topic Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP in PCs & Accessories

Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Wed, 18 May 2005 20:47:43 GMT

My laptop has shown a progressive problem where on pushing the power button it has not shown the vaio sign and noise and either hung with a black screen or with the windows xp login screen . It has taken several tries to get it to start up properly; meaning I had to hold down power to shut it down then press again to start.
It may be connected with the ATI software or it may be a simple failure. Any advice please tonight (Wed 18th) on how to get it to start up?:smileyconfused: This may allow me to go in and do some backing up!!
Otherwise I will be onto technical for help in the morning.
Battery and ac seem ok.
Thanks
Hagrid

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

rich912 — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:03:33 GMT

To eliminate the ATI software and other drivers try starting in Safe Mode. Press F8 repeatedly as soon as the Vaio logo appears and select Safe Mode.
It could be a number of other things that are causing your problem, faulty memory being one¿.

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:10:25 GMT

Thanks Rich, I will do except I am struggling to even get the logo! I may resort to the approach shown in your cartoon soon...
Hagrid

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

rich912 — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:39:56 GMT

Yes it is always a good to vent your frustration!
If you are having difficulties even getting to the Vaio Logo then I doubt that it is a driver or software problem. More likely to be hardware related, possibly memory.

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:45:02 GMT

Rich, excuse my ignorance but does that mean that I may lose all files on teh hard drive if it's memory problem? Or does it mean when/if memory is fixed the stuff will still be there?
You can probably guess, I'm a bit nervous!!

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

kee-lo_ — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:54:22 GMT

Hi

Sounds like a serious hardware issue, you're going to have to send it in.

If you can get into Windows backup all your vital files.

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:58:32 GMT

Oh well - thanks for the advice.
Looks like I'll be spending tomorrow on this one and in the meantime I'll keep trying the power button.
Good news is it should still be under warranty!
Thanks again to you both
Hagrid

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Wed, 18 May 2005 22:00:09 GMT

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

rich912 — Wed, 18 May 2005 22:01:38 GMT

Rich, excuse my ignorance but does that mean that I may lose all files on teh hard drive if it's memory problem?  Or does it mean when/if memory is fixed the stuff will still be there?
You can probably guess, I'm a bit nervous!!

Memory failure should not effect anything that you have on your hard disk. However, if the hardware problem is the hard disk itself then yes you may very well lose all data.
As Kee-Lo suggests, back up all data if and when you can get into Windows.

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Thu, 19 May 2005 20:26:26 GMT

just to confirm that tech support agrees with you all! It's hardware and needs to go off for 5-10 working days!! Luckily I have an option to keep working but have lost the data I had. We live and learn.
I'm not sure how to close down a thread but if anyine can please do!!
Thanks again
Hagrid

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

kee-lo_ — Thu, 19 May 2005 21:04:12 GMT

Don't worry about that
Sorry to hear you lost data, it's a bummer isn't it?

Best of luck with the repairs

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Thu, 19 May 2005 21:12:16 GMT

Yes bummer - but I've been lucky with files I've sent out I can ask for a copy back and luckily on photo's I had mostly saved a copy onto my imac too. Biggest loss is contacts in outlook, probably - but even there it may be time for a clean out.
I'm trying to stay positive!
Biggest worry now is how to back up in future but that should probably be a new thread!

Cheers
HAgrid

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

kee-lo_ — Thu, 19 May 2005 21:20:03 GMT

Glad all isn't lost.

WinZip is good for backup.

Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

rich912 — Thu, 19 May 2005 22:00:15 GMT

Commiserations Hagrid and welcome to the club of those that learn the benefit of backups the hard way. I hope that it is all sorted soon.

the good news Re: Start up problem VGN - S1VP

hollikev — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 20:54:41 GMT

:smileygrin:
Just wanted to update you all on how things ended up.
Laptop is back - apparently fixed AND I did not lose data while out on repair.
I don't know what was fixed as the onscreen report just says they replaced COMPLETE MBX109 (M9_32)(S) - Don't know what that is?!

Anyway if anyone does let me know.
Second thing - maybe should be new thread? does anyone have recommendation on software/hardware that does timed/phased back ups so I don't forget and keep data separately?
Cheers,
Hagrid