Win XP Pro completely fails to boot

[zero_butterfly]

System: Hassee Laptop
1.76ghz Intel Celeron
512MB DDR2 RAM
SiS onboard sound and graphics.
WinXP Pro

I'm having a problem with my laptop. Last night it was working 100%, then when I booted it up this morning... It wouldn't boot.

I get my BIOS splash screen, then a black screen with blinking DOS-style cursor. I can't f8 to get into safe mode, the only part of the computer I can access is the BIOS setup and the boot-order setup.

I'm frustrated because I only just got the computer set up the way I wanted it, and would really rather not have to re-install the whole OS.

Is there a boot-disk I can use?
My computer has no floppy, so ideally something I can put on a USB stick and boot from?
Once I've got it to boot, how can I fix it?

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Try running a repair installation and/or check out this guide.

 

[kimsland]

Why do you ask for a USB boot ? Instead of a CD boot option?

This actually sounds as though the hard disk is not being picked up.

I'd do the easy idea first:

Remove all power (Adaptor AND battery)
Hold down the start button for 30 secs (dispersing all voltage)
Put the adaptor back in (forget the battery for a moment)
Turn on

If it didn't work:

Unplug the power adaptor again (obviously battery still out)
Remove the Hard Drive (underneath some where, usually one screw - you may need the service manual)
Push the hard drive back in securely (just a quick push back in, all the way)
Put the power adaptor back in (forget the battery again)
Turn on

Did it work?
Please reply back!

Edit:

@ Zenosincks

TechSpot have one of those guides here-> https://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?t=98544&highlight=system
.

 

[zero_butterfly]

Why do you ask for a USB boot ? Instead of a CD boot option?

Because I don't have a CD burner available to burn any boot disk downloaded from the internet

The HDD idea is a good one, I do hear it click, but it doesn't speed up. I'll take a screwdriver to it right now. (My manual is in chinese... Wish me luck D: )

I'll report back asap, thanks so much!

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

@ Zenosincks

TechSpot have one of those guides here-> https://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?t=98544&highlight=system
.

That's nice, but I prefer the guide I suggested.

 

[kimsland]

@Zenosincks

In either case, this is not a "System" missing file fault.
Are you actually meaning a Repair option?
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/part3.htm

 

[zero_butterfly]

That's nice, but I prefer the guide I suggested.

Going to try yours next! The HDD-Jiggle didn't work, I removed the entire thing and replaced it and it still doesn't go.
Now I'll try the software fix

Plus, I can see my HDD in the BIOS, it's just not booting anything.

 

[kimsland]

I do hear it click, but it doesn't speed up

I'd say faulty Hard Drive (physically not software wise)

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

@Zenosincks

In either case, this is not a "System" missing file fault.
Are you actually meaning a Repair option?
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.win...pair/part3.htm

Well, if you're confident enough that you can see the inner boot process of a machine that's likely thousands of miles away from you, then fine, have it your way. I'm not saying it's definitely anything, merely suggesting a possible course of action that may or may not help.

I wasn't suggesting that the guide I linked contained instructions on how to run a repair installation nor was I confused with my statement. I was not wrong with my choice in words (repair installation).

 

[kimsland]

I see

and/or

My mistake

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

I wouldn't quite say it "saved" me from anything, but, whatever, no problem .

 

[zero_butterfly]

Urm, I'm running the repair installation and that SEEMS (touch wood) to have worked, it boots and I haven't lost any data.

I really just wanted to ask you guys for some help, no need to bicker, both your ideas were great and helped me fix my computer! THANK YOU!

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Your welcome, hopefully it has indeed worked for you .

Sorry we acted like an old couple in your thread .