Netbook starting up problem

[shooby337]

My wife has a Sony Vaio vpcw11s1e/p netbook that is not starting up. When you turn it on it goes to the staring VAIO screen and then the screen goes black. From there it doesn't go anywhere it just stays lit up on a black screen. There is power to the adapter and power to the unit. I can see the vaio starting screen and I can access the Bios screen so know its not a problem with the screen itself. I have tried a restore to last known setting via keep pressing F11, but it still just goes to a black screen.

This is now the 2nd issue we have had with this unit. 1st time sony had to repair it for a faulty screen (which I understand is a common problem on these things). My wife has only owned it about 14 months and I paid that little bit extra to get her a Sony netbook as I'm a loyal Sony owner of most products. But I'm now beginning to regret my decision of netbook.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Blencogo]

It sounds like Windows is failing to load which could be caused by Boot.ini being corrupt, Windows software being corrupt or the Hard Drive being corrupt or faulty.

Have you made a set of Recovery DVDs on an external drive?

You have two options: -

1. if you have little saved programs and data on the netbook, you could try a Full System Recovery.  This will revert the Vaio to factory condition and you will need to reinstall everything again.  To do this, tap F10 repeatedly during startup (when you see the Vaio logo) which will open the Recovery Centre where you can choose a Full Recovery.

2. Try to repair the Windows installation.  To do this you will need to borrow a XP Pro installation disc and open the Recovery Console in an attempt to mend the Master Boot Records.  Alternatively you could try a Repair Install.

If these both fail then the hard disc may need replacing. 

If you are in the UK, have a word with one of Sony's Service Partners near where you live before you do anything as they may have some advice.  You will find a full list of Service Partners here: -

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/contacts/asc.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VPCW11S1E_P

[shooby337]

Thanks for the post.

The F10 option does not appear to work. The only F keys that access any other details are the F2 for Bios or F8 which brings up the Windows advanced options menu. I'm afraid I have no boot discs as have no external cd/dvd drive to record them so they were never created.

[shooby337]

anyone got any ideas?

[Blencogo]

If you have not made Recovery Discs and you have tried and failed with the hard drive recovery - Page 33 of your Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide here: -

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/Manuals/RecoTS/2009Q2_TRG_EN.pdf

Then the hard drive is probably faulty although you cannot rule out a motherboard problem.  There is one other possibility - the RAM module may be faulty or, more likely, just seated badly. The memory module is seated under the keyboard and here is a link to an article showing how to remove the keyboard and access the memory module which you can then reseat - beware of static by earthing your hands on a metal part of the Vaio's chassis.  There is no need to detatch the ribbon cable.

http://genesis.sony-europe.com/instranet/ccil_sony/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=37774&l=en_GB&m=VPCW...

I can only emphasise that this is a long shot and to be carried out at your own risk as it is intrusive but it is all I can suggest apart from consulting a local Sony Service Partner - a full list of Service Partners is listed here: -

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/contacts/asc.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VPCW11S1E_P