Sony Vaio laptop - Windows Vista wont boot after pshed.dll error

[kwallis]

Windows Vista won't boot up on sony vaio (VGN-N38E/W) laptop. Tried to access the internet yesterday and the laptop froze. I eventually removed the battery to crash out, but after restarting, the computer went to the startup repair mode. I ran the diagnose and repair option and it showed a pshed.dll error.

 

I tried all the other options in the startup repair mode, also managed to restore to an earlier date, these processes seemed to have run and worked but have not resolved the issue - still wont start up. It now says "windows cannot repair this computer automatically" and cant find the error at all.

 

I'm concerned this may be the hardrive - the laptop has been getting very hot in the last week (4 years old) and makes unusual ticking noises when I start the machine.

 

I also dont have a recovery disc. Need to urgently access files not backed up in the last few days.

 

Please help!

 

Thanks

KW

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

makes unusual ticking noises

This is not good.

It often indicates a failing hard drive ( as you suspected ).

DO NOT try to boot from the drive on the laptop - if you have tried the Advanced Startup options and System Restore there is little else you can try.

The more you try to access the drive the less likely is the possibility of getting anything off it.

 

I suggest that you take the drive out - connect it to an adapter - and try to access it from a second pc.

 

You can get a 2.5 inch adapter relatively cheaply.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/IOMAX-SATA-Adapter-Power-Drive/dp/B001A5SK56

 

There are cheaper ones - this one covers all options.

 

Your hard drive could be IDE - but is probably SATA ( different connections ).

If you take it out you can tell from here what you have:

http://kenspchelp.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=75

 

You can connect your drive externally via the USB port.

You may ( i say may ... ) be able to access it as you would a flash ( thumb / pen) drive.

 

Clicking drives have a limited lifespan.