Today I went to switch on my laptop, Sony Z1.

The system started as usual then a sceen came up saying there had is a software/hardware issue and window has failed to start.

Naturally I instructed it to perform a standard start up, but it just won't.

Every time I switch it one the 'Loading XP' screen comes up then says it failed.

the options are the usual start in safe mode etc etc

Does any one have an idea what the problem could be, It worked perfectly fine the previous day and have never had a problem with it before.

The main issue is there is a lot of data stored that I need access to, otherwise I would just run the system restore CD and see what happens(even though it would take a while to re install all the required stuff that was on it before)

russ8s,

We apologise for the inconvenience but windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding, restarted unexpectedly, or was automatically shut down to protect your files choose Last Known Good Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interrupted because of a power failure or because the power or reset button was pressed, or if you arent sure what caused the problem, choose Start Windows Normally

Safe Mode
Safe Mode With Networking
Safe Mode With Command Prompt

Last Known Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)

Start Windows Normally

I have tried every option it gives you but it just does'nt seem to boot up, it gets to the windows xp logo where you can see it loading and then resets itself and displays the above all over again.

Also I now notice that I can hear a noise inside, sounds like the drive and its sound a unusual, I'm now assuming its broke(do they just give up the ghost like that ?).

Is it ok to open it up and have a look ?. can't see that it would help if it broke though.

Does this mean I will have to send the drive off to be recovered, how much will it cost for a new one ?

Does anyone think my diagnosis is wrong ?

Clicking hard drives are usually in failing health although not necessarily dead.

Does the laptop have a floppy drive. If so you can try either the XP Recovery Console or the hard drive manufacturers diagnostic. The XP disks can be found here:

How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310994

From the Recovery Console you could first off try chkdsk
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_rec.htm

Hard drive diagnostics per manufacturer list here:
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

If the problem lays outside of the hard drive you can extract the data via this method:
http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5160538.html#

You could also see what your Restore CD offers. There are usually several options short of a full format Repair.

No its compleaty dead now, thanks any way

will not even switch on

Have you tried the AC adapter with the battery removed?

No I have tried everything, after taking it apart will there be somthing that I have missed out putting it back together?

seems like its a harddrive failure, but now I must of done somthing to stop me even able to switch it on.

From Sony I see a model PCG-Z1A. Is that yours?

Anyway here is the manual:

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/model-....pl?mdl=PCGZ1A

It should show you how to remove the battery etc.

The notebook computer does not turn on.

Follow this procedure to troubleshoot power issues on a notebook computer that does not turn on.

IMPORTANT: While following this procedure, note the LED status at each step. This will provide additional information for the technician if repair becomes necessary.

1. Connect the AC adapter [FIG. 1] into a known working AC outlet and to the notebook.

NOTES:
* Do not connect the AC adapter to a surge protector or extension cord.
* The AC adapter can be confirmed as receiving power by ensuring the LED on the adapter is lit. If the LED is not lit when plugged into a working AC outlet, the adapter must be replaced.
2. Attempt to turn on the notebook.
3. Press and hold the Power Switch for 15 seconds.
4. Attempt to turn on the notebook.
5. Remove the battery.
6. Disconnect the AC power adapter.
7. Press and hold the Power Switch for 15 seconds.
8. Connect the AC power adapter.
9. Attempt to turn on the notebook.

NOTE: If the notebook turns on without the battery, connect and charge the battery for 24 hours.
10. Disconnect all external devices that are connected to the computer.

NOTE: These devices include, but are not limited to, a modem, floppy disk drive, network connection, USB device, printer, keyboard, or mouse.
11. Attempt to turn on the notebook.
12. Remove any additional Random Access Memory (RAM) that was installed in the computer.
13. Attempt to turn on the notebook.
14. If the issue is still unresolved after completing the troubleshooting steps suggested, service may be required.

NOTE: When shipping the notebook for repair, include all notes of the LED status that displayed during troubleshooting.

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/model-faq.pl?mdl=PCGZ1A#

its a Z1 RMP will try it though.

good news, the broken z1rmp getting for nearly 3years old and second hand was replaced with a FE11S.

I salavaged the old z1 back, for data recovery, but does anyone know where I might get it repaired if possible cheaply, or who wants to buy it in current state ? ebay being the obv