Please Help with Computer Problem

[Dude]

My laptop is broken. When booting up, I can't get to the OS unless it's in Safe Mode.

My diagnostic tests show 100% on Hard Disk and Memory.

I have Vista and Windows Live OneCare for antivirus. The antivirus was up to date, but my main computer's OneCare says that it hasn't "had contact" with the laptop since last Monday. The antivirus doesn't run in Safe Mode.

The Event Log shows that a Windows Update failed on Wednesday (no one used the computer on Tuesday).

I've tried System Restore, no luck.

I'm debating between doing a full System Recovery and taking it to the Geek Squad. Any advice?

 

[Rii]

Have you tried System Restore from within Safe Mode?

 

[Garrovick]

Do you have a system restore disc from the manufacturer?

 

[Charlie Kelly]

What actually happens when you boot up normally? Do you get the blue screen of death and a restart? If you do it might be a bad driver, you could try removing any of the main drivers in device manager and rebooting (windows will just use its own default drivers on startup).

If you can't get it working I would just backup all your important files and do a full system restore. If it doesn't work after that then it's likely there's a hardware problem.

Charlie

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Nvidia video perchance? Try reinstalling Nvidia drivers from within safe mode.

If that dosen't do it, try reloading the OS from the recovery disk that shipped with the notebook. Make sure you've gotten any data you need off the drive first though!

 

[Dude]

Before I answer the questions, I want to thank each of you for responding.

Have you tried System Restore from within Safe Mode?

Yes, no luck.

Do you have a system restore disc from the manufacturer?

No, but I have System Recovery on a seperate Drive.

What actually happens when you boot up normally? Do you get the blue screen of death and a restart? If you do it might be a bad driver, you could try removing any of the main drivers in device manager and rebooting (windows will just use its own default drivers on startup).

If you can't get it working I would just backup all your important files and do a full system restore. If it doesn't work after that then it's likely there's a hardware problem.

Charlie

I'll try this. This is the first ray of hope I've had in this thing.

Nvidia video perchance? Try reinstalling Nvidia drivers from within safe mode.

If that dosen't do it, try reloading the OS from the recovery disk that shipped with the notebook. Make sure you've gotten any data you need off the drive first though!

I do have Nvidia video and I'll try reinstalling this evening.

 

[Carpe Occasio]

Whatever the last thing you added or installed is, remove and/or uninstall it. If you added say a PCMCIA card, remove it and any accompanying software. If you installed any other kind of software, uninstall it. You might also check to see if that failed Windows Update shows up in Add/Remove programs (check the event log for an ID number or check the date associated with the ones that show up in the list -be sure to check the "Show Updates" box at the top of the Add/Remove Programs list.)