Dell Laptop Wont Boot

ahll

Inspiron 1501 wont boot

Come up saying there is an Error 'Windows failed to start a recent hardware or software change might be the cause'

'Start up repair checking for problems' which it seemed to fix yesterday but can't seem to do today !

'Startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically'

It automatically tries to fix it but doesnt seem able too !

Otions left are :-

'Send information about this problem'
'Dont send information'
'View diagnostic and repair details'
'View advance option for system recovery and suppot'

'View diagnostic and repair details' option says
'last successful boot deatisl
12 repair attempts
Sessions details
Number of root causes 1
Error = 0X0
'Root cause found
"Startup repair has tried several times but still cannot determine the cause of the problem"

I dont believe we have done anything to the laptop to cause a problem. A mobile phone was attached yesterday to charge and transfer some pictures' but done that before and it did start again after that.

Has anyone go any ideas as to how I can get it working again ?

Browntoa

can you get into "safe mode" on boot up ??

hit F8 as it turns on

if so then remove the software you put on yesterday, or use "system Restore" to roll back to when it last worked

ahll

hi Browntoa

by take the software off you installed yesterday do you mean the pictures that we transferred from the mobile ?

albertross_2

No, he means did you install any software to do the transfer, or did you just drag and drop, if the former uninstall it, or do a system restore under help (assuming safe mode works)

Browntoa

aaah...so the software was already installed before ...my mistake

I'd just use sytem restore to go back if you can get into safe mode

ahll

tried pressing F8 when I turn it on but its not going into safe mode just back to the screen it has been going to!

Browntoa

you need to catch it right, after the dell splash screen but before the Xp logo

ahll

Running Vista if that makes any difference can't seem to get the F8 key to take me to Safe Mode....

Browntoa

if you have no documents etc you mind losing then you can restore it to factory settings by hitting CTRL F11 as the blue Dell line comes up at the top of the screen...

ahll

ok thanks its not actually my laptop its my mates but they not been doing regular backups...I was trying to avoid them loosing lots of stuff...but doesnt seem like any option that going back to an old restore I did for them !

albertross_2

switch it in, wait .5 seconds, then keep f8 held down