pm me if you need a hand making up one of the above cd's.

Cheers n Ride Safe,
Zaq

[marty]

Had the same thing happen to me a while back ,is a typical thing with HP machines

Have you tried loading it with the last known good configuration yet?
or
Go to the recovery console and run chkdsk
or
Press F8 and find the bit that says disable automatic restart on system failure

yes. can't get into recovery console. F8 is never an option.

cheers.

[marty]

As a last resort, before reloading Windows, try booting up with a WinPE (or BartPE) cd. You may be able to recover some of your data (pics, docs, etc) to a usb stick or networked drive from here. Then do a chkdsk /f from in here.

pm me if you need a hand making up one of the above cd's.

Cheers n Ride Safe,
Zaq

i'm delaying reloading XP due to some issues identified by some geeky types i found while searching. have not heard of the WinPE boot option.

it's mostly the kids laptop, so not too many photos or docs on it anyway - lots of music only so no great loss.

[Mully]

We had this on our laptop... actually several times, it seems to happen when the battery has gone completely flat. No idea why.

this is how I fix it - I hope it works for you!

Turn it on, and you should get an option to get into the bios menu (ours is F9 I think) - you only have a few seconds to get into it though so once it flashes up press the key quick
Go through the options and there is one that says restore settings or restore factory settings.
Do this and save and exit

Restart the computer and Windows should load as normal..

When I have done this the only thing I have had to do it change the time and update my anti-virus. All our data was there.

Fingers crossed that it works!

*edit* Just thought I would say this is Miss Mully - in case anyone thought that it was Mully that was the computer geek!

[avgas]

The recharge system sometimes has a spaz, try ripping out the battery and then turning on the PC. Still no luck then do all the stuff suggested by the others (no point in me 're-quoting' everyone - its all good advice).
If i may ask how old is the HP........as we have had major issues with ones that are 1-2 years old.

[oldguy]

Format HDD install Linux susi 10.2