Windows Vista Stuck at 'Black Screen' start-up

I need help getting past an initial screen when I rebooted my Dell laptop Inspiron 1721. After seeing the 'DELL' logo, a black screen appears with the following information:
RAID BIOS Version 2.5.1541.34 (c) 2006 ATI Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
ID 1
MODE 1+0 JBOD
SIZE 160042M
TRACK-MAPPING 19457/255/63
STATUS Functional
Press (Crtl-F) to enter FastBuild (tm) Utility..._

I have unsuccessfully attempted to enter the utility and I don't have any idea what is expected. I ran a complete diagnostics on the laptop to no avail. When it rebooted again, I'm stuck on the same black screen.

Any advice is truly appreciated... In advance, thanks a million!!!

 

Possible hard drive failure or loose connection to the hard drive.

Dell Inspiron 1721 Support

 

Thanks, Whiskeyman...appreciate your help!

 

Could be the Hard drive, as you start the laptop up press F2 this will list bootable devices, the Hard drive. If it’s not there then the drive has either failed or the connection is loose.

(Disclaimer: If your system is still under warranty or guarantee, then contact the place of purchase and raise your issue with them. I only offer a possible cause and solution to this problem and am not responsible for any damage that may arise from this guide).

1. I would check the drive connection first, by removing the hard drive and then reconnecting it. It may be all that’s wrong.
2. Try a different Hard drive that is suitable for your Laptop, if this is the problem then it means you will have to re-install Windows. (Unless you have a backup).

Here is the http: pdf manual I found for your Laptop; Remember this is a probable cause and solution. If you are still under warranty / guarantee doing repairs yourself may void it.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1721/en/om_en/pdf/GU051A03MR.pdf

Hope this helps

 

Got the same PM from them. Told them that we didn't answer problem questions by PM's and only on the boards. That way everybody could learn.