Pavilion dm4 won't start :: black screen with flashing cursor in upper left, no error message

[nyccc]

Out of nowhere, my HP Pavilion dm4 shut itself down last night and will not restart.  When I turn on the computer, I get a black screen with a flashing cursor in the upper left corner.  I've run a variety of diagnostics and everything appears OK (i.e. no error messages). 

I am able to start the computer in "Media" mode - and I can see all of my files.  However, I am unable to start the computer normally.  Please help.

My computer is 1 year and 25 days old -- so 25 days outside of the warranty period.

Thank you.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Do you mean you can still access your files from Safe Mode?

If this is the case, do you see the option to select Command Prompt?

What version of windows are you running - ie Vista, Windows 7 etc?

Regards,

DP-K

[nyccc]

I don't think it's safe mode -- it's the special "Media" mode if you just want access to the web, IM, skype, photos, video, and music.  I've never used this mode before but decided to try defaulting the computer to start up this way since absolutely nothing else is working.

Yes, via this "Media" mode, I can see and access my photos and files but there's no way that I can find to save them to my zip drive.

I still can't start up my computer normally; I'm still getting the black screen with the flashing cursor--no error message.

[nyccc]

My computer has Windows 7.  I don't see the prompt you're referencing.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Shut down the notebook.  Tap away at f8 as soon as you start-up - does this launch Windows Recovery Console?

Regards,

DP-K

[nyccc]

F8 does nothing. The only thing that works is holding down ESC.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

If you don't already have one, use another PC to create a Windows 7 Recovery CD.  Download the relevant ISO from the links below.

Windows 7 32bit

Windows 7 64bit

You should use an application such as ImgBurn to burn the ISO to a CD - a guide on using ImgBurn to write an ISO to a disc is Here.  Once created, or if you already have this, insert the CD and restart to boot from it.  Select the Repair option.

Select the 'Repair your Computer' option and follow Option 2 in the guide on the link below to run Start-up Repair – you may need to run this 2 or 3 times.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

Regards,

DP-K

[nyccc]

Thank you. I will try this. Could you tell me if there's a term to describe what the problem with my computer is?  And will doind this wipe out the files I have on my computer?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

It's not clear yet exactly what the problem is with your notebook, however the procedure I describe in my last post may give a clearer indication even if it does not correct the issue so make a note of any error messages you may get when trying this.

The procedure will in no way effect the files on your Hard Drive.

Regards,

DP-K

[nyccc]

I made a system recovery disc as you recommended, restored the computer to an earlier date (successfully) and also ran a series of tests, all of which the computer passed.  Unfortunately, the computer will still not boot.  I am continuing to get the black screen with a flashing cursor.  I can also continue to use the computer in Quick Media mode.

Please let me know if you have other suggestions. Thanks very much.