Start up problem VGN - S1VP

[hollikev]

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

[rich912]

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¿.

[hollikev]

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

[rich912]

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.

[hollikev]

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!!

[kee-lo_]

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.

[hollikev]

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

[hollikev]

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

[rich912]

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.

[hollikev]

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