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

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  • Memory
Last response: in Memory
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August 4, 2014 3:48:45 PM

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?

More about : fixing laptop wrong

August 4, 2014 6:52:33 PM

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.
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August 7, 2014 2:58:48 PM

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?
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August 7, 2014 7:26:28 PM

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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