Black screen of DEAATH???

Ok here goes nothing, I had just realized the computer was off (thanks to the wife) and plugged in the ipod, not thinking about it I turned the computer on and it went to the black screen with blinking cursor. I have tried a few things but my computer savvy friend thinks it's something to do with the MBR. I still have access to splashtop and BIOS but can not seem to get the OS to work. Any ideas...?

 

Which Operating System are you using? Do you have a Windows installation CD for the OS?

Double check no CDs or media cards are connected. Also unplug any USB devices (printers etc.) that you don't need.

 

windows xp, yes i have the o.g. cd for the OS. so if i unplug the printer what do i do next?

 

See if it boots without the printer plugged in.

I think we should check the boot.ini file before rewriting the MBR.

If no change then try booting from the Windows CD.
You will see the Windows inspect Hardware and load some files. It should land you on a screen asking what you want to do. Select R for repair. It will search for a Windows installation. It will list your installation (probably #1). So choose 1 to sign into XP. If it asks for a password enter the Administrator password (if you haven't set one just hit ENTER)

You will get a C:\Windows> prompt
Type the command CD .. [that is CD (space) two periods] and hit Enter key.
The prompt should now be C:\>
type in type boot.ini and hit Enter key [you are including the word "type" as you are asking it to print the boot.ini file]

Check that it looks like the following paying attention to the number after partition to make sure the default line and the first entry after Operating Systems match.

Any questions/problems ask.

 

ok i just tried that and nothing, this really bites. is there a way i can get the photos and files off the hard drive? maybe by using a sata to usb cable and plugging the hard drive into another computer? is that possible?

 

Yes, you can get files off the HD by connecting it to another computer.

Another option would be downloading a Live Linux CD. Booting from it and then copying your files to a USB flash drive or a USB external HD.

What exactly happened when you tried looking at the boot.ini file? Did the CD boot ok? If the CD didn't boot that may just be a matter of setting the boot order to put CD before HD.

 

The CD would not boot when i tried to place it before everything else. I don't know how to look at the boot.ini file, sorry. :confused

 

Try putting the CD in the tray and rebooting. Hit F12 during the splashtop and see if you get a boot menu. Then try choosing to boot from CD.

 

Are you trying this with the iPod still connected?
Sounds like your computer is looking on it for an OS and can't find one.