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For The Greater Minds: Black Screen w/ White Cursor, Only Different

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by pcoste1, 2009/01/22.

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  1. 2009/01/22
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    In Safe Mode only Windows default drivers are loaded. If the computer refuses to boot normally it looks like a driver problem.

    Check out a normal boot.
     
    PeteC,
    #21
  2. 2009/01/22
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Comp refuses to boot normally...status bar always freezes.
     
    pcoste1,
    #22


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  4. 2009/01/22
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Looks like a driver problem - I would seriously consider backing up your data before proceeding with troubleshooting further.

    Please confirm that you are still able to start in Safe Mode - owner.
     
    PeteC,
    #23
  5. 2009/01/22
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Ok so right now the battery is dead and I'm charging it (cant run the comp plugged into charger i just keep getting black screen with white cursor for some reason.)

    I was in owner mode before but I'll double check.

    As for backing up, I got most of my stuff out of My Documents that I wanted, is there anything I should absolutely make sure to grab?

    Thanks again so much Pete
     
    pcoste1,
    #24
  6. 2009/01/22
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Yes .....

    Export (File > Import & Export) your IE Favorites, cookies

    If you use Outlook Express export your Address Book to a text file (csv) and search for - include hidden files & folders, *.dbx and copy them to your backup. These are your email folders. Also export your account settings in OE - Tools > Accounts and highlight each one in turn > Export

    Given that you kept all your personal data in My Docs that should do.

    I shall be out for the evening shortly, but will log in on my return - 10.30 - 11.00 pm GMT
     
    PeteC,
    #25
  7. 2009/01/22
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    ok thanks again Pete...I'll back it up now. If you could leave me instructions when you get back I'll check the board later and see if we can get this comp back up and running like new
     
    pcoste1,
    #26
  8. 2009/01/22
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    Just a comment (Pete has everything well under control). I don't think you will get far without replacing the battery. The battery will keep the information in the BIOS for size, type, etc, of the hard disk drive. If it loses the information, it needs to re-detect the HDD correctly before you can boot into the OS again. If the battery is flaky it will keep losing the information in the BIOS [Edit: the BIOS information will be held by the CMOS battery, see later in the thread].

    Matt
     
    Last edited: 2009/01/25
    mattman,
    #27
  9. 2009/01/22
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    thanks for the help matt...

    should i (could i?) run out and pick up a new battery?

    is it best to order from dell.com?

    thanks again
    Patrick
     
    pcoste1,
    #28
  10. 2009/01/22
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Too tired for coherent thought right now - I'll come back in the morning.
     
    PeteC,
    #29
  11. 2009/01/22
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    take ur time Pete, a million thanks for the help so far...

    I'll check in on it tomorrow morning.
     
    pcoste1,
    #30
  12. 2009/01/22
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    You should be able to get a decent battery from a local supplier at a price, I expect, much more competitive than Dell's. The battery should have a part number on it and the supplier should state "compatible with Dell model ______ ".

    If the laptop was still quite young, I might think about getting an original replacement. Replacement for an older model may outlast the laptop or it's usefulness and would not warrant big $.

    If you don't have the manual/User Guide, it will be available for download from the Dell website:
    www.dell.com/support
    It will give you tips on how to look after the battery.

    Matt
     
    mattman,
    #31
  13. 2009/01/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    The manual is here .....

    Dell™ Inspiron™ 1150 Owner’s Manual

    I am in two minds as to which step to take next - checking the hard drive or checking drivers. On balance, seeing that you have now backed up your data I think a hard drive check would be the first move .....

    Boot into Safe Mode - you have no other option :) and go ....

    Start > Run > type in cmd > Enter

    In the command window which opens type cd\ at the flashing cursor and hit Enter which will take you to C:\ prompt

    At the C:\ prompt type chkdsk /r > Enter.

    You should receive a message that the drive cannot be locked .... schedule to run at next boot - answer Yes and reboot.

    Let us know the outcome.
     
    PeteC,
    #32
  14. 2009/01/23
    rsinfo

    rsinfo SuperGeek Alumni

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    Pete in many cases I have found that chkdsk does not work. However fsutil dirty set always seems to work.

    The command would be fsutil dirty set c: <Enter>
     
    rsinfo,
    #33
  15. 2009/01/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    rsinfo

    I'm not convinced there is a problem with the drive as Safe Mode appears to work - more likely a driver problem - evaluating that is the next step IMO
     
    PeteC,
    #34
  16. 2009/01/23
    noahdfear

    noahdfear Inactive

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    See if the computer will start without the battery ....... just the AC adapter plugged in.
    Dell gets an arm, leg and first born for their batteries. Have a look here.

    Pete, system restore?
     
    noahdfear,
    #35
  17. 2009/01/23
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete...
    I logged into safe mode > administrator > and followed your instructions.

    I set it to run next time the comp starts up.

    I restarted and the status bar froze again like normal. I then was wondering if I should have hit F8 on the restart and chose Safe Mode. I did not do that however, and let it restart as it normally would.

    I turned the comp off bc it was at the frozen status bar.

    I turned it back on and started in safe mode, and now it appears to be frozen. Not sure where to goto from here, also not sure if you've read the previous posts, but what is your opinion of getting a new battery? Should this be done as soon as possible? Is it necessary?

    Thanks
    Patrick
     
    pcoste1,
    #36
  18. 2009/01/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    With hindsight I should have realised that the computer would try to start in normal mode, but the fact it will not now start in Safe Mode is a backward step.

    The dilemma here is that there is little point in replacing the battery if the computer has decided that it's time is up - OTH it may be the only way to proceed forward.

    Have you tried noahdfear's suggestion ....
    Do you have a Recovery CD or a copy of XP of the same version as already loaded?
     
    PeteC,
    #37
  19. 2009/01/23
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Well the laptop just gives me the black screen with white cursor when I have the battey out and the charger in.

    I do have the windows stuff around here and I will dig it out if need be.

    I don't know if this helps at all but since I followed those instructions the point at which the comp freezes every time on safe mode is at the line:

    multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\Drivers\Mup.sys

    I'm not sure if it's significant that it freezes at this line every time.
     
    pcoste1,
    #38
  20. 2009/01/23
    noahdfear

    noahdfear Inactive

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    Go ahead and put the battery back in and try again to go into safe mode. When it appears to hang, be patient .... I've seen it hang at that point for up to 45 minutes then load successfully. If you manage to get safe mode started, see if you can do a system restore.
     
    noahdfear,
    #39
  21. 2009/01/23
    pcoste1

    pcoste1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    ok noah will do..

    my one worry now is if this questionable battery will hold a charge that long
     
    pcoste1,
    #40
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