My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday afternoon, the cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. I then pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The menu comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I choose any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, I have to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it down.
Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I made a Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard drive to the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to remove files from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to repair these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to do). I have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create a boot disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my Vaio harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. All the instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way to do that on these computers
I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer will allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I have to use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other computers are Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information off the computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot lose these files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files somewhere from Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
> My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday afternoon, > the > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. I > then > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The menu > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I > choose > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
> and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, I > have > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it down.
> Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I made > a > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard drive > to > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to remove > files > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to repair > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to do). I > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create a > boot > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my Vaio > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. All > the > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way to do > that on these computers
> I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer will > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I have to > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other computers > are > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
> I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information off the > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot lose > these > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files somewhere > from > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review your backup policy.
It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software installation? Virus attack?
You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external USB disk or to a networked PC.
Another option is to remove your disk and install it in an external USB case so that you can read its contents on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard disk. This can be a major challenge.
After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to back up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external hard drive...just didn't use it.
I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just would like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay him to correct my own stupidity.
I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I don't think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few issues with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. I did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke error as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
> "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday afternoon, > > the > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. I > > then > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The menu > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I > > choose > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
> > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, I > > have > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it down.
> > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I made > > a > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard drive > > to > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to remove > > files > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to repair > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to do). I > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create a > > boot > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my Vaio > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. All > > the > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way to do > > that on these computers
> > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer will > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I have to > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other computers > > are > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
> > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information off the > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot lose > > these > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files somewhere > > from > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
> It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review > your backup policy.
> It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software > installation? Virus attack?
> You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external > USB disk or to a networked PC.
> Another option is to remove your disk and install it in > an external USB case so that you can read its contents > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard > disk. This can be a major challenge.
> After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
Okay. I got the Bart PE to load on my laptop. I can get to the files I need to copy but now have no idea how to copy them. I do not have a floppy drive in the laptop. I have the CD Rom with the Bart floppy in it. I have a flash drive and I have an external hard drive. How do I get the files to save to one of the two drives? The computer does not seem to recognize any drive except the CD and the hard drive.
"Terry" wrote: > Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to back > up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external > hard drive...just didn't use it.
> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my > tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just would > like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay him > to correct my own stupidity.
> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was > having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft > updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I don't > think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few issues > with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. I > did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke error > as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd > have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... > > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday afternoon, > > > the > > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. I > > > then > > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The menu > > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I > > > choose > > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't > > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, I > > > have > > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it down.
> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I made > > > a > > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard drive > > > to > > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to remove > > > files > > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to repair > > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to do). I > > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create a > > > boot > > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my Vaio > > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. All > > > the > > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way to do > > > that on these computers
> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer will > > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I have to > > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both > > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other computers > > > are > > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information off the > > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot lose > > > these > > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files somewhere > > > from > > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the > > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing > > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review > > your backup policy.
> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure > > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software > > installation? Virus attack?
> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by > > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a > > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours > > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** > > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external > > USB disk or to a networked PC.
> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in > > an external USB case so that you can read its contents > > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove > > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard > > disk. This can be a major challenge.
> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte > > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), > > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. > > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn > > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
You would need to load the USB drivers when creating the Bart PE disk. On the other hand it might be easier to start the network while running under Bart. If it recognises the laptop's network adapter then you can make a connection to any networked PC and copy your files across.
"Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> Okay. I got the Bart PE to load on my laptop. I can get to the files I > need > to copy but now have no idea how to copy them. I do not have a floppy > drive > in the laptop. I have the CD Rom with the Bart floppy in it. I have a > flash > drive and I have an external hard drive. How do I get the files to save > to > one of the two drives? The computer does not seem to recognize any drive > except the CD and the hard drive.
> "Terry" wrote:
>> Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to >> back >> up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external >> hard drive...just didn't use it.
>> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my >> tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just >> would >> like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay >> him >> to correct my own stupidity.
>> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was >> having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft >> updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I >> don't >> think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few >> issues >> with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. >> I >> did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke >> error >> as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd >> have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
>> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
>> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... >> > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday >> > > afternoon, >> > > the >> > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. >> > > I >> > > then >> > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The >> > > menu >> > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I >> > > choose >> > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
>> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't >> > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, >> > > I >> > > have >> > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it >> > > down.
>> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I >> > > made >> > > a >> > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard >> > > drive >> > > to >> > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to >> > > remove >> > > files >> > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to >> > > repair >> > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to >> > > do). I >> > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create >> > > a >> > > boot >> > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my >> > > Vaio >> > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. >> > > All >> > > the >> > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way >> > > to do >> > > that on these computers
>> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer >> > > will >> > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I >> > > have to >> > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both >> > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other >> > > computers >> > > are >> > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
>> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information >> > > off the >> > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot >> > > lose >> > > these >> > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files >> > > somewhere >> > > from >> > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
>> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the >> > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing >> > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review >> > your backup policy.
>> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure >> > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software >> > installation? Virus attack?
>> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by >> > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a >> > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours >> > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** >> > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external >> > USB disk or to a networked PC.
>> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in >> > an external USB case so that you can read its contents >> > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove >> > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard >> > disk. This can be a major challenge.
>> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte >> > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), >> > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. >> > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn >> > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
"Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > You would need to load the USB drivers when creating the > Bart PE disk. On the other hand it might be easier to start > the network while running under Bart. If it recognises the > laptop's network adapter then you can make a connection > to any networked PC and copy your files across.
> "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:53124C60-54DF-4DB7-B685-B9FB7EA29387@microsoft.com... > > Okay. I got the Bart PE to load on my laptop. I can get to the files I > > need > > to copy but now have no idea how to copy them. I do not have a floppy > > drive > > in the laptop. I have the CD Rom with the Bart floppy in it. I have a > > flash > > drive and I have an external hard drive. How do I get the files to save > > to > > one of the two drives? The computer does not seem to recognize any drive > > except the CD and the hard drive.
> > "Terry" wrote:
> >> Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to > >> back > >> up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external > >> hard drive...just didn't use it.
> >> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my > >> tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just > >> would > >> like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay > >> him > >> to correct my own stupidity.
> >> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was > >> having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft > >> updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I > >> don't > >> think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few > >> issues > >> with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. > >> I > >> did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke > >> error > >> as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd > >> have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
> >> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
> >> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
> >> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... > >> > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday > >> > > afternoon, > >> > > the > >> > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. > >> > > I > >> > > then > >> > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The > >> > > menu > >> > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I > >> > > choose > >> > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
> >> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't > >> > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, > >> > > I > >> > > have > >> > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it > >> > > down.
> >> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I > >> > > made > >> > > a > >> > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard > >> > > drive > >> > > to > >> > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to > >> > > remove > >> > > files > >> > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to > >> > > repair > >> > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to > >> > > do). I > >> > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create > >> > > a > >> > > boot > >> > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my > >> > > Vaio > >> > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. > >> > > All > >> > > the > >> > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way > >> > > to do > >> > > that on these computers
> >> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer > >> > > will > >> > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I > >> > > have to > >> > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both > >> > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other > >> > > computers > >> > > are > >> > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
> >> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information > >> > > off the > >> > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot > >> > > lose > >> > > these > >> > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files > >> > > somewhere > >> > > from > >> > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
> >> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the > >> > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing > >> > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review > >> > your backup policy.
> >> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure > >> > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software > >> > installation? Virus attack?
> >> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by > >> > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a > >> > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours > >> > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** > >> > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external > >> > USB disk or to a networked PC.
> >> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in > >> > an external USB case so that you can read its contents > >> > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove > >> > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard > >> > disk. This can be a major challenge.
> >> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte > >> > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), > >> > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. > >> > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn > >> > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
> Okay...back I go to creat another Bart CD...this is driving me nuts. I'm > so > close and yet so far! I really promise to be better at backing up....
> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>> You would need to load the USB drivers when creating the >> Bart PE disk. On the other hand it might be easier to start >> the network while running under Bart. If it recognises the >> laptop's network adapter then you can make a connection >> to any networked PC and copy your files across.
>> "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:53124C60-54DF-4DB7-B685-B9FB7EA29387@microsoft.com... >> > Okay. I got the Bart PE to load on my laptop. I can get to the files >> > I >> > need >> > to copy but now have no idea how to copy them. I do not have a floppy >> > drive >> > in the laptop. I have the CD Rom with the Bart floppy in it. I have a >> > flash >> > drive and I have an external hard drive. How do I get the files to >> > save >> > to >> > one of the two drives? The computer does not seem to recognize any >> > drive >> > except the CD and the hard drive.
>> > "Terry" wrote:
>> >> Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need >> >> to >> >> back >> >> up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an >> >> external >> >> hard drive...just didn't use it.
>> >> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because >> >> my >> >> tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just >> >> would >> >> like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to >> >> pay >> >> him >> >> to correct my own stupidity.
>> >> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was >> >> having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft >> >> updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so >> >> I >> >> don't >> >> think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few >> >> issues >> >> with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a >> >> clue. >> >> I >> >> did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke >> >> error >> >> as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it >> >> was)...yeah...you'd >> >> have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
>> >> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
>> >> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>> >> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> >> > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... >> >> > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday >> >> > > afternoon, >> >> > > the >> >> > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black >> >> > > screen. >> >> > > I >> >> > > then >> >> > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. >> >> > > The >> >> > > menu >> >> > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if >> >> > > I >> >> > > choose >> >> > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
>> >> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I >> >> > > can't >> >> > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the >> >> > > computer, >> >> > > I >> >> > > have >> >> > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it >> >> > > down.
>> >> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. >> >> > > I >> >> > > made >> >> > > a >> >> > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my >> >> > > hard >> >> > > drive >> >> > > to >> >> > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to >> >> > > remove >> >> > > files >> >> > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to >> >> > > repair >> >> > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to >> >> > > do). I >> >> > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to >> >> > > create >> >> > > a >> >> > > boot >> >> > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off >> >> > > my >> >> > > Vaio >> >> > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much >> >> > > luck. >> >> > > All >> >> > > the >> >> > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any >> >> > > way >> >> > > to do >> >> > > that on these computers
>> >> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither >> >> > > computer >> >> > > will >> >> > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I >> >> > > have to >> >> > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, >> >> > > both >> >> > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other >> >> > > computers >> >> > > are >> >> > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this >> >> > > file).
>> >> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information >> >> > > off the >> >> > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot >> >> > > lose >> >> > > these >> >> > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files >> >> > > somewhere >> >> > > from >> >> > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
>> >> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the >> >> > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing >> >> > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review >> >> > your backup policy.
>> >> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure >> >> > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software >> >> > installation? Virus attack?
>> >> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by >> >> > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a >> >> > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours >> >> > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** >> >> > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external >> >> > USB disk or to a networked PC.
>> >> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in >> >> > an external USB case so that you can read its contents >> >> > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove >> >> > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard >> >> > disk. This can be a major challenge.
>> >> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte >> >> > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), >> >> > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. >> >> > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn >> >> > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
WOOHOO! Success! I re-created the Bart PE disk including my external hard drive driver and was able to transfer all the important files to the hard drive with no problem at all. I connected the drive to a different computer and verified that i could open the files after transfer and they were fine!
I am in the process of reformattng the drive now and it is working fine.
Thank you, thank you, thank you....you just saved me $50-$150 since I did this without going to my tech guy!!!
"Terry" wrote: > Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to back > up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external > hard drive...just didn't use it.
> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my > tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just would > like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay him > to correct my own stupidity.
> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was > having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft > updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I don't > think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few issues > with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. I > did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke error > as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd > have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... > > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday afternoon, > > > the > > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. I > > > then > > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The menu > > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I > > > choose > > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't > > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, I > > > have > > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it down.
> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I made > > > a > > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard drive > > > to > > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to remove > > > files > > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to repair > > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to do). I > > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create a > > > boot > > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my Vaio > > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. All > > > the > > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way to do > > > that on these computers
> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer will > > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I have to > > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both > > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other computers > > > are > > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information off the > > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot lose > > > these > > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files somewhere > > > from > > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the > > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing > > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review > > your backup policy.
> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure > > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software > > installation? Virus attack?
> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by > > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a > > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours > > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** > > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external > > USB disk or to a networked PC.
> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in > > an external USB case so that you can read its contents > > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove > > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard > > disk. This can be a major challenge.
> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte > > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), > > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. > > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn > > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
> WOOHOO! Success! I re-created the Bart PE disk including my external > hard > drive driver and was able to transfer all the important files to the hard > drive with no problem at all. I connected the drive to a different > computer > and verified that i could open the files after transfer and they were > fine!
> I am in the process of reformattng the drive now and it is working fine.
> Thank you, thank you, thank you....you just saved me $50-$150 since I did > this without going to my tech guy!!!
> "Terry" wrote:
>> Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to >> back >> up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external >> hard drive...just didn't use it.
>> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my >> tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just >> would >> like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay >> him >> to correct my own stupidity.
>> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was >> having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft >> updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I >> don't >> think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few >> issues >> with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. >> I >> did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke >> error >> as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd >> have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
>> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
>> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... >> > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday >> > > afternoon, >> > > the >> > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. >> > > I >> > > then >> > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The >> > > menu >> > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I >> > > choose >> > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
>> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't >> > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, >> > > I >> > > have >> > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it >> > > down.
>> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I >> > > made >> > > a >> > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard >> > > drive >> > > to >> > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to >> > > remove >> > > files >> > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to >> > > repair >> > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to >> > > do). I >> > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create >> > > a >> > > boot >> > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my >> > > Vaio >> > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. >> > > All >> > > the >> > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way >> > > to do >> > > that on these computers
>> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer >> > > will >> > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I >> > > have to >> > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both >> > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other >> > > computers >> > > are >> > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
>> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information >> > > off the >> > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot >> > > lose >> > > these >> > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files >> > > somewhere >> > > from >> > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
>> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the >> > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing >> > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review >> > your backup policy.
>> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure >> > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software >> > installation? Virus attack?
>> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by >> > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a >> > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours >> > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** >> > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external >> > USB disk or to a networked PC.
>> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in >> > an external USB case so that you can read its contents >> > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove >> > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard >> > disk. This can be a major challenge.
>> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte >> > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), >> > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. >> > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn >> > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
Now, maybe the MVP will be kind enough to educate us why the files failed to begin with, what the purpose of these files are, and the possibility of this occurring again. Dave
"Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> WOOHOO! Success! I re-created the Bart PE disk including my external > hard > drive driver and was able to transfer all the important files to the hard > drive with no problem at all. I connected the drive to a different > computer > and verified that i could open the files after transfer and they were > fine!
> I am in the process of reformattng the drive now and it is working fine.
> Thank you, thank you, thank you....you just saved me $50-$150 since I did > this without going to my tech guy!!!
> "Terry" wrote:
>> Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to >> back >> up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an external >> hard drive...just didn't use it.
>> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my >> tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just >> would >> like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay >> him >> to correct my own stupidity.
>> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was >> having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft >> updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I >> don't >> think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few >> issues >> with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. >> I >> did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke >> error >> as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it was)...yeah...you'd >> have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
>> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
>> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... >> > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday >> > > afternoon, >> > > the >> > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. >> > > I >> > > then >> > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The >> > > menu >> > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I >> > > choose >> > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
>> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I can't >> > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the computer, >> > > I >> > > have >> > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it >> > > down.
>> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. I >> > > made >> > > a >> > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard >> > > drive >> > > to >> > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to >> > > remove >> > > files >> > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to >> > > repair >> > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to >> > > do). I >> > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create >> > > a >> > > boot >> > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my >> > > Vaio >> > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. >> > > All >> > > the >> > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way >> > > to do >> > > that on these computers
>> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither computer >> > > will >> > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I >> > > have to >> > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both >> > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other >> > > computers >> > > are >> > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
>> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information >> > > off the >> > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot >> > > lose >> > > these >> > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files >> > > somewhere >> > > from >> > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
>> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the >> > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing >> > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review >> > your backup policy.
>> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure >> > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software >> > installation? Virus attack?
>> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by >> > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a >> > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours >> > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** >> > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external >> > USB disk or to a networked PC.
>> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in >> > an external USB case so that you can read its contents >> > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove >> > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard >> > disk. This can be a major challenge.
>> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte >> > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), >> > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. >> > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn >> > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
The files ntoskrnl.exe and hal.dll are key files used by Windows during its initial startup process. We do not know if they "failed" or were missing - the OP's initial post did not report sufficient details and he never reported if the files were in fact there or not.
Windows XP is an operating system that comprises several million lines of code. To diagnose the cause of the IP's problem based on the small amount of information available is impossible. Here are a few possible causes: - Malware - Virus infection - Rogue software - File corruption - Hardware failure (e.g. RAM, hard disk)
If I had the machine on my bench and if I could spend a few hours poking about then I might be able to tell you more. In most cases it is much quicker to reload Windows from scratch, which is what the OP will probably do. And the really important message is, of course, that important files must always be stored on at least two independent media. Not doing so is courting disaster.
"Lil' Dave" <spamyours...@virus.net> wrote in message
> Now, maybe the MVP will be kind enough to educate us why the files failed > to begin with, what the purpose of these files are, and the possibility of > this occurring again. > Dave
> "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:EFB7E433-C6E7-4E85-AC53-F4F73EB9B597@microsoft.com... >> WOOHOO! Success! I re-created the Bart PE disk including my external >> hard >> drive driver and was able to transfer all the important files to the hard >> drive with no problem at all. I connected the drive to a different >> computer >> and verified that i could open the files after transfer and they were >> fine!
>> I am in the process of reformattng the drive now and it is working fine.
>> Thank you, thank you, thank you....you just saved me $50-$150 since I did >> this without going to my tech guy!!!
>> "Terry" wrote:
>>> Yeah, I know...I just said to myself earlier this week "I really need to >>> back >>> up this hard drive" but didn't take the time....I already own an >>> external >>> hard drive...just didn't use it.
>>> I will attempt these suggestions. I know that it can be done because my >>> tech guy who works on all my computers did it for me before...I just >>> would >>> like to learn how to handle some of this on my own without having to pay >>> him >>> to correct my own stupidity.
>>> I don't know what caused the problem to begin with. I know that I was >>> having some problems with my DVD reader, so I installed some microsoft >>> updates. I have pretty good virus protection that runs regularly, so I >>> don't >>> think that's it although I know this is not definite. I've had a few >>> issues >>> with some programs (graphics issues with Sims 2 for one), so not a clue. >>> I >>> did get a strange error message last week, but figured it was a fluke >>> error >>> as it only occured once (and have no idea now what it >>> was)...yeah...you'd >>> have thought I'd back my stuff up then, but noooo....
>>> Thanks for thie tips...I'll let you know if it works!
>>> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>>> > "Terry" <Te...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >>> > news:B5C1B43E-D517-469A-928B-B9EA522B1269@microsoft.com... >>> > > My Sony Vaio has Windows XP. When I tried to start it Friday >>> > > afternoon, >>> > > the >>> > > cursor appeared, then went away, leaving nothing but a black screen. >>> > > I >>> > > then >>> > > pressed F8 to attempt to skip past the problem into Safe Mode. The >>> > > menu >>> > > comes up to choose the various methods of starting windows, and if I >>> > > choose >>> > > any of the Safe Mode options, I get the following error:
>>> > > and the computer sits there with the error and does nothing. I >>> > > can't >>> > > CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut down or do anything. To shut down the >>> > > computer, I >>> > > have >>> > > to remove the battery. Even closing the computer does not shut it >>> > > down.
>>> > > Unfortunately, Sony does not send boot disks with their computers. >>> > > I made >>> > > a >>> > > Startup and Recovery set but it wants to immediately restore my hard >>> > > drive >>> > > to >>> > > the factory settings. I have no problem doing that but need to >>> > > remove >>> > > files >>> > > from the hard drive first. My plan was to use a start up disk to >>> > > repair >>> > > these files (based on what I've read online that's what I need to >>> > > do). I >>> > > have access to two computers with Windows NT and had hoped to create >>> > > a >>> > > boot >>> > > disk from one of those to use to just get in, dump the stuff off my >>> > > Vaio >>> > > harddrive and the reformat the disk, but I am not having much luck. >>> > > All >>> > > the >>> > > instructions say to get to a Command Prompt and I can't find any way >>> > > to do >>> > > that on these computers
>>> > > I tried downloading the Windows Utility program, but neither >>> > > computer will >>> > > allow me to download it...it tells me the program is blocked and I >>> > > have to >>> > > use some registry software but when I click to go to that page, both >>> > > computers tell me the page is not available (both of the other >>> > > computers >>> > > are >>> > > Dell and I wonder if there is an issue between Dell and this file).
>>> > > I REALLY do not want to pay someone to try to get this information >>> > > off the >>> > > computer before I have to reformat the drive, and I REALLY cannot >>> > > lose >>> > > these >>> > > files. Any suggestions? Is there a way to download the files >>> > > somewhere >>> > > from >>> > > Microsoft and just re-load them in my system?
>>> > It's been a quiet week - I do not recall another post with the >>> > usual question "Please help - I never got around to backing >>> > up my important files and now it's too late." Time to review >>> > your backup policy.
>>> > It would be useful to know the events that led to the failure >>> > on Friday afternoon. Hardware modification? Software >>> > installation? Virus attack?
>>> > You can ckeck the existence of the "missing" files by >>> > booting the machine with a Bart PE boot CD. This is a >>> > CD that you can burn yourself but it takes a few hours >>> > to get it right. Try www.bootdisk.com. This ***may*** >>> > enable you to copy your files to a flash disk, to an external >>> > USB disk or to a networked PC.
>>> > Another option is to remove your disk and install it in >>> > an external USB case so that you can read its contents >>> > on any PC. If I recall correctly then you need to remove >>> > the keyboard of your Vaio laptop in order to get at the hard >>> > disk. This can be a major challenge.
>>> > After you have saved your important files, buy an 80 GByte >>> > 2.5" disk and an external USB case (the same as above), >>> > then use it ***every week*** as your backup medium. >>> > This would cost around US$100.00 and it would turn >>> > your current nightmare into a minor inconvenience.
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