I'm fixing an old laptop. Not entirely sure what's wrong, though.

Atomic Potato · Aug 4, 2014

So it's an early 2000s HP Pavilion. When you turn it on, you get through the manufacturer boot menu and the Windows Vista load screen but then the screen turns black with only a mouse. I was able to access the files and get all the important ones onto a flash drive using a live disc on a USB. I think there might be an issue with hard drive and if so, I can replace it but I'm wondering of its necessary. I also thought I might be able to zero it. I also would like to repeat that I can access the files on the drive but I can't load the OS.

Any thoughts?

Alabalcho · Aug 4, 2014

If you replace / zero / reinstall, you will need either original HP Vista (re)installation disk, or new Windows license. Check with HP (it would cost you probably $20) whether you can reorder media for that laptop.

Atomic Potato · Aug 7, 2014

I'm not too concerned about the OS. At this point, I'm just trying to get it to run on its own without needing a live disk. I'll probably just use a free, Linux-based OS when I have to re-install one. I'll buy Windows 7 if I really hate it that much, but my main question is, do you think zeroing it will work?

Alabalcho · Aug 7, 2014

If you boot LiveCD / LiveUSB, or boot installation CD/USB, you will have the option to reformar the drive.
But - if your hard drive has taken the road to the heaven, zeroing will not stop it.

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I'm fixing an old laptop. Not entirely sure what's wrong, though.

Atomic Potato

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Alabalcho

Titan

Atomic Potato

Reputable

Alabalcho

Titan

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