[NeedHelpWithBlackScreen]

I have an Windows xp(IBM Thinkpad), that won't boot into windows xp. All i get is a blinking cursor on a black screen.

I tried replacing the hard drive, it goes into windows xp. However the replacement is not compatible hard drive so I cant use that for long
By clicking the think vantage button, I am able to get into BIOS. I dont get the option of starting windows in safe mode.
I dont have the xp repair cd and I dont have the key for the OS.

Please Help.

Thank you

Edited by NeedHelpWithBlackScreen, 21 August 2011 - 08:47 AM.

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Contact microsoft and ask them what to do... or you might even have to re install your OS (so that means buying a new disk)

[Zoë Louise Smith]

Contact microsoft and ask them what to do... or you might even have to re install your OS (so that means buying a new disk)

[rshaffer61]

I dont have the xp repair cd and I dont have the key for the OS.

Reg key should be on the bottom of the laptop.
On most laptops now the OS is on a hidden recovery partition on the hard drive but that will do you no good if you have replaced the hard drive.
You could contact IBM and ask about purchasing a set of original Recovery disks.

[NeedHelpWithBlackScreen]

Is the hard drive dead or is it the issue with windows file getting corrupted ? I have a lot of data on this drive, I dont want to lose the data.

[rshaffer61]

First of all you need to backup your data using a Linux live cd. This will get you access as long as the drive is not dead which according to your description it is not. It is a common issue and there are ways to get around which the most drastic is a reload of the entire system.

Use Puppy Linux Live CD to Recover Your Data:

===================
***Required Hardware***
CD Burner (CDRW) Drive,
Blank CD,
Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)
===================

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:

• Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-520.iso)
  Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software
  
  
• Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer
• Extract All files to a location you can remember
• Double Click BurnCDCC
• Click Browse and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded
• Open/Double Click that file
  IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x
• Click Start
• Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically
• Insert a blank CD and close the tray
• Click OK

Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created
2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second

• Start the computer/press the power button
• Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka "Setup"
  (Usually shown during the "Dell" screen, or "Gateway" Screen)
• Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to:
  CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd
• Open your ROM drive and insert the disk
• Press F10 to save and exit
• Agree with "Y" to continue
• Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD
  
  

3. Recover Your Data

• Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer's Memory (RAM). You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call "your computer". Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning. Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy. To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once. Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to. This is normal. Ready? Let's get started.
  
  3a. Mount Drives
• Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop.
• A Window will open. By default, the "drive" tab will be forward/highlighted. Click on Mount for your hard drive.
• Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount.
• USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the "usbdrv" tab and make sure it is mounted.
• If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the "drive" tab. Mount it now.

3b. Transfer Files.

• At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon.
• Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1
• Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1
• If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows)
• From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive's Window.

For The Novice: The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each idividual name of each user. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos.

Remember to only click once! No double clicking! Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy. Choose COPY each time you drag and drop.

YOU ARE DONE!!! Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer. Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations!





If you're doing this to recovery from a virus or malware infection, (or even if you're not), DO NOT copy executable files (.exe, .scr. etc...) if any of these files are infected you could be copying the corruption over to any new device/computer. just copy documents, pictures, music, or videos.

[NeedHelpWithBlackScreen]

Thanks. I was able to backup my data. I am able to access all the folders on my hard drive. Is there a way to fix the xp issue and get it to start up again without having to re install xp ? I have other software on my hard driv that I dont want to lose.

Thank you.

[rshaffer61]

Go HERE to read about this and how to fix.





http://www.geekstogo...en-t159277.html