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iTrader: (4)

So, I just about completed the AUW Cruise DVD slideshow I've been working on for the past week. Unfortunately my computer decided to go AWOL on me. I have a Sony Vaio desktop that is 4 1/2 yrs old. I was planning on getting a new system soon.

Anyway, I can't get to my Windows desktop. I had some problems last week & the Sony Support folks were able to walk me through the steps of resetting the BIOS to the setup defaults so that I could reboot to Windows. It seemed to be working fine after that. So I continued to work on the slideshow. As far as recent software or upgrade activity... I'm running Windows XP Media OS & upgraded to the SP3 last week. I quickly uninstalled the SP3 when I read some people were having problems with that with certain software.

I'm again having the same problem. When I get home from work I'll try to repeat those steps of resetting the BIOS, but if that doesn't work the Sony folks are saying I need to do a system recovery (i.e. lose all data currently on my PC & have to re-install all software). System recovery = no AUW DVD slideshow!

As an alternative to system recovery, they suggested I use a service like Drivesavers for data back-up or retrieval. Yay or nay to anyone who has been in a similar predicament?

If there are any IT gurus out there, I might be soliciting your help soon. I just want to be able to retrieve my important files, back them up & then get me a new computer. Fortunately most of my crucial files are backed up on an external hard drive already.

4080wrx

iTrader: (38)

I can look at it but I don't want to promise you anything. LMK when is good for you.

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iTrader: (4)

Thanks Jess, sent you a PM.

I'll let you know if resetting the BIOS doesn't work.

ds baruuuuu

iTrader: (16)

i can look at it if you want to bring it to kailua as long as the hd isnt clicking and making big noise i can get the info.. if you gotta go to drive savers its like 1400 my company can get 10% off that but

dub81

iTrader: (39)

Reboot in Last known good configuration... Nah I dont know.. Havent done any real I.T. stuff's since '04.. My I.T. degree= waste of money!! Sorry Chris I cant help you any further, I would look back at all my Text books but its like 10 stories high of Computer related text books..

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iTrader: (4)

Thanks...I might take you up on your offer if a couple of other options don't work out. I don't hear the hd clicking or any loud/unusal noise.

Yikes!.... the info I"m trying to retrieve isn't worth that much to me to fork out that kind of money to drivesavers. I don't really want to waste anyone's time. If I have to do a system recovery, so be it... it's not the end of the world, but it still sucks.

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iTrader: (4)

No worries Sir! I'm already looking into geting a new system... just a matter if I can retrieve the data on there or not.

The really crappy part is... getting a new system now will mean that I put the Rebel XSi on hold.

BoOm

iTrader: (4)

It is very rare that a system boot up problem is related to a hardware problem(bios) but it does happen. If you know someone who does have a spare computer you could use lying around and an internal hdd enclosure, you can back up those files to DVD and then go ahead with the restore. Other than that, if it's a BIOS problem sometimes it does go away so pray for the best.

4080wrx

iTrader: (38)

last known config only works if you use directly after you have an issue with windows. it will not work if you have attempted to reboot with no success. so in a nut shell it goes off of the most recent boot so if he didn't do it right when the problem occured it is no longer valid.

and this is coming from a guy with no IT degree

Chris I got your message unfortunately I am not in Mililani right now. I will give you a ring tomorrow when I am available. More than likely you are missing some sort of boot file, for example a critical .dll file. try booting in safe mode if you can, sometimes that will allow you to get in since it uses minimal drivers to start up. if this works then you will be able to back up whatever files you need and then reload windows. from experience I have gotten into the habit of partitioning the HD and loading my OS and program files on one side and saving files on the other half. this will ensure that when you do have a OS failure you will maintain your files and you can just reload the OS. of course this wont work if you have a hardware failure ie. HD mechanical failure

also another thing you might want to check is to see if you can hear if the HD is spinning. if not then you now will have to replace that and if there is important info on the HD, spending big buck to have it extracted.

4080wrx

iTrader: (38)

^^sorry if i confused anyone especially the OP. its easier for me to do than to explain.

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iTrader: (4)

I think I understood what you said. I'll see if I can reboot in safe mode.

Thanks for the input.

4080wrx

iTrader: (38)

oh also safe mode will allow you to remove any programs they may have caused this issue (if applicable) removing such may solve your problem. if you get in with safe mode atleast we will know you did not have a HD mechanical failure and it lie within the software somewhere.......which is always fun

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iTrader: (4)

I was able to reboot some how after using Windows Memory Diagnostic tests to check my RAM. I backed up all my important files & then proceeded to do a system recovery. I got several error messages & ultimately ended up with "Missing Operating System." Great! Needless to say I'll be in touch with Sony's support team today to figure out what's going on now.

Tiare

iTrader: (18)

LMAO

Glad to hear you could save your data. Sounds more like a hardware problem since windows can't "reinstall" properly.

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iTrader: (4)

Yup, Sony said there is nothing else I can do but take it in as it might be a HDD issue. Not bad, they'll charge $100 to diagnose the problem... just hope it's not an expensive repair, it might not be worth doing.