I may be new to this forum, but have been using Windows since 3.1, way way back in the day.
Problem Summary:
1. Unable to get past load screen (which is black) after allowing Windows 10 to update itself on 10/16/15 AM
2. Unable to get into Safe Mode because of above
3. Unable to boot from USB / DVD / CD because of lack of proper hardware / software
4. Hardware in question: Vaio Sony Laptop, originally running Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
History
I upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows Home Pro (I think) about a month ago. Normally I pay WAY more attention to both hardware, SOFTWARE and OS concerns, but this was a replacement Vaio laptop, and I haven't had it long enough to go through all my usual hoops when acquiring a new or used machine. The laptop came from a remote client, who reported it was gently used by office staff, but had been sitting unused for a while. He mailed the laptop to me, without any sort of OS backup media.
He reported to me about 3 weeks after I got the laptop, that he had upgraded to Windows 10 with a couple of his machines, and was happy. After a couple of weeks, I decided to take the plunge, and now I am WAY BEYOND sorry.
Machine Usage
I am a freelancer and work from home. I have a main machine that is running an aging Windows 7 install, and I use a laptop to run Skype, IM and other minor Apps to stay in touch with clients. Also, in a pinch, it can be used outside the house for work, or for back up if needed. I had plans to re-format the HD of the Windows 7 machine, which is a big deal and much needed. Now, without having a back-up machine, this plan is on hold.
Safe Mode, Where Art Thou?
If I could just get into safe mode on this stupid laptop, I might be able to get somewhere. But because of the newer aspects of windows 8 and 10, F8 no longer supports this. And since I can't even get to the LOGIN screen, I can't negotiate with the Restart options I've read online for getting into Safe Mode.
Recovery Options - Unavailable
In addition, I can't create a recovery image or anything like that, because I don't have the correct hardware (or for that matter, OS) on the Windows 7 machine.
Sink or Swim?
Should I just assume the laptop is beyond help (which just kills me. it's a sweet little laptop and it has a year or 2 of life left), or is there a trick maybe I haven't found online yet?
The touchpad works, but this black screen makes me think maybe it's a video issue. I suppose I could try hooking up the big monitor, but dunno what that will really do. If I am not mistaken, the laptop has an onboard video POS chip. POS meaning Piece of Crap.
Problem Summary:
1. Unable to get past load screen (which is black) after allowing Windows 10 to update itself on 10/16/15 AM
2. Unable to get into Safe Mode because of above
3. Unable to boot from USB / DVD / CD because of lack of proper hardware / software
4. Hardware in question: Vaio Sony Laptop, originally running Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
History
I upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows Home Pro (I think) about a month ago. Normally I pay WAY more attention to both hardware, SOFTWARE and OS concerns, but this was a replacement Vaio laptop, and I haven't had it long enough to go through all my usual hoops when acquiring a new or used machine. The laptop came from a remote client, who reported it was gently used by office staff, but had been sitting unused for a while. He mailed the laptop to me, without any sort of OS backup media.
He reported to me about 3 weeks after I got the laptop, that he had upgraded to Windows 10 with a couple of his machines, and was happy. After a couple of weeks, I decided to take the plunge, and now I am WAY BEYOND sorry.
Machine Usage
I am a freelancer and work from home. I have a main machine that is running an aging Windows 7 install, and I use a laptop to run Skype, IM and other minor Apps to stay in touch with clients. Also, in a pinch, it can be used outside the house for work, or for back up if needed. I had plans to re-format the HD of the Windows 7 machine, which is a big deal and much needed. Now, without having a back-up machine, this plan is on hold.
Safe Mode, Where Art Thou?
If I could just get into safe mode on this stupid laptop, I might be able to get somewhere. But because of the newer aspects of windows 8 and 10, F8 no longer supports this. And since I can't even get to the LOGIN screen, I can't negotiate with the Restart options I've read online for getting into Safe Mode.
Recovery Options - Unavailable
In addition, I can't create a recovery image or anything like that, because I don't have the correct hardware (or for that matter, OS) on the Windows 7 machine.
Sink or Swim?
Should I just assume the laptop is beyond help (which just kills me. it's a sweet little laptop and it has a year or 2 of life left), or is there a trick maybe I haven't found online yet?
The touchpad works, but this black screen makes me think maybe it's a video issue. I suppose I could try hooking up the big monitor, but dunno what that will really do. If I am not mistaken, the laptop has an onboard video POS chip. POS meaning Piece of Crap.
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