needs some help with a laptop problems

[Zero Six LE]

Call Tech support.

[07Frontier]

Originally Posted by Aussie Frontier

Sounds like it may actually be a HDD error . If it wont load it could be its missing a file.
If it fails in safe mode and you cant do a recovery then basically its FUBAR.
Personally start again with XP SP3 and it will be heaps better. Many of the manufacturers are once again selling kit with XP as an option.

Definitely sounds like it is a bad sector on your hard drive. If you have access to another computer (friends, school, etc), you can slave your bad hard drive to the known good one and pull any data off that you don't want to have to recreate or download again.

[4Wheelin03]

Good ol Windows! I to did the SP1 update, but I did it when you had to manually go out and get it. I seem to remember that you need some other KnowledgeBase Update that was recommended to install before you installed the actual SP1 update. Now that windows is releasing it on Auto Update I'd A$$uME that windows pushed that prior to its install or has rolled it up into the package.

I've tried to search the internet for this update and had no luck so the best I can give you now is this like to good ol windows. Its free support as they need to keep there Vista problem free cause its such a PAIN!!
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...4&gprid=500921

Here is some more info I found on the Web,

You've probably already gone to Microsoft's Vista SP1 web page:

Download details: Overview of Windows Vista SP1

which has a downloadable file that provides an overview of Vista SP1, including a description of reliability improvements, performance enhancements, support for new standards and interfaces, etc.

KnowledgeBase (KB) article 936330 provides information you need to know before downloading Vista SP1. You're right that you should check the HP web site for any HP-specific information or cautions for your computer model.

If you're still concerned about the installation or have specific problems, the following Microsoft web page:

Please Verify your Location

states that you can get free technical support for installation and compatibility issues:

"Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 1 (SP1). This support for SP1 is valid until March 18, 2009. . . . For customers residing in North America or Canada, chat and e-mail support is available.

Some issues may require more advanced support for which there is a charge."

If you need to uninstall Vista SP1, you should have KB article 948537 at hand. You might want to read it before you install Vista SP1 to be sure you have everything you need in case you have to perform the uninstall procedure.

Of course, the ideal situation is if you have a "techie" friend who can help you with the installation and make sure that all your favorite software and frequently used devices are still functioning after installation.

And, although you sound like you're able to perform the installation yourself, sometimes it's easier or less stressful to hire a professional to do it. Your local computer store may offer this type of service for a fee.

[FewMo]

Originally Posted by Zero Six LE

Call Tech support.

X2

[mntbiker2008]

thanks for all the help guys. I finally got into BIOS andwas able to tell that the hard drive was failing. thus, vista couldnt start off that. so i put my ACER (which is a he!! of alot better) recovery cd in and it was going to let me install acer software on the compaq after i told it to start from the cd drive. i didnt do it cuz i was afraid it would void a warrenty. So i sent a very colorful (verbal) email to hp telling them how i felt and that i would never recommend buying anything from them again. well. as soon as i could imagine, i got an email saying they are sending me a recovery disc for free. so... if this doesnt work. then i guess the hard drive is totally shot. i also talked to support and of course (not racist) it was some guy over in India so i couldnt understand a damn word he was saying. gotta love it.

Will let you all know what happens.
Good ol windows! btw, i went to hps website again and it said to install a BIOS patch and other misc. updates and such BEFORE installing SP1. HA. glad i knew this BEFORE the pack was installed.

Thanks again guys. will update as it goes on.

Aaron

[07Frontier]

If the hard drive is failing, having a recovery disk isn't going to do you any good (in the long run, at least). Windows will keep failing to load once it tries to write an update to the bad sector(s). Best bet would be to get HP to send you a new hard drive along with the recovery disk (if it is still covered under warranty).

[mntbiker2008]

yeh that makes sense. i will see how this goes. im not sure if its under warrenty or not.




thanks,
aaron

[lane.mcpeak]

Originally Posted by mntbiker2008

heres an update. still having trouble. vista sux. i hit f8 when it was in startup and got to the menu and selected start in safe mode and networking.... froze there. so i got back to it again and went to the system recovery option... it gave me a messege that said it needs to check some disks. so i let it. it got 59% of the way through and froze with 204332 of 245136 index entries processed. im gonna give those vista recovery discs a try. if not. the turd is being punted out the window.

One word man.... APPLE. I've never had a single problem with it. It's easy to use. Takes less than a day to figure out if you're new to the programming difference from Microsoft. No viruses, no spam, no pop-ups, no spyware. Man, it's great.

[coastie617]

Originally Posted by lane.mcpeak

One word man.... APPLE. I've never had a single problem with it. It's easy to use. Takes less than a day to figure out if you're new to the programming difference from Microsoft. No viruses, no spam, no pop-ups, no spyware. Man, it's great.

That's like saying "Buy a Toyota" if you have trouble with your Nissan. I've seen just as many problems and repaired as many mac's as I have windows based machines. It all comes down to application and needs to decide what your going to run.

If your drive is going and they sent you a new recovery disc you can very easily buy and replace the old HD for short money. Check NewEgg or one of those other large tech vendors. You could pick one up shipped for ~$50 to your door. While your at it, pic up something like this Newegg.com - BYTECC BT-300 USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Adapter - Adapters & Gender Changers Youc an try and extract your personal data from the old drive once your up and running on the new one.

Good luck and as Todd said, don't give up!

[lane.mcpeak]

Originally Posted by coastie617

That's like saying "Buy a Toyota" if you have trouble with your Nissan. I've seen just as many problems and repaired as many mac's as I have windows based machines. It all comes down to application and needs to decide what your going to run.

If your drive is going and they sent you a new recovery disc you can very easily buy and replace the old HD for short money. Check NewEgg or one of those other large tech vendors. You could pick one up shipped for ~$50 to your door. While your at it, pic up something like this Newegg.com - BYTECC BT-300 USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Adapter - Adapters & Gender Changers Youc an try and extract your personal data from the old drive once your up and running on the new one.

Good luck and as Todd said, don't give up!

Yeah I know... I just really like mine.

Hard drives are very easy to replace. Just don't get one below 5200 rpm, as myself and friends have noticed don't last as long. 7200 is better. Unless they have faster now, I'm a little outdated with computer advice.