Blank black screen after Windows logo,possible boot file error?

[BladePocok]

Hi,

There is an old computer which is used by my parents,with Windows XP SP3 Pro 32 Bit on it,used for years without problem. Today we wanted to start it as usual however the computer froze/hang up after the Windows logo,it shows only a blank black screen without any text or blinking cursor at the top left corner. I managed to do a CHKDSK,found some errors and fixed them (dying hdd maybe?). I also found it's original CD ,but couldn't make a repair (it can be done only via recovery console but didn't get into it),only new installation or partition delete. What shall I do to make it work again? I was thinking maybe somehow I should create new boot file,it might be corrupted somehow (?) but I don't know.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

If the drive (and by the symptoms sounds like it) is failing there is no 'repair' of Windows. As XP is long been abandoned, and hardware only lasts 3 years before failure (see your warranties for HDD, etc. they don't go normally past 3-5 year mark) it is time to head to Walmart and grab the $200 Laptop.

It is alot cheaper than trying to by parts, HDD is $99, and copies of software, Xp CD $79; especially as that HDD type (IDE) hasn't been made in a decade, and isn't available at 'BestBuy'. Used parts are unreliable (how long before the 'new' drive you got off Ebay also dies?) and you can instead show them the wonder of being wireless. Mom being able to watch the Youtube video on baking a new bread, Dad loving he can set the 'screen' right out on the patio and show him how to add that new row of Rose bushes he always wanted, etc.

 

[BladePocok]

I know that only a new hardware can help,but I can't even go into Safe mode,to download/get the files. A lot of documents/pictures are still on that drive, I need to reach them somehow.The HDD itself work (barely),there must be a way to get into the system.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

The way to 'get at them' would be to physically remove the drive, order a USB to and the type of connector it has on it (IDE, SATA) with a EXTERNAL power (the USB connector can only power laptop 2.5 drives, normal ones for 'desktops' require much more power). Then plug that into the new computer and see if you can tunnel your way to the stuff.

IF the drive is barely working, the only other way would be to send it to a Data Recovery facility, and if $500-1000+ is worth every one of those documents and pictures, it be the most reliable way as they physically remove the platters from inside, and put them on specialized machines to read the data off and provide it back via a CD.

 

[BladePocok]

I'm doing a chkdsk at the moment,but it stuck at 50%. Any idea?

 

[Tom Tancredi]

If chckdsk gets stuck ever then the Drive has failed. As i mentioned before, the answer is the same. There isn't another option when HARDware (think of it like a tire on the car) get broken (big hole / blow out on the tire).

 

[Chicano]

Try loging on in Safe Mode or VGA Mode and once logged in, see which option works:
1. update the graphics drivers.
2. change video port to monitor
3. Restore the System
4. Run SFC /Scannow
5. Repair install Windows XP