Laptop won't boot, help please 2

[zouv]

I have a Compaq Presario laptop with vista. I can’t boot it. It gives the option to start in repair mode or to start windows normally. Either option doesn’t load, gives a message windows loading, but it never does.

What can I do to start it? I don’t have any files or stuff on the laptop that I would be worried about losing. I never made a recovery disc, but a friend bought the same laptop at the same time as me and did, will this work on my machine? I also have no idea how to get recovery disc to work if the laptop won’t boot.

What is the best option for me to get the laptop working again?

Thanks for your help.

 

[harebrain]

I don’t have any files or stuff on the laptop that I would be worried about losing.

Then just reinstall Vista from your Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade disk. (See the links in thread1583-1418627) You do have an original Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade disk don't you? Or are you asking for help pirating Vista?

 

[linney]

What is the actual model number etc?

Is the machine under any warranty that would allow you to contact HP Support for a solution?

Have you tried setting the Bios to any Safe Defaults and making sure that the CD drive is set to boot ahead of the hard drive. Whether you friend's CD would work or not, I'm not sure.

When you boot are you seeing a "Windows failed to start correctly" type of screen, have you tried F8 at boot up to get into Safe Mode proper?

 

[zouv]

Harebrain,

Thanks a lot for the advice, it's much appreciated. No, I'm not trying to pirate Vista.

I'm not sure if I totally understand your advice, but here goes. I don't think I have an Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade disk, the laptop came with vista already loaded on to it and no disks were provided with it. I purchased Microsoft Office seperately and then loaded that onto the laptop and still have this disk. I foolishly didn't burn a recovery disc when I got the laptop, but a friend purchased exactly the same laptop and they did. So not sure if that would work with my laptop or not?

I have tried inserting the recovery disk when I start the machime but it never opens it. I just get the same options to start windows in repair mode or to start windows normally. Either way, neither option ever loads.

Any ideas? Thanks a lot for your help

 

[zouv]

Linney,

Thanks for your reply.

The model is a Compaq F560EM Notebook.

I never get a message that Windows hasn't loaded, just the message that Windows is loading but it never does, and I have left it hours just to make sure. It gives the option of going to set up via F10, I have tried F8 and nothing happens. Not sure how to change the boot order, is that complicated?

I'm not sure how I will get on using the warranty. I purchased in September 2007, just concerned that they would claim that it isn't covered by the warranty. I preferred the idea of seeing if I could resolve it through the forum's advice as I don't particuarly fancy a battle with the store I purchased it from.

Thanks for your advice and taking the trouble to reply.

 

[Davetoo]

Uhh...clearly you're under warranty and should contact the machine maker for help instead of tying up valuable resources here to resolve a problem that you should be taking to the manufacturer.

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[harebrain]

Go here

http://search.hp.com/query.html?lan...&qt=compaq+pavilion+f560em+laptop&la=en&cc=us

for info about your system.

Did you delete your recovery partition? If not, call HP support for help getting started again.

If you did delete it, you're probably going to have to buy an OEM recovery DVD. $10, I think.

 

[harebrain]

An even better link for you:

http://h10061.www1.hp.com/ccsearch/...n&sni=3466295&search=0&submit.x=10&submit.y=8

 

[zouv]

Harebrain, thanks for your further posts, they are really useful. Very much appreciated

 

[linney]

To get into Safe Mode means pressing the F8 key while the computer is in the early part of the booting procedure.

It sounds like you have to press the F10 key to enter the Bios, again you would have to do this early in booting before Windows becomes active.

When you are in the Bios it should be easy to follow the page headings to locate the Boot Sequence or Order. Depending on your Bios you then have to manipulate the order via things like the "Up or Down Arrows" or perhaps "Plus or Minus keys", in either case the instructions are bound to be on the page, at the side or at the bottom.

 

[zouv]

linney,
Thanks for your further post, I appreciate your assistance and will give this a go. I have been into the bios previously but didn't manipulate the boot order. I will give this a go.