PC geeks, help please.

My advice, id just get your personal files off the hdd with a PC. Then reinstall with a known good windows disc. Saves all the faffing around.

If that doesn't work i suspect the HDD is naffed. Ive had similar hang issues before, disconnected all mini cards, modem was stopping me load, replaced it. Had silmilar issues with dvd drives doing it.

RAm is easily ruled out using memtest86+


PM me if you want a disc.

[maviczap]

I had to rescue some files from a colleagues laptop, so I've got a laptop hard drive IDE to USB cable, if its an IDE HDD, so you're welcome to borrow it, if its a last resort.

Originally Posted by BigBaddad

Hi Guys,

My sons laptop has developed a fault. He says the he was downloading something and our broadband connection was lost (BT are apparently looking into this as it happens numerous times a day)

No matter how it's booted normal, safe mode etc. it gets to the login page (the blue screen with the swirls and the little leaf thing with the bird to the right. But does not show anything else, no accounts, no text and not even the off button.

Tried repair options and the repair disc but still ends up at the same point. Grrrr damn you Mr Gates

Anyone able to help, as he's getting Facebook dt's.

Important question - what was he downloading?

Things generally have to be fully downloaded before the computer can execute them. I.e. if it's not downloaded then it shouldn't be able to run. Even if they do run an installer, they generally won't start installing files until it has the whole download on the machine.

I've seen similar things with fake AV software, but they normally allow you to login but won't let you do anything.

Also - Try booting an Ubuntu boot disc or similar Linux OS. You can download and burn one yourself or get one from a PC magazine in a shop.

This will also let you explore the file system and fix any errors. If this doesn't work either then it's a hardware failure. Although A HDD fail often won't let you get past the initial splash screen (HP start up page etc)