Hello.

When starting up my computer, I get a black screen just past the loading screen (transparent bar and green blocking moving through). I am able to SEE my cursor and move it but nothing else.

I am USING an HP Pavilion Slimlime with a Dell Monitor (model no. E172FPI). I am running Windows Vista.

I contacted HP Support and we tried "Last Known Good Configuration" and "Safe Mode" to no avail. HP suggested that I do a system RECOVERY. In doing this, I would lose all my files.

My question is this;

a) Is there a way to fix the problem WITHOUT doing a system recovery and reinstalling the OS?
b) If there is no other way, I would at least like to save my files. I have a Seagate FreeAgent external hard drive but again, I can't startup the computer so I'm not sure how I would be able to save it?

Help is very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben2 Options:

Slave Drive Tutorial
This method lets you connect the drive to a working machine and retrieve/burn your important data to CD's/DVD's...

Repair Install of XP
This is a non-destructive method for REPAIRING Windows without losing your data...
Done properly all your data and apps will be intact...
Done improperly all your apps and data will be GONE but you will have a fresh install of XP...
I suggest reading it thru and printing out a reference copy 1st.

Given that i would use Method #1 first...then after your backups are secure try Method #2...

Best of Luck.except he/she dosent have windows xp...Repair Install of VistaThanks guys. I'll look into this.