PCV-RXG408 Boot Loop

[RudeYute]

Hi,

I have collected my uncles desktop from him to fix few probs - Sony PCV-RXG408. Whilst at his, I seen it runnning windows fine.
I bought it home in the car, and powered it up - When I get to the Windows XP splashscreen, the machine reboots (POST beep again), and starts up again, in the same condition.

Does anyone know what it Might be? I assume its a hardware problem, due to being knocked in the car or something.

Thanks

[Blencogo]

Can you open in Safe Mode?

Tapp F8 continuously at the Vaio splash screen.

Scroll down to Last known good configuration with the down arrow key and press enter.

[RudeYute]

I didn't need to press F8... it keeps going to it automatically.
Last Known Working Config and Safe Mode both still loop.

[Blencogo]

Oh Dear! (or words to that effect).

Sounds like a full restore (does your Uncle still have the Recovery CDs?)

You only have the Recovery Console to try. Either
borrow a XP Pro disc and press R at the Welcome to Setup screen. Or:
Download rc.iso

When in the Recovery Console you can run:

Chkdsk
Fixboot
FixMBR

But if the Hard Disc has packed up or Windows is corrupted these won't work.

[RudeYute]

Hmm, I'm sure it's a hardware problem tho - unless it was switched off without properly shutting down (likely knowing him).

He doesn't have the restore CD's, but I suppose I can try with a windows CD.... job for tomorrow... Just in middle of getting back on my feet with my laptop which I restored today.

Cheers

[RudeYute]

Had a free minute and seen XP CD lying round...

FIXBOOT sorted it! Wicked, now tomorrow I can worry about fixing everything or restoring it.


Ps, need recovery CD's for it if anyone's got any!

[kee-lo_]

Hi RudeYute,

That's a relief!

You could simply reload all the utilities and drives back onto Windows and then use something like Acronis TrueImage, then it would be easy for your uncle to do a restore.

[RudeYute]

That's what I'm gonna do (starting shortly).
After doing my laptop and not having total success, was a bit reluctant at first, but seems it won't be as bad on there as it has less to go wrong, lol.

Cheers... now to sort my overheating / power issues on laptop.