Start up problem VGN - S1VP

[hollikev]

My laptop has shown a progressive problem where on pushing the power button it has not shown the vaio sign and noise and either hung with a black screen or with the windows xp login screen . It has taken several tries to get it to start up properly; meaning I had to hold down power to shut it down then press again to start.
It may be connected with the ATI software or it may be a simple failure. Any advice please tonight (Wed 18th) on how to get it to start up?:smileyconfused: This may allow me to go in and do some backing up!!
Otherwise I will be onto technical for help in the morning.
Battery and ac seem ok.
Thanks
Hagrid

[kee-lo_]

Don't worry about that
Sorry to hear you lost data, it's a bummer isn't it?

Best of luck with the repairs

[hollikev]

Yes bummer - but I've been lucky with files I've sent out I can ask for a copy back and luckily on photo's I had mostly saved a copy onto my imac too. Biggest loss is contacts in outlook, probably - but even there it may be time for a clean out.
I'm trying to stay positive!
Biggest worry now is how to back up in future but that should probably be a new thread!

Cheers
HAgrid

[kee-lo_]

Glad all isn't lost.

WinZip is good for backup.

[rich912]

Commiserations Hagrid and welcome to the club of those that learn the benefit of backups the hard way. I hope that it is all sorted soon.

[hollikev]

:smileygrin:
Just wanted to update you all on how things ended up.
Laptop is back - apparently fixed AND I did not lose data while out on repair.
I don't know what was fixed as the onscreen report just says they replaced COMPLETE MBX109 (M9_32)(S) - Don't know what that is?!

Anyway if anyone does let me know.
Second thing - maybe should be new thread? does anyone have recommendation on software/hardware that does timed/phased back ups so I don't forget and keep data separately?
Cheers,
Hagrid