Guest Rich Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out of the blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was getting the following error: windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something close, and the system would just hang. Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a different missing file, but Windows would still not load. Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP Home Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this point I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of HDD). However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at the last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to get the following error: STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the hive (file) systemroot\config\software (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot the specifics) I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My several futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of got rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password (by just hitting: enter). After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and memory (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I cannot even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my laptop, I hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and then everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' throughout and the keyboard also appears to be locked. I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the same results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from the hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated that I'm willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and running. Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks, Rich
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:F77439B7-FADA-43AD-A7CE-06F8D521B747@microsoft.com... > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out of > the > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was > getting > the following error: > > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something > close, > and the system would just hang. > > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a > different > missing file, but Windows would still not load. > > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP > Home > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this > point > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of HDD). > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at the > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. > > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to > get > the following error: > > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the hive > (file) systemroot\config\software > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot the > specifics) > > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My > several > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of got > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password > (by > just hitting: enter). > > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and memory > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I > cannot > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my laptop, > I > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and then > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' throughout > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the same > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! > > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from the > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated that > I'm > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and > running. > > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? > > Thanks, Rich > The progressive nature of your problems suggest a hardware problem. Your best bet is probably to take the machine to a qualified Toshiba repair centre. There are several methods to retrieve your files. Here are two of them: a) From your backup medium. It may be too late to mention this but good computing practice requires you to back up all important files regularly to an independent medium. b) By removing the hard disk and installing it in an external USB case (which costs very little). This would enable you to connect it to another PC and salvage your files. With some laptops it is easy to remove the hard disk. With others it is demanding because the keyboard must first be removed. Ask your service centre if necessary. If your laptop has died then it would be a good idea to use its disk as your backup medium for the next laptop.
Guest Rich Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Thanks, Pegasus, for a prompt response, and I will definitely consider your suggestion that this could be a hardware issue. As for backing up files - well, we have some back-ups (this actually is my daughter laptop), but none recently (bummer!). I'm not familiar with the 'usb case' for the hard disk, but I also will look into it, especially if it's not that expensive. I have another laptop (Thinkpad Z60m), but I doubt that the hard disks are compatible and whether I could use it for either troubleshooting my Toshiba or for the data recovery aspect. I also have an external disk that is USB attached, but again I don't know if it could be of any use here. Also - when I provided the same decription over the phone to the 'Geek Squad', the local computer 'fixer-uper' outfit, they assured me that my problems are NOT hardware related, but probably a virus, and that they definitely could fix it (for about 260 USD). Any additional thoughts? Thanks again, Rich "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:F77439B7-FADA-43AD-A7CE-06F8D521B747@microsoft.com... > > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out of > > the > > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was > > getting > > the following error: > > > > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something > > close, > > and the system would just hang. > > > > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a > > different > > missing file, but Windows would still not load. > > > > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the > > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP > > Home > > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this > > point > > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of HDD). > > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at the > > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. > > > > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to > > get > > the following error: > > > > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the hive > > (file) systemroot\config\software > > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot the > > specifics) > > > > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some > > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the > > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My > > several > > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of got > > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password > > (by > > just hitting: enter). > > > > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and memory > > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I > > cannot > > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my laptop, > > I > > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and then > > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' throughout > > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. > > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the same > > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for > > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! > > > > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from the > > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated that > > I'm > > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and > > running. > > > > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? > > > > Thanks, Rich > > > > The progressive nature of your problems suggest a hardware > problem. Your best bet is probably to take the machine to > a qualified Toshiba repair centre. > > There are several methods to retrieve your files. Here are > two of them: > > a) From your backup medium. It may be too late to mention > this but good computing practice requires you to back up all > important files regularly to an independent medium. > > b) By removing the hard disk and installing it in an external > USB case (which costs very little). This would enable you > to connect it to another PC and salvage your files. > > With some laptops it is easy to remove the hard disk. With > others it is demanding because the keyboard must first be > removed. Ask your service centre if necessary. > > If your laptop has died then it would be a good idea to > use its disk as your backup medium for the next laptop. > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen See below. "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:D5579550-5576-41FF-A4D9-200743173006@microsoft.com... > Thanks, Pegasus, for a prompt response, and I will definitely consider > your > suggestion that this could be a hardware issue. > As for backing up files - well, we have some back-ups (this actually is my > daughter laptop), but none recently (bummer!). If you have Outlook on your laptop, use it to schedule a weekly reminder to back up your files, and stick to it! > I'm not familiar with the 'usb case' for the hard disk, but I also will > look > into it, especially if it's not that expensive. Where I live they cost around $20.00. Physical installation is a child's play. Under WinXP, no software installation is needed. > I have another laptop (Thinkpad Z60m), but I doubt that the hard disks are > compatible and whether I could use it for either troubleshooting my > Toshiba > or for the data recovery aspect. The disks will be compatible but the installed version of Windows won't be. Don't even try - use the USB case instead. > I also have an external disk that is USB > attached, but again I don't know if it could be of any use here. You can if it is a 2.5" disk but not if it is a 3.5" disk. > Also - when I provided the same decription over the phone to the 'Geek > Squad', the local computer 'fixer-uper' outfit, they assured me that my > problems are NOT hardware related, but probably a virus, and that they > definitely could fix it (for about 260 USD). You previously reported that your screen remains black when you boot the machine from your WinXP installation CD. It is not possible for a virus to do this - if you really booted from the WinXP installation CD and got a black screen then you have a hardware problem. Before forking out $260, ask your supplier to examine the PC and give you a quote. This should cost you around $25.00. If you have a computer-literate friend, ask him to have a look at it first. And remember: Back up your data BEFORE you let anyone play with your laptop. If you rely on other people to do the right thing then there is a good chance that you will lose the lot. > Any additional thoughts? > Thanks again, Rich > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > >> >> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:F77439B7-FADA-43AD-A7CE-06F8D521B747@microsoft.com... >> > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out >> > of >> > the >> > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was >> > getting >> > the following error: >> > >> > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something >> > close, >> > and the system would just hang. >> > >> > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a >> > different >> > missing file, but Windows would still not load. >> > >> > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the >> > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP >> > Home >> > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this >> > point >> > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of >> > HDD). >> > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at >> > the >> > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. >> > >> > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to >> > get >> > the following error: >> > >> > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the >> > hive >> > (file) systemroot\config\software >> > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot >> > the >> > specifics) >> > >> > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some >> > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the >> > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My >> > several >> > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of >> > got >> > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password >> > (by >> > just hitting: enter). >> > >> > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and >> > memory >> > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I >> > cannot >> > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my >> > laptop, >> > I >> > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and >> > then >> > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' >> > throughout >> > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. >> > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the >> > same >> > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for >> > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! >> > >> > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from >> > the >> > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated >> > that >> > I'm >> > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and >> > running. >> > >> > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? >> > >> > Thanks, Rich >> > >> >> The progressive nature of your problems suggest a hardware >> problem. Your best bet is probably to take the machine to >> a qualified Toshiba repair centre. >> >> There are several methods to retrieve your files. Here are >> two of them: >> >> a) From your backup medium. It may be too late to mention >> this but good computing practice requires you to back up all >> important files regularly to an independent medium. >> >> b) By removing the hard disk and installing it in an external >> USB case (which costs very little). This would enable you >> to connect it to another PC and salvage your files. >> >> With some laptops it is easy to remove the hard disk. With >> others it is demanding because the keyboard must first be >> removed. Ask your service centre if necessary. >> >> If your laptop has died then it would be a good idea to >> use its disk as your backup medium for the next laptop. >> >> >>
Guest Rich Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Thanks again for 'screwing my head on right' by insisting that this is a hardware issue. Following your suggestion, I attempted some basic diagnostics ( I'm somewhat 'handy', even though one could not tell by reading my posts) by first removing the battery, then the hard disk, and finally one of the memory cards and ... eureka! - I'm back in business. Well, not totally, I'm still getting the: "STOP: C0000218" error, but at least I'm, past that dreaded black screen now. I now will concentrate on researching the above error and if you (or anyone) would have any other good suggestions here, then - by all means, I would definitely welcome and appreciate any help. Richie "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > See below. > > "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:D5579550-5576-41FF-A4D9-200743173006@microsoft.com... > > Thanks, Pegasus, for a prompt response, and I will definitely consider > > your > > suggestion that this could be a hardware issue. > > As for backing up files - well, we have some back-ups (this actually is my > > daughter laptop), but none recently (bummer!). > > If you have Outlook on your laptop, use it to schedule a > weekly reminder to back up your files, and stick to it! > > > I'm not familiar with the 'usb case' for the hard disk, but I also will > > look > > into it, especially if it's not that expensive. > > Where I live they cost around $20.00. Physical installation is a > child's play. Under WinXP, no software installation is needed. > > > I have another laptop (Thinkpad Z60m), but I doubt that the hard disks are > > compatible and whether I could use it for either troubleshooting my > > Toshiba > > or for the data recovery aspect. > > The disks will be compatible but the installed version of > Windows won't be. Don't even try - use the USB case > instead. > > > I also have an external disk that is USB > > attached, but again I don't know if it could be of any use here. > > You can if it is a 2.5" disk but not if it is a 3.5" disk. > > > Also - when I provided the same decription over the phone to the 'Geek > > Squad', the local computer 'fixer-uper' outfit, they assured me that my > > problems are NOT hardware related, but probably a virus, and that they > > definitely could fix it (for about 260 USD). > > You previously reported that your screen remains black when > you boot the machine from your WinXP installation CD. > It is not possible for a virus to do this - if you really booted > from the WinXP installation CD and got a black screen then > you have a hardware problem. > > Before forking out $260, ask your supplier to examine the > PC and give you a quote. This should cost you around $25.00. > If you have a computer-literate friend, ask him to have a > look at it first. And remember: Back up your data BEFORE > you let anyone play with your laptop. If you rely on other people > to do the right thing then there is a good chance that you will > lose the lot. > > > Any additional thoughts? > > Thanks again, Rich > > > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > > >> > >> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:F77439B7-FADA-43AD-A7CE-06F8D521B747@microsoft.com... > >> > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out > >> > of > >> > the > >> > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was > >> > getting > >> > the following error: > >> > > >> > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something > >> > close, > >> > and the system would just hang. > >> > > >> > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a > >> > different > >> > missing file, but Windows would still not load. > >> > > >> > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the > >> > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP > >> > Home > >> > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this > >> > point > >> > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of > >> > HDD). > >> > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at > >> > the > >> > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. > >> > > >> > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to > >> > get > >> > the following error: > >> > > >> > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the > >> > hive > >> > (file) systemroot\config\software > >> > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot > >> > the > >> > specifics) > >> > > >> > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some > >> > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the > >> > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My > >> > several > >> > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of > >> > got > >> > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password > >> > (by > >> > just hitting: enter). > >> > > >> > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and > >> > memory > >> > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I > >> > cannot > >> > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my > >> > laptop, > >> > I > >> > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and > >> > then > >> > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' > >> > throughout > >> > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. > >> > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the > >> > same > >> > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for > >> > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! > >> > > >> > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from > >> > the > >> > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated > >> > that > >> > I'm > >> > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and > >> > running. > >> > > >> > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? > >> > > >> > Thanks, Rich > >> > > >> > >> The progressive nature of your problems suggest a hardware > >> problem. Your best bet is probably to take the machine to > >> a qualified Toshiba repair centre. > >> > >> There are several methods to retrieve your files. Here are > >> two of them: > >> > >> a) From your backup medium. It may be too late to mention > >> this but good computing practice requires you to back up all > >> important files regularly to an independent medium. > >> > >> b) By removing the hard disk and installing it in an external > >> USB case (which costs very little). This would enable you > >> to connect it to another PC and salvage your files. > >> > >> With some laptops it is easy to remove the hard disk. With > >> others it is demanding because the keyboard must first be > >> removed. Ask your service centre if necessary. > >> > >> If your laptop has died then it would be a good idea to > >> use its disk as your backup medium for the next laptop. > >> > >> > >> > > >
Guest Rich Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Well, now I'm in the Recovery Console and again I'm being stumped by the Admin Password. I previously checked with Toshiba and they insisted that no passwords of any kind were set by them, and since I also didn't set any, this password request must then be coming from the Windows CD supplied by Dell (which I'm using to load Windows). Any thoughts how to get over this hurdle? > Thanks again for 'screwing my head on right' by insisting that this is a > hardware issue. > Following your suggestion, I attempted some basic diagnostics ( I'm somewhat > 'handy', even though one could not tell by reading my posts) by first > removing the battery, then the hard disk, and finally one of the memory cards > and ... eureka! - I'm back in business. > Well, not totally, I'm still getting the: "STOP: C0000218" error, but at > least I'm, past that dreaded black screen now. > I now will concentrate on researching the above error and if you (or anyone) > would have any other good suggestions here, then - by all means, I would > definitely welcome and appreciate any help. > Richie > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > > See below. > > > > "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > news:D5579550-5576-41FF-A4D9-200743173006@microsoft.com... > > > Thanks, Pegasus, for a prompt response, and I will definitely consider > > > your > > > suggestion that this could be a hardware issue. > > > As for backing up files - well, we have some back-ups (this actually is my > > > daughter laptop), but none recently (bummer!). > > > > If you have Outlook on your laptop, use it to schedule a > > weekly reminder to back up your files, and stick to it! > > > > > I'm not familiar with the 'usb case' for the hard disk, but I also will > > > look > > > into it, especially if it's not that expensive. > > > > Where I live they cost around $20.00. Physical installation is a > > child's play. Under WinXP, no software installation is needed. > > > > > I have another laptop (Thinkpad Z60m), but I doubt that the hard disks are > > > compatible and whether I could use it for either troubleshooting my > > > Toshiba > > > or for the data recovery aspect. > > > > The disks will be compatible but the installed version of > > Windows won't be. Don't even try - use the USB case > > instead. > > > > > I also have an external disk that is USB > > > attached, but again I don't know if it could be of any use here. > > > > You can if it is a 2.5" disk but not if it is a 3.5" disk. > > > > > Also - when I provided the same decription over the phone to the 'Geek > > > Squad', the local computer 'fixer-uper' outfit, they assured me that my > > > problems are NOT hardware related, but probably a virus, and that they > > > definitely could fix it (for about 260 USD). > > > > You previously reported that your screen remains black when > > you boot the machine from your WinXP installation CD. > > It is not possible for a virus to do this - if you really booted > > from the WinXP installation CD and got a black screen then > > you have a hardware problem. > > > > Before forking out $260, ask your supplier to examine the > > PC and give you a quote. This should cost you around $25.00. > > If you have a computer-literate friend, ask him to have a > > look at it first. And remember: Back up your data BEFORE > > you let anyone play with your laptop. If you rely on other people > > to do the right thing then there is a good chance that you will > > lose the lot. > > > > > Any additional thoughts? > > > Thanks again, Rich > > > > > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > > > > >> > > >> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > >> news:F77439B7-FADA-43AD-A7CE-06F8D521B747@microsoft.com... > > >> > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out > > >> > of > > >> > the > > >> > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was > > >> > getting > > >> > the following error: > > >> > > > >> > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something > > >> > close, > > >> > and the system would just hang. > > >> > > > >> > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a > > >> > different > > >> > missing file, but Windows would still not load. > > >> > > > >> > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the > > >> > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP > > >> > Home > > >> > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this > > >> > point > > >> > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of > > >> > HDD). > > >> > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at > > >> > the > > >> > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. > > >> > > > >> > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to > > >> > get > > >> > the following error: > > >> > > > >> > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the > > >> > hive > > >> > (file) systemroot\config\software > > >> > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot > > >> > the > > >> > specifics) > > >> > > > >> > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some > > >> > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the > > >> > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My > > >> > several > > >> > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of > > >> > got > > >> > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password > > >> > (by > > >> > just hitting: enter). > > >> > > > >> > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and > > >> > memory > > >> > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I > > >> > cannot > > >> > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my > > >> > laptop, > > >> > I > > >> > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and > > >> > then > > >> > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' > > >> > throughout > > >> > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. > > >> > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the > > >> > same > > >> > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for > > >> > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! > > >> > > > >> > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from > > >> > the > > >> > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated > > >> > that > > >> > I'm > > >> > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and > > >> > running. > > >> > > > >> > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? > > >> > > > >> > Thanks, Rich > > >> > > > >> > > >> The progressive nature of your problems suggest a hardware > > >> problem. Your best bet is probably to take the machine to > > >> a qualified Toshiba repair centre. > > >> > > >> There are several methods to retrieve your files. Here are > > >> two of them: > > >> > > >> a) From your backup medium. It may be too late to mention > > >> this but good computing practice requires you to back up all > > >> important files regularly to an independent medium. > > >> > > >> b) By removing the hard disk and installing it in an external > > >> USB case (which costs very little). This would enable you > > >> to connect it to another PC and salvage your files. > > >> > > >> With some laptops it is easy to remove the hard disk. With > > >> others it is demanding because the keyboard must first be > > >> removed. Ask your service centre if necessary. > > >> > > >> If your laptop has died then it would be a good idea to > > >> use its disk as your backup medium for the next laptop. > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Well, that's another bit of diligent house keeping. If you have a car then I'm sure you have at least two sets of keys. Why? With Windows you should have at least two admin accounts, each with a password that is locked away, for reasons that are much the same as with your card keys. You appear to have none. To bring your house in order you can use this tool: http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html I actually wonder what you expect to get out of the Recovery Console. It is an extremely limited mode of operation and not many problems can be fixed while inside it. "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:7124BD11-F0C1-405A-A1F7-9878CC0312F9@microsoft.com... > Well, now I'm in the Recovery Console and again I'm being stumped by the > Admin Password. > I previously checked with Toshiba and they insisted that no passwords of > any > kind were set by them, and since I also didn't set any, this password > request > must then be coming from the Windows CD supplied by Dell (which I'm using > to > load Windows). > Any thoughts how to get over this hurdle? > > >> Thanks again for 'screwing my head on right' by insisting that this is a >> hardware issue. >> Following your suggestion, I attempted some basic diagnostics ( I'm >> somewhat >> 'handy', even though one could not tell by reading my posts) by first >> removing the battery, then the hard disk, and finally one of the memory >> cards >> and ... eureka! - I'm back in business. >> Well, not totally, I'm still getting the: "STOP: C0000218" error, but at >> least I'm, past that dreaded black screen now. >> I now will concentrate on researching the above error and if you (or >> anyone) >> would have any other good suggestions here, then - by all means, I would >> definitely welcome and appreciate any help. >> Richie >> >> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: >> >> > See below. >> > >> > "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> > news:D5579550-5576-41FF-A4D9-200743173006@microsoft.com... >> > > Thanks, Pegasus, for a prompt response, and I will definitely >> > > consider >> > > your >> > > suggestion that this could be a hardware issue. >> > > As for backing up files - well, we have some back-ups (this actually >> > > is my >> > > daughter laptop), but none recently (bummer!). >> > >> > If you have Outlook on your laptop, use it to schedule a >> > weekly reminder to back up your files, and stick to it! >> > >> > > I'm not familiar with the 'usb case' for the hard disk, but I also >> > > will >> > > look >> > > into it, especially if it's not that expensive. >> > >> > Where I live they cost around $20.00. Physical installation is a >> > child's play. Under WinXP, no software installation is needed. >> > >> > > I have another laptop (Thinkpad Z60m), but I doubt that the hard >> > > disks are >> > > compatible and whether I could use it for either troubleshooting my >> > > Toshiba >> > > or for the data recovery aspect. >> > >> > The disks will be compatible but the installed version of >> > Windows won't be. Don't even try - use the USB case >> > instead. >> > >> > > I also have an external disk that is USB >> > > attached, but again I don't know if it could be of any use here. >> > >> > You can if it is a 2.5" disk but not if it is a 3.5" disk. >> > >> > > Also - when I provided the same decription over the phone to the >> > > 'Geek >> > > Squad', the local computer 'fixer-uper' outfit, they assured me that >> > > my >> > > problems are NOT hardware related, but probably a virus, and that >> > > they >> > > definitely could fix it (for about 260 USD). >> > >> > You previously reported that your screen remains black when >> > you boot the machine from your WinXP installation CD. >> > It is not possible for a virus to do this - if you really booted >> > from the WinXP installation CD and got a black screen then >> > you have a hardware problem. >> > >> > Before forking out $260, ask your supplier to examine the >> > PC and give you a quote. This should cost you around $25.00. >> > If you have a computer-literate friend, ask him to have a >> > look at it first. And remember: Back up your data BEFORE >> > you let anyone play with your laptop. If you rely on other people >> > to do the right thing then there is a good chance that you will >> > lose the lot. >> > >> > > Any additional thoughts? >> > > Thanks again, Rich >> > > >> > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: >> > > >> > >> >> > >> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> > >> news:F77439B7-FADA-43AD-A7CE-06F8D521B747@microsoft.com... >> > >> > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition >> > >> > 'out >> > >> > of >> > >> > the >> > >> > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I >> > >> > was >> > >> > getting >> > >> > the following error: >> > >> > >> > >> > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or >> > >> > something >> > >> > close, >> > >> > and the system would just hang. >> > >> > >> > >> > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a >> > >> > different >> > >> > missing file, but Windows would still not load. >> > >> > >> > >> > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only >> > >> > with the >> > >> > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading >> > >> > Windows XP >> > >> > Home >> > >> > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at >> > >> > this >> > >> > point >> > >> > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of >> > >> > HDD). >> > >> > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode >> > >> > or at >> > >> > the >> > >> > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar >> > >> > fashion. >> > >> > >> > >> > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I >> > >> > began to >> > >> > get >> > >> > the following error: >> > >> > >> > >> > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load >> > >> > the >> > >> > hive >> > >> > (file) systemroot\config\software >> > >> > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't >> > >> > jot >> > >> > the >> > >> > specifics) >> > >> > >> > >> > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run >> > >> > some >> > >> > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the >> > >> > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. >> > >> > My >> > >> > several >> > >> > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could >> > >> > think of >> > >> > got >> > >> > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' >> > >> > password >> > >> > (by >> > >> > just hitting: enter). >> > >> > >> > >> > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and >> > >> > memory >> > >> > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. >> > >> > Now I >> > >> > cannot >> > >> > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my >> > >> > laptop, >> > >> > I >> > >> > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment >> > >> > and >> > >> > then >> > >> > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' >> > >> > throughout >> > >> > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. >> > >> > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with >> > >> > the >> > >> > same >> > >> > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, >> > >> > scan for >> > >> > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! >> > >> > >> > >> > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures >> > >> > from >> > >> > the >> > >> > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so >> > >> > frustrated >> > >> > that >> > >> > I'm >> > >> > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up >> > >> > and >> > >> > running. >> > >> > >> > >> > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? >> > >> > >> > >> > Thanks, Rich >> > >> > >> > >> >> > >> The progressive nature of your problems suggest a hardware >> > >> problem. Your best bet is probably to take the machine to >> > >> a qualified Toshiba repair centre. >> > >> >> > >> There are several methods to retrieve your files. Here are >> > >> two of them: >> > >> >> > >> a) From your backup medium. It may be too late to mention >> > >> this but good computing practice requires you to back up all >> > >> important files regularly to an independent medium. >> > >> >> > >> b) By removing the hard disk and installing it in an external >> > >> USB case (which costs very little). This would enable you >> > >> to connect it to another PC and salvage your files. >> > >> >> > >> With some laptops it is easy to remove the hard disk. With >> > >> others it is demanding because the keyboard must first be >> > >> removed. Ask your service centre if necessary. >> > >> >> > >> If your laptop has died then it would be a good idea to >> > >> use its disk as your backup medium for the next laptop. >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> > >> >
Guest Malke Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Rich wrote: > Well, now I'm in the Recovery Console and again I'm being stumped by the > Admin Password. > I previously checked with Toshiba and they insisted that no passwords of any > kind were set by them, and since I also didn't set any, this password request > must then be coming from the Windows CD supplied by Dell (which I'm using to > load Windows). > Any thoughts how to get over this hurdle? > > >> Thanks again for 'screwing my head on right' by insisting that this is a >> hardware issue. >> Following your suggestion, I attempted some basic diagnostics ( I'm somewhat >> 'handy', even though one could not tell by reading my posts) by first >> removing the battery, then the hard disk, and finally one of the memory cards >> and ... eureka! - I'm back in business. >> Well, not totally, I'm still getting the: "STOP: C0000218" error, but at >> least I'm, past that dreaded black screen now. >> I now will concentrate on researching the above error and if you (or anyone) >> would have any other good suggestions here, then - by all means, I would >> definitely welcome and appreciate any help. >> Richie Pegasus has pretty well covered that this may be a hardware issue. I see some other things happening here that haven't been covered, though. So here are my thoughts (Pegasus, I hope you don't mind me popping in): 1. Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility downloaded from the drive mftr. If you don't know the drive mftr., Seagate's SeaTools Desktop works very well. You will create a bootable CD with the file you download and you need third-party burning software to do this. The built-in XP burning program is not capable of doing this. If the drive fails any physical tests, it needs to be replaced. 1a. If the drive fails any physical tests, it will probably not be possible to retrieve data from it. If the data is crucial and cost is not an issue, you should send the drive to a professional data recovery company such as Drive Savers (http://www.drivesavers.com). Costs start at around $500 USD and go up from there. Only you can determine the value of your data. If the drive is failing, every time you spin it up you are at high risk of destroying data, so stop what you are doing if you want to get the data back. 1b. If the hard drive does not fail any physical tests, put it in a USB drive enclosure and attach to a working computer to pull the data off. Standard caveat: If you can't do the testing yourself because you don't have the skills and/or equipment, take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). 2. There is no reason for you to be in the Recovery Console because there is nothing useful you're going to be able to do from there. So don't waste your time with it. 3. Most Dell XP CDs are BIOS-locked and will fail if they don't find a Dell BIOS. Since you have a Toshiba, the CD will not find a Dell BIOS. Assuming that the hard drive is physically sound (which is an assumption that you shouldn't make yet), you will need to do any repairs with a generic OEM XP CD that matches the version installed (XP Home, Pro, or Media Center). Malke -- Elephant Boy Computers http://www.elephantboycomputers.com "Don't Panic!" MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 18, 2007 Posted September 18, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen < snip > > Pegasus has pretty well covered that this may be a hardware issue. I see > some other things happening here that haven't been covered, though. So > here are my thoughts (Pegasus, I hope you don't mind me popping in): Two minds are better than one - great to have your opinion too.
Guest Rich Posted September 19, 2007 Posted September 19, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Well, it appears that my Toshiba Satellite is back in business - thanks to your, Pegasus and Malke, suggestions, and I was able to salvage all important data from the hard drive, to 'boot' - :). As Malke suggested, I purchased the USB hard disk enclosue ($55 at Best Buy), which allowed me to attach the disk from the 'bad' pc to my other laptop. I then transferred all documents from that disk, first to my 'good' PC, and then to an external disk. Finally, after removing the bad memory, I restored Windows on the Toshiba laptop, utilizing the Windows Restore disk provided by Toshiba (but unfortunately wiping all the data in the process ...:(), I copied all documents back to my Toshiba from the external disk. In addition, I ran the available diagnostics for my hard drive (CHKDSK and those provided by Windows) and found several bad sectors, although none had critical errors (as per messages). I already contacted Kingston and they are sending me a replacement for the bad memory module - thanks to the lifetime warranty. Of course, I immediately backed up my system to the external drive - a lesson learned! Thanks again for all the help - it definitely was an 'interesting' and eye opening experience. Rich "Malke" wrote: > Rich wrote: > > Well, now I'm in the Recovery Console and again I'm being stumped by the > > Admin Password. > > I previously checked with Toshiba and they insisted that no passwords of any > > kind were set by them, and since I also didn't set any, this password request > > must then be coming from the Windows CD supplied by Dell (which I'm using to > > load Windows). > > Any thoughts how to get over this hurdle? > > > > > >> Thanks again for 'screwing my head on right' by insisting that this is a > >> hardware issue. > >> Following your suggestion, I attempted some basic diagnostics ( I'm somewhat > >> 'handy', even though one could not tell by reading my posts) by first > >> removing the battery, then the hard disk, and finally one of the memory cards > >> and ... eureka! - I'm back in business. > >> Well, not totally, I'm still getting the: "STOP: C0000218" error, but at > >> least I'm, past that dreaded black screen now. > >> I now will concentrate on researching the above error and if you (or anyone) > >> would have any other good suggestions here, then - by all means, I would > >> definitely welcome and appreciate any help. > >> Richie > > Pegasus has pretty well covered that this may be a hardware issue. I see > some other things happening here that haven't been covered, though. So > here are my thoughts (Pegasus, I hope you don't mind me popping in): > > 1. Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility downloaded from the > drive mftr. If you don't know the drive mftr., Seagate's SeaTools > Desktop works very well. You will create a bootable CD with the file you > download and you need third-party burning software to do this. The > built-in XP burning program is not capable of doing this. If the drive > fails any physical tests, it needs to be replaced. > > 1a. If the drive fails any physical tests, it will probably not be > possible to retrieve data from it. If the data is crucial and cost is > not an issue, you should send the drive to a professional data recovery > company such as Drive Savers (http://www.drivesavers.com). Costs start at > around $500 USD and go up from there. Only you can determine the value > of your data. If the drive is failing, every time you spin it up you are > at high risk of destroying data, so stop what you are doing if you want > to get the data back. > > 1b. If the hard drive does not fail any physical tests, put it in a USB > drive enclosure and attach to a working computer to pull the data off. > > Standard caveat: If you can't do the testing yourself because you don't > have the skills and/or equipment, take the machine to a professional > computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of > BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). > > 2. There is no reason for you to be in the Recovery Console because > there is nothing useful you're going to be able to do from there. So > don't waste your time with it. > > 3. Most Dell XP CDs are BIOS-locked and will fail if they don't find a > Dell BIOS. Since you have a Toshiba, the CD will not find a Dell BIOS. > Assuming that the hard drive is physically sound (which is an assumption > that you shouldn't make yet), you will need to do any repairs with a > generic OEM XP CD that matches the version installed (XP Home, Pro, or > Media Center). > > > Malke > -- > Elephant Boy Computers > http://www.elephantboycomputers.com > "Don't Panic!" > MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 19, 2007 Posted September 19, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Thanks for the feedback. I'm a little dismayed at the price you paid for your USB case. It may have been "Best Buy" for you but where I live they cost only around US$20.00 for a 2.5" disk. "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:2ABB5E66-E8EF-4C4E-AA4C-486B0471E7EF@microsoft.com... > Well, it appears that my Toshiba Satellite is back in business - thanks to > your, Pegasus and Malke, suggestions, and I was able to salvage all > important > data from the hard drive, to 'boot' - :). > As Malke suggested, I purchased the USB hard disk enclosue ($55 at Best > Buy), which allowed me to attach the disk from the 'bad' pc to my other > laptop. I then transferred all documents from that disk, first to my > 'good' > PC, and then to an external disk. Finally, after removing the bad memory, > I > restored Windows on the Toshiba laptop, utilizing the Windows Restore disk > provided by Toshiba (but unfortunately wiping all the data in the process > ..:(), I copied all documents back to my Toshiba from the external disk. > In addition, I ran the available diagnostics for my hard drive (CHKDSK and > those provided by Windows) and found several bad sectors, although none > had > critical errors (as per messages). > I already contacted Kingston and they are sending me a replacement for the > bad memory module - thanks to the lifetime warranty. > Of course, I immediately backed up my system to the external drive - a > lesson learned! > > Thanks again for all the help - it definitely was an 'interesting' and eye > opening experience. > > Rich > > > "Malke" wrote: > >> Rich wrote: >> > Well, now I'm in the Recovery Console and again I'm being stumped by >> > the >> > Admin Password. >> > I previously checked with Toshiba and they insisted that no passwords >> > of any >> > kind were set by them, and since I also didn't set any, this password >> > request >> > must then be coming from the Windows CD supplied by Dell (which I'm >> > using to >> > load Windows). >> > Any thoughts how to get over this hurdle? >> > >> > >> >> Thanks again for 'screwing my head on right' by insisting that this is >> >> a >> >> hardware issue. >> >> Following your suggestion, I attempted some basic diagnostics ( I'm >> >> somewhat >> >> 'handy', even though one could not tell by reading my posts) by first >> >> removing the battery, then the hard disk, and finally one of the >> >> memory cards >> >> and ... eureka! - I'm back in business. >> >> Well, not totally, I'm still getting the: "STOP: C0000218" error, but >> >> at >> >> least I'm, past that dreaded black screen now. >> >> I now will concentrate on researching the above error and if you (or >> >> anyone) >> >> would have any other good suggestions here, then - by all means, I >> >> would >> >> definitely welcome and appreciate any help. >> >> Richie >> >> Pegasus has pretty well covered that this may be a hardware issue. I see >> some other things happening here that haven't been covered, though. So >> here are my thoughts (Pegasus, I hope you don't mind me popping in): >> >> 1. Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility downloaded from the >> drive mftr. If you don't know the drive mftr., Seagate's SeaTools >> Desktop works very well. You will create a bootable CD with the file you >> download and you need third-party burning software to do this. The >> built-in XP burning program is not capable of doing this. If the drive >> fails any physical tests, it needs to be replaced. >> >> 1a. If the drive fails any physical tests, it will probably not be >> possible to retrieve data from it. If the data is crucial and cost is >> not an issue, you should send the drive to a professional data recovery >> company such as Drive Savers (http://www.drivesavers.com). Costs start at >> around $500 USD and go up from there. Only you can determine the value >> of your data. If the drive is failing, every time you spin it up you are >> at high risk of destroying data, so stop what you are doing if you want >> to get the data back. >> >> 1b. If the hard drive does not fail any physical tests, put it in a USB >> drive enclosure and attach to a working computer to pull the data off. >> >> Standard caveat: If you can't do the testing yourself because you don't >> have the skills and/or equipment, take the machine to a professional >> computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of >> BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). >> >> 2. There is no reason for you to be in the Recovery Console because >> there is nothing useful you're going to be able to do from there. So >> don't waste your time with it. >> >> 3. Most Dell XP CDs are BIOS-locked and will fail if they don't find a >> Dell BIOS. Since you have a Toshiba, the CD will not find a Dell BIOS. >> Assuming that the hard drive is physically sound (which is an assumption >> that you shouldn't make yet), you will need to do any repairs with a >> generic OEM XP CD that matches the version installed (XP Home, Pro, or >> Media Center). >> >> >> Malke >> -- >> Elephant Boy Computers >> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com >> "Don't Panic!" >> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User >>
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted September 19, 2007 Posted September 19, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen On Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:02:19 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I.can@fly.com> wrote: > Thanks for the feedback. I'm a little dismayed at the price you paid > for your USB case. It may have been "Best Buy" for you but where > I live they cost only around US$20.00 for a 2.5" disk. Best Buy is an extremely expensive place to buy almost everything. I remember once dropping into one to see if they had a USB extension cable. They did, but it was $30 US. I didn't buy it, but went home and searched on the internet, where I found one for $.01 (not a typo--that's one penny). Shipping was $4.99, but the total of $5 was acceptable and *much* cheaper than Best Buy. Best Buy, with its combination of high prices and uninformed staff, is a very poor place to shop for anything. > "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:2ABB5E66-E8EF-4C4E-AA4C-486B0471E7EF@microsoft.com... > > Well, it appears that my Toshiba Satellite is back in business - thanks to > > your, Pegasus and Malke, suggestions, and I was able to salvage all > > important > > data from the hard drive, to 'boot' - :). > > As Malke suggested, I purchased the USB hard disk enclosue ($55 at Best > > Buy), -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Tom [Pepper] Willett Posted September 19, 2007 Posted September 19, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Except when they have Verbatim DVDs on sale! ;-) Tom "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.am.invalid.domain> wrote in message news:ev03f39giro85a528lk8nam6mfp2he707e@4ax.com... | | Best Buy, with its combination of high prices and uninformed staff, is | a very poor place to shop for anything. | | |
Guest Unknown Posted September 19, 2007 Posted September 19, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen Strange they have that name. I agree, their prices baffle me. "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.am.invalid.domain> wrote in message news:ev03f39giro85a528lk8nam6mfp2he707e@4ax.com... > On Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:02:19 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I.can@fly.com> > wrote: > >> Thanks for the feedback. I'm a little dismayed at the price you paid >> for your USB case. It may have been "Best Buy" for you but where >> I live they cost only around US$20.00 for a 2.5" disk. > > > Best Buy is an extremely expensive place to buy almost everything. I > remember once dropping into one to see if they had a USB extension > cable. They did, but it was $30 US. I didn't buy it, but went home and > searched on the internet, where I found one for $.01 (not a > typo--that's one penny). Shipping was $4.99, but the total of $5 was > acceptable and *much* cheaper than Best Buy. > > Best Buy, with its combination of high prices and uninformed staff, is > a very poor place to shop for anything. > > > >> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:2ABB5E66-E8EF-4C4E-AA4C-486B0471E7EF@microsoft.com... > >> > Well, it appears that my Toshiba Satellite is back in business - thanks >> > to >> > your, Pegasus and Malke, suggestions, and I was able to salvage all >> > important >> > data from the hard drive, to 'boot' - :). >> > As Malke suggested, I purchased the USB hard disk enclosue ($55 at Best >> > Buy), > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Jack Ass Posted September 19, 2007 Posted September 19, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen This could be the practice run of "Black Screen of Death" implemented by MS on Vista machines!! XP machines cannot be ruled out if MS wants to extract money from customers quickly. MS has started installing files on XP machines without users' consent and I won't be surprised if this is the case with you. Read it here: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/09/18/2946921.htm Jack Rich wrote: > > My Toshiba Sattelite A85 laptop with Windows XP Sp2 Home Edition 'out of the > blue' started to have problems with booting Windows. Initially, I was getting > the following error: > > windows\system\vgaoem.fom file is corrupt or missing ... or something close, > and the system would just hang. > > Sometims with another attempt to reboot the error would point to a different > missing file, but Windows would still not load. > > Since my laptop did not come with the full Windows CD but only with the > System Restore, I attempted to get by the problem by loading Windows XP Home > Edition from a CD that came from Dell with my other desktop pc (at this point > I still was able to alter BIOS to boot from the CD drive, ahead of HDD). > However, all attempts to restart the system, either in safe mode or at the > last good restore point, etc., would also fail in a similar fashion. > > I believe that at that point when attempting to load Windows I began to get > the following error: > > STOP: C0000218 (registry file failure) the registry cannot load the hive > (file) systemroot\config\software > (at some point I also was getting: Stop: 0x000007E, but I didn't jot the > specifics) > > I then attempted to get to the Restore Console in order to run some > diagnostics. I was stopped, however, by a message requesting the > Administrator password and I had no idea what that password was. My several > futile attempts of entering every imaginable password I could think of got > rejected each time as 'password invalid', including the 'null' password (by > just hitting: enter). > > After checking the cable connections, resetting the hard drive and memory > (as per suggestions in the various posts) things got even worse. Now I cannot > even get to the Windows Welcome screen - every time I power up my laptop, I > hear the cooling fan and the CD drive both humming for a moment and then > everything goes quite and ... nothing! The screen stays 'black' throughout > and the keyboard also appears to be locked. > I tried this operation with and without the Windows CD - all with the same > results. Obviously, at this point I cannot enter any commands, scan for > viruses or anything - my laptop is completely dead! > > Of course, I would like to recover some of the files and pictures from the > hard drive, if at all possible, but at this point I'm so frustrated that I'm > willing to give that up as long as I get my operating system up and running. > > Dos anyone have any ideas or suggestions? > > Thanks, Rich
Guest Rich Posted September 20, 2007 Posted September 20, 2007 Re: Windows unable to boot - 'black' screen I also thought that the price of this gizmo was a little steep and I didn't hesitate to complain to the salesman. However, considering that it was getting late and I wanted to get to the bottom of this problem, and also that the close by Radio Shack has recently closed its doors, I had little choice. I could get even with that outfit by just returning this item - now that I'm done with it ... if I was a deceitful person, that is. Oh, well - another lesson learned. Rich > Strange they have that name. I agree, their prices baffle me. > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.am.invalid.domain> wrote in message > news:ev03f39giro85a528lk8nam6mfp2he707e@4ax.com... > > On Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:02:19 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I.can@fly.com> > > wrote: > > > >> Thanks for the feedback. I'm a little dismayed at the price you paid > >> for your USB case. It may have been "Best Buy" for you but where > >> I live they cost only around US$20.00 for a 2.5" disk. > > > > > > Best Buy is an extremely expensive place to buy almost everything. I > > remember once dropping into one to see if they had a USB extension > > cable. They did, but it was $30 US. I didn't buy it, but went home and > > searched on the internet, where I found one for $.01 (not a > > typo--that's one penny). Shipping was $4.99, but the total of $5 was > > acceptable and *much* cheaper than Best Buy. > > > > Best Buy, with its combination of high prices and uninformed staff, is > > a very poor place to shop for anything. > > > > > > > >> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:2ABB5E66-E8EF-4C4E-AA4C-486B0471E7EF@microsoft.com... > > > >> > Well, it appears that my Toshiba Satellite is back in business - thanks > >> > to > >> > your, Pegasus and Malke, suggestions, and I was able to salvage all > >> > important > >> > data from the hard drive, to 'boot' - :). > >> > As Malke suggested, I purchased the USB hard disk enclosue ($55 at Best > >> > Buy), > > > > -- > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup > > >
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