EZ14U2C

Hey guys,

Its a Sony Viao, not sure of the model number but its a recent one with Windows Vista. I was watching a video on youtube last night and the computer froze, and the sound kept looping. Decided to turn it off, since it was the only option and I cant get it to come back up right. I get the loading screen with the bars moving across and then it goes into a blank screen yet I can move the mouse around. After 30 seconds or so, it restarts and starts the cycle again. I've tried the hold power button for 30-60 seconds and then put in the power, done it twice with the ac with the battery out and with just the battery. I can can get it to a list of things to boot up, such as last known configuration, normal and the safe modes but none of them work.

Any ideas?

TriggerFinger

If you have an XP install CD try to boot into Recovery Console and run CHKDSK /R

By the way, can you atleast boot into BIOS settings?

EZ14U2C

Yes, I can get into the BIOS.

Let me go take a look for the CD.

EZ14U2C

It's my mom's laptop and she has no idea where the Vista CD is... Anything I can try without it in the meantime?

TriggerFinger

Try this and see if it gives you an option to do a Vista Startup Repair.

EZ14U2C

Alright, lets me get there. Should I just do a system restore or try the hardware diagnostic? I'm obviously not doing the last 3 unless I absolutely need to.

Its the VIAO Recovery Center.
I can do:

Windows System Restore

VIAO Hardware Diag

Restore C Drive

Restore Complete System

Rescue data.

EZ14U2C

Restore did not work. On the Diagnostic tab I can do an HD verify and repair. Should I try that? Does it erase any personal data?

TriggerFinger

Based on the choices you posted, I think the safe way to go is to do a Windows system restore. But I strongly recommend checking with Sony website and see what this option actually does to your system... otherwise you risk losing your valuable data.

TriggerFinger

If restore did not work then may be Startup Repair will. See this:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial148.html

Running HDD diagnostic does not affect personal data but since you are dealing with the HDD, any error or glitch or issues with the HDD while you are running the test may affect your files. This is the reason why it is always important to have a backup.

EZ14U2C

Okay, I've done everything I could. It did not come with a CD. Restore did not work and the HDD verify and repair didnt work either.

Any other idea? I'd really do not want to lose all of her information.

TriggerFinger

Restore did not work? Can you elaborate on this? Any errors?

EZ14U2C

I meant the Windows System Restore, it was an option to do.

I talked to support and they said to rescue the data to an external drive, then repair the C drive, then just transfer my data back on. Think that should cure it?

TriggerFinger

I think that is a good option to take.

On the other hand if you want to do it on your own, slave the drive in another computer and try to pull out your important files once the laptop HDD gets recognized and can be accessed by other computer. If you can do this (take your important files out), put back the HDD back into the laptop and do a system restore instead (reinstalling everything - complete system restore).

EZ14U2C

I think I'll have to go with what they said, she doesn't want me to take it apart even though I can do it lol.

Thanks for the help!!

TriggerFinger

Hmmm... after reading your last post again, I am wondering how you can rescue the data if you cannot even boot into Windows... just a thought.

EZ14U2C

Its an option in the Vaio Recovery Center, the place you told me to hit F10 at the Vaio loading screen. Tech support said to do it also.

TriggerFinger

Oh ok... thanks for the info.