Seth

If the services are missing, have a look here: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Services Registry Files and Information If that fails, you might be looking at a system restore or repair install of XP. Another option is the free trial of this: Data migration software: copy a hard disk drive to another one

Global warming Global cooling Killer bees Killer locusts Aids Sars H1 Religion ...and the beat goes on. Every year there's another "sky is falling" agenda that capitalizes via human ignorance.

Your issue is not typical of a malware infection. When the blank screen appears, what address shows in the address bar? Does the problem occur in "Safe Mode With Networking"?

Just dropped in to say hi to the motley crew. Now who the heck messed with the malware removal forum?:)

Hi Jack. I've come to respect your computer knowledge, but either I'm missing something, or your suggestion is erroneous. A failed a cmos battery will produce a checksum error with the option to look for a boot loader. Once one bypasses the checksum error, then the OS will load as normal, but without certain settings. One can prove such by removing the cmos battery and firing it up. I can elaborate, but I don't think I need to do so.

As I said, "If" The information I provided can potentially save the end user a heck of a lot of money.

I specialize in laptop repair, and I assure you that TT and Nev are correct. However (I always have a however:), I would not recommend you repair the connection. I suggest you retrieve needed data from the drive and purchase a new laptop.

True, unless there is important data on it.

With all due respect my friend, (i disagree) It's a shame that my fellow techs have cowered.

Don't bother, as a new cmos battery isn't going to help the electrical problem. Does the electrical problem occur without the battery? Without the AC/DC adapter?

The ability of the CMOS to recognize the drive is determined by the drive's electronic board. Other issues on a computer may cause the cmos to not recognize the drive, but those factors were ruled out in this case given the following: 1) The drive is not recognized by the cmos in another computer. 2) A new replacement drive is recognized and performs correctly. As such, it's technically correct to conclude that the drive's electronic board is defective. If the board is replaced, the drive should be recognized. If then the files are not visible, the drive has suffered a physical failure as well as an electronic failure. That scenerio is highly unlikey given: 1) Physical failure of a hd normally produces clicking or grinding sounds. Note that the poster is aware of this and made a point of mentioning that the drive sounded normal. 2) The chances of a hd having both an electronic failure and a physical failure is remote at best. Call it as you will. I call it logic, experience, and deductive reasoning.

Probably. Does it look like this: http://www.christopherlowe.name/wp-content/uploads/2006/02/2006026-TP600E-CMOS-battery-replacement%200011.jpg However, the sounds you described indicate a serious electrical problem.

Hi Eddie. I'd go for a Western Digital from here: 3.5in SATA Hard Drives - 2ndchancepc.co.uk The size you'll need depends on how much data you want to store;)

The circuit board (firmware and such) on the old drive is hooped. If you need to recover data from that drive, you would have to order the exact same hard drive, then swap out the circuit board. Or, the manufacturer of the drive may be able to sell you just the circuit board.

Ok, so we now the issue is in Media Player alone, and not your files or operating system. What version of media player are you using?