No reaction from my computer

[MikeySocal8]

The computer is a Toshiba Satellite A205 running with Vista.  It is roughly 14 months old. 

When my computer starts, the Toshiba menu shows, it takes me to a black screen with a white flashing line, and then it goes to the "Start Windows normally or Start Error Control." 

No matter which one I pick, it takes me to the startup menu with the scrolling green line.  Sometimes, it remains on that menu.  Other times, it proceeds past the menu and remains on a black screen. 

I've tried to go through the boot to use the HDD function, nothing happens.

I'm not expecting someone on here to give me a step by step solution, but can anyone tell me what they believe is wrong?

[drmsucks]

Can you boot into Safe Mode? Turn computer off, re-start and keep tapping the F8 key until a black menu screen comes up. Scroll to SafeMode, enter.

[MikeySocal8]

I entered safe mode.

It lists about 20 files that are "Loaded," but it has been frozen for about 5 minutes.

At the bottom, it still says please wait, but it isn't doing anything.

[drmsucks]

Too long.

Shutdown, ground yourself and remove and re-seat each memory module. Re-start.

If that doesn't work, I think that you're looking at a re-install of Windows.

Do you have a Vista DVD?

[MikeySocal8]

Too long.

Shutdown, ground yourself and remove and re-seat each memory module. Re-start.

If that doesn't work, I think that you're looking at a re-install of Windows.

Do you have a Vista DVD?

Explain to me how to execute this process.

Is it Hard Drive related or is something wrong with Vista?

And yes, I do believe I have the Vista CD.

[drmsucks]

Too long.

Shutdown, ground yourself and remove and re-seat each memory module. Re-start.

If that doesn't work, I think that you're looking at a re-install of Windows.

Do you have a Vista DVD?

Explain to me how to execute this process.

Is it Hard Drive related or is something wrong with Vista?

And yes, I do believe I have the Vista CD.

To re-seat memory, check your manual.

From what you have said, I don't see any reason to suspect the hdd. Do you think that the problem may be the hdd? If so, why?

If you have a true (not an OEM Recovery Disk) Vista disk, you can try a repair install of Vista. This will MOST LIKELY leave your programs and data files intact. If you only have the OEM Recovery disk, you can do a 'destructive' re-install which will completely overwrite all files on the hdd and 'restore' your computer to the way it was when you purchased it.

[MikeySocal8]

 

Did I miss something? 

[drmsucks]

Did I miss something? 

I messed up - check now!

[MikeySocal8]

To re-seat memory, check your manual.

From what you have said, I don't see any reason to suspect the hdd. Do you think that the problem may be the hdd? If so, why?

If you have a true (not an OEM Recovery Disk) Vista disk, you can try a repair install of Vista. This will MOST LIKELY leave your programs and data files intact. If you only have the OEM Recovery disk, you can do a 'destructive' re-install which will completely overwrite all files on the hdd and 'restore' your computer to the way it was when you purchased it.

I tried the disk that came with the computer in order to restore the original settings.  It loaded the files, went through the starup menu, and the screen went black.

When this first started, my computer froze while I was using it.  I restarted it and after the Toshiba screen, the screen went black and read something about a "disk error."  After I ran the disk in order to restore the default settings, I stopped getting the disk error, but I now get a black screen with nothing on it.

[drmsucks]

To re-seat memory, check your manual.

From what you have said, I don't see any reason to suspect the hdd. Do you think that the problem may be the hdd? If so, why?

If you have a true (not an OEM Recovery Disk) Vista disk, you can try a repair install of Vista. This will MOST LIKELY leave your programs and data files intact. If you only have the OEM Recovery disk, you can do a 'destructive' re-install which will completely overwrite all files on the hdd and 'restore' your computer to the way it was when you purchased it.

I tried the disk that came with the computer in order to restore the original settings.  It loaded the files, went through the starup menu, and the screen went black.

When this first started, my computer froze while I was using it.  I restarted it and after the Toshiba screen, the screen went black and read something about a "disk error."  After I ran the disk in order to restore the default settings, I stopped getting the disk error, but I now get a black screen with nothing on it.

Okay - I was hoping to give you choices and have you decide what you wanted to do. Sounds like you have the OEM Recovery Disk, and want to restore the computer to its original condition, right? This procedure WILL WIPE OUT ALL OF YOUR DATA AND PROGRAMS.

You'll need to set the computer to boot from the DVD. Immediately after you re-boot, look for a message about boot order and immediately press the indicated key (might be F10 on your machine). Set the DVD as the first boot device. Let it boot from the DVD and follow the instructions. You may want to visit Toshiba's website and read about Recovery before you start.

Let us know how you make out.