Vaio Boot up Problem

[Fantic]

I have an Sony Viao PCG-6E1M laptop running on Windows XP.

 

When I try to start the Laptop, it goes to a screen offering "Safe Mode", Safe Mode with Networking, safe Mode with something else, or last known good configuration, but no matter what i hit, a blue screen flashes then it goes back to the original screen. I have a lot of Photos and files on the laptop which I desperetley don't want to lose.

 

Any Help greatly appreciated.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help.

 

Does normal Safe mode also give the Blue Screen?

 

That error message just flashes because your pc is set to restart automatically.

[Fantic]

No matter which option I choose, it flashes a blue screen for amicro second then it goes back to the same four options.

[Fantic]

I think i might have a Recovery CD somewhere, but am I correct in thinking that wipes all my files and info from the hard drive ?

[Jelly Bean]

Do not use the recovery disks it will wipe the hard drive of all files.

 

Are you able to enter BIOS/setup and load defaults?

[Fantic]

I take it I enter the BIos, by pressing F2 on startup ?

[Jelly Bean]

Yes.

[Jelly Bean]

While in there check to see if your hard drive is listed and such items as CD/DVD rom etc.

[Fantic]

Will do, I'll check tonight when I get home !

[Jelly Bean]

Brilliant.

 

Often setting BIOS to default can resolve and issue but checking hardware is listed can help us further.

[Fantic]

I can get into the BIOS but setting it to default has done nothing, my hard drive is listed ?

 

Am I correct in thinking, i need to get hold of an XP Pro disc, I have the Code Key on the back of my lappy.

[Fantic]

I can get into the BIOS but setting it to default has done nothing, my hard drive is listed ?

 

Am I correct in thinking, i need to get hold of an XP Pro disc, I have the Code Key on the back of my lappy.

 

I do have a recovery disc, but I really don't want to lose all my files !

[Fantic]

I do have a recovery disc, but I really don't want to lose all my files !

 

I also have just found an XP Pro disc, which is what was originally installed, the one I have includes service pack 2. ?

[RandyL]

If not losing your photos and files is a major concern as you have said then that should be your first priority.

 

What I have done in the past is get a laptop to desktop drive adaptor. Then I slaved the laptop drive to a desktop computer. From there you can copy the files and burn to disk. Hopefully since you have XP Pro you didn't encrypt those files. You still may need to take ownership of those files before you can copy them though.

 

Sony support isn't the best in my opinion. I can't seem to find your model which is not uncommon. But I do believe if you use your recovery media kit that you might be correct. A full recovery might be your only option which will cause a loss of your files.

 

Exactly what do you have in mind by using a different XP Pro disk and what does it say on it?

[Fantic]

I have an XP pro disk which i can insert and boot from that, but it asks "Do I want to install XP" and I am not sure if that loses all my files ?

[Tootech]

If not losing your photos and files is a major concern as you have said then that should be your first priority.

 

Totally agree Randy.

 

If you switched on your computer and it will not start then it is possible you have a hard drive beginning to fail. That may not be the case - as your data is important caution is the best policy.

 

You can boot to your Windows CD, get into the Recovery Console and do some work from there, BUT backup your data first. Any disk work carried out may make things worse.

 

This is the sort of adapter I would use, covers both IDE and SATA drives.

 

Plexus USB to IDE & SATA Adapter With Power Adapter (Supports 2.5" / 3.5" IDE & Serial ATA Hard Disk) - Ebuyer

[Fantic]

I can get into the recovery console by pressing F10 on startup, but it tells me all data will be lost if I click Next, I take it if I re-install XP from my XP Pro disc, I will lose all data also ?

[RandyL]

Fantic as Tootech said every time you start your computer you increase the chance that your files will be unrecoverable if your hard drive is failing. Also any other steps you perform runs the same risk. If you want your files that should be your first priority.

 

Installing your OS from a different disk than what was supplied to you will definitely cause your files to be lost. Running the Vaio Recovery Wizard from the media kit you have will also probably lose your files.

 

 

I can get into the recovery console by pressing F10 on startup, but it tells me all data will be lost if I click Next

I think you are confusing the XP Recovery Console with the Vaio Recovery Wizard.

 

Either way you should attempt to save your files. After that there is no need to use whatever other XP disks you have as the Vaio disks supplied with your computer will reinstall XP just fine.

[Fantic]

Thanks for that Guy's, I take it getting the Adaptor, and trying that is my last option ??

[Fantic]

Thanks for that Guy's, I take it getting the Adaptor, and trying that is my last option ??

 

Would I need to take out the hard drive to attach this adaptor ?

[RandyL]

In my opinion Fantic it is the best and safest option. There may be other options but why run the risk?

[RandyL]

Yes Fantic. It's usually very easy to unplug the laptop drive. Then you just connect the drive to a desktop as well as the power lead.

[danzil]

hi

when buying the adaptor, please make sure you check the connection on the laptop hard drive first.

you can buy an adapter that does both IDE and SATA (maybe best bet, or buy the one you need for your Hard Drive...

there are bootable cd's you can download that will allow you to copy off any files (pictres, emails) you have on your hard drive and it is very simple.

i use ercommander its free from microsoft and looks like xp when it loads, all you do is set your bios to boot from cd and oila.

get it here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en

this cd also has tools to do a system restore, disk check etc, so you may find this very usefull.

kind regards

danzil

:)