I reall need some help with my laptop

Reflection · 06-02-2005, 07:31 AM

So my laptop's CD drive hasn't been working for over 2 years. I can't seem to find any internal CD drive's anwhere. I've been to PC World, Dixons, Curry's. Just about everywhere. No internal drives, though. The CD drive won't even open or close correctly. I used the laptop for internet access. Also it won't start up. Error message appears.

I did buy an external CD drive, but that didn't even turn on when I connected it to the laptop. I returned it back the next day.

My father bought the laptop from Germany back in 2000/2001. The laptop's by Natcomp. I believe it's an Australian company. I've been to their site and they only serve buyers in Australia and New Zealand.

So, where can I find an internal CD drive for my laptop? Any online sites I can look at?

I just turned on the laptop now. It goes into the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen, where you choose which Safe Mode option you won't to start with. I choose one and the Windows XP screen appears. Seconds later a screen comes up with two paragraphs appear for about a second, which is too fast to write down and it then appears at the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen after a few seconds.

If I choose Safe Mode, a lot of these lines appear:
multi[0]disc[o]partition [1]\WINDOWS\System et etc etc

If I choose Safe Mode with Networking, a lot of these lines appear:
multi[0]disc[o]partition [1]\WINDOWS\System et etc etc

If I choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt, a lot of these lines appear:
multi[0]disc[o]partition [1]\WINDOWS\System et etc etc

Is that a virus or something?

And again this appears:
It goes into the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen, where you choose which Safe Mode option you wan't to start with. I choose one and the Windows XP screen appears. Seconds later a screen comes up with two paragraphs appear for about a second, which is too fast to write down and it then appears at the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen after a few seconds. I can just about read the first line 'the registry cannot load the drive/hive[STOP].' Anyway I can pause this screen, so I can write down the whole error message?

Then it goes back to the start.

This is really frustrating. I really need to fix the laptop, as my sister is going to college this year and she'll need a laptop with her.

I've included a picture of the laptop's cd drive.

So if anyone can help me out, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

squarejawhero · 06-02-2005, 07:48 AM

Sounds more like a hard drive/Windows issue to me... talking about partitions suggests something's gone really awry. I gather on pressing del and going into the bios the machine senses the cd drive? Does the drive spin with a disc in it on boot?

You could try a fresh windows install. Any PC owner should really have a FULL copy of windows just in case anything truly berzerk goes wrong.

Reflection · 06-02-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squarejawhero

Sounds more like a hard drive/Windows issue to me... talking about partitions suggests something's gone really awry. I gather on pressing del and going into the bios the machine senses the cd drive? Does the drive spin with a disc in it on boot?

You could try a fresh windows install. Any PC owner should really have a FULL copy of windows just in case anything truly berzerk goes wrong.

I think it does show the CD drive in the bios screen. The CD drive is just dead, no spin or loading noise at all when the laptop boots up.

Fresh Windows install? Wouldn't I need to use my CD drive? As it's not working.

Jen · 06-02-2005, 10:23 AM

Here's a German site that looks like it has replacement internal drives:

http://www.ipc-computer.de/index.php?cPath=98

squarejawhero · 06-02-2005, 10:30 AM

I'm just suggesting things. You've only said that there's windows problems and nothing you wrote other than the registry error indicates anything to do with a CD drive. I know you said it doesn't work, but there was always the risk I wasn't reading into your post as you intended as much of it refers to boot-up errors on windows startup and not what the drive does when you turn on the computer from the beginning.

Internal drive replacement is the only way. Then hopefully Window's will start properly, if not there could be a corrupt registry which would require a copy to clear it out with a repair install.

squarejawhero · 06-02-2005, 10:34 AM

http://www.rogerhenson.com/parts.php

Yay for Goggle UK seach.

Quadriflax · 06-02-2005, 11:06 AM

Those do sound like HD errors, or at least partition errors. If you have a floppy drive you can try booting from a Windows startup disk and see if you can get anywhere from there. The problem with trying to find a replacement CDROM (or replacement anything for a laptop) is they're often very specific about what will fit/work. It's not like buying a new CDROM for a desktop computer, with the varying sizes and whatnot.

You mentioned you bought an external CDROM drive and it wouldn't power on. This might be a dumb question, but did it have/need an external power source? Not everything can be powered up over USB. Even if it can it's often more stable when plugged in to it's own power source anyway (so I'd imagine). Also, if you were using a USB hub with more than one component I've read (and experienced) that certain devices need to have their own port and won't work when plugged into a hub, even if it has its own power. The fact that it didn't turn on could also suggest that either a) the USB port on your laptop is screwed up or b) the CDROM drive was a dud. If you need a CDROM to install Windows I would try another external drive.

Another, perhaps more expensive method, to get at the hard drive would be to get an adaptor for it. This would also require that you be comfortable enough to extract the HD from your laptop, install it in the drive adaptor, install the drive adaptor into your desktop, then do it all in reverse once you get access to the HD from your desktop's Windows. I've never seen or used a laptop->desktop HD adaptor so I don't know how costly or easy it is, but I've read that such devices exist.

Those are some ideas, anyway. I'm not sure how else you can go about fixing it without sending it back to the company or some other specialty shop. Just make sure that if you do buy a replacement that it will work with your model laptop.

Reflection · 06-02-2005, 01:58 PM

I'll check out those links.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quadriflax

Those do sound like HD errors, or at least partition errors. If you have a floppy drive you can try booting from a Windows startup disk and see if you can get anywhere from there. The problem with trying to find a replacement CDROM (or replacement anything for a laptop) is they're often very specific about what will fit/work. It's not like buying a new CDROM for a desktop computer, with the varying sizes and whatnot.

You mentioned you bought an external CDROM drive and it wouldn't power on. This might be a dumb question, but did it have/need an external power source? Not everything can be powered up over USB. Even if it can it's often more stable when plugged in to it's own power source anyway (so I'd imagine). Also, if you were using a USB hub with more than one component I've read (and experienced) that certain devices need to have their own port and won't work when plugged into a hub, even if it has its own power.

Another, perhaps more expensive method, to get at the hard drive would be to get an adaptor for it. This would also require that you be comfortable enough to extract the HD from your laptop, install it in the drive adaptor, install the drive adaptor into your desktop, then do it all in reverse once you get access to the HD from your desktop's Windows. I've never seen or used a laptop->desktop HD adaptor so I don't know how costly or easy it is, but I've read that such devices exist.

Do you know where I can download a Windows Startup disk? I can try that.

It did have a power source..I don't think I mentioned this but the laptop was booting up as normal even though the CD Drive wasn't working. I never played around the sys or other important files.

Thanks everyone.

SakSquash · 06-02-2005, 02:06 PM

Perhaps it's time to get a new laptop? You can snag one for about $600 bones these days.

Intrepid Homoludens · 06-02-2005, 02:10 PM

Heh heh, that's exactly what I was thinking.

Reflection · 06-02-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by temporaryscars

Perhaps it's time to get a new laptop? You can snag one for about $600 bones these days.

I bought this computer instead.

SakSquash · 06-02-2005, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reflection

I bought this computer instead.

smooth move

Erwin_Br · 06-02-2005, 02:35 PM

Have you tried booting the laptop with a Windows XP (or 2000) CD in the drive? Just to be sure?

--Erwin

Quadriflax · 06-02-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reflection

Do you know where I can download a Windows Startup disk? I can try that.

I did a quick search and found this site. Try some of those if you can and see if they work.

Quote:

It did have a power source..I don't think I mentioned this but the laptop was booting up as normal even though the CD Drive wasn't working. I never played around the sys or other important files.

So it had its own power source, and the drive didn't power up? Sounds like a dud to me. I'd think it should power on even if it wasn't hooked up to a computer, so as long as it's plugged in. I'd try another one, maybe another brand, and see what happens.

Reflection · 06-02-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quadriflax

I did a quick search and found this site. Try some of those if you can and see if they work.

So it had its own power source, and the drive didn't power up? Sounds like a dud to me. I'd think it should power on even if it wasn't hooked up to a computer, so as long as it's plugged in. I'd try another one, maybe another brand, and see what happens.

Thanks for the link. I'll need to buy some floppy disks tomorrow.

Yeah..didn't work at all. I bought the CD drive from this computer store Mikra or something. I went to PC World too, but I was told there would be charge if I bought and returned a CD drive.

06-02-2005, 07:31 AM	#1
Reflection Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 517	I reall need some help with my laptop So my laptop's CD drive hasn't been working for over 2 years. I can't seem to find any internal CD drive's anwhere. I've been to PC World, Dixons, Curry's. Just about everywhere. No internal drives, though. The CD drive won't even open or close correctly. I used the laptop for internet access. Also it won't start up. Error message appears. I did buy an external CD drive, but that didn't even turn on when I connected it to the laptop. I returned it back the next day. My father bought the laptop from Germany back in 2000/2001. The laptop's by Natcomp. I believe it's an Australian company. I've been to their site and they only serve buyers in Australia and New Zealand. So, where can I find an internal CD drive for my laptop? Any online sites I can look at? I just turned on the laptop now. It goes into the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen, where you choose which Safe Mode option you won't to start with. I choose one and the Windows XP screen appears. Seconds later a screen comes up with two paragraphs appear for about a second, which is too fast to write down and it then appears at the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen after a few seconds. If I choose Safe Mode, a lot of these lines appear: multi[0]disc[o]partition [1]\WINDOWS\System et etc etc If I choose Safe Mode with Networking, a lot of these lines appear: multi[0]disc[o]partition [1]\WINDOWS\System et etc etc If I choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt, a lot of these lines appear: multi[0]disc[o]partition [1]\WINDOWS\System et etc etc Is that a virus or something? And again this appears: It goes into the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen, where you choose which Safe Mode option you wan't to start with. I choose one and the Windows XP screen appears. Seconds later a screen comes up with two paragraphs appear for about a second, which is too fast to write down and it then appears at the 'We apologize for the inconvience' screen after a few seconds. I can just about read the first line 'the registry cannot load the drive/hive[STOP].' Anyway I can pause this screen, so I can write down the whole error message? Then it goes back to the start. This is really frustrating. I really need to fix the laptop, as my sister is going to college this year and she'll need a laptop with her. I've included a picture of the laptop's cd drive. So if anyone can help me out, it would be much appreciated. Thanks. Attached Images Share Share this post on Twitter

06-02-2005, 07:48 AM	#2
squarejawhero Epinionated. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 5,841	Sounds more like a hard drive/Windows issue to me... talking about partitions suggests something's gone really awry. I gather on pressing del and going into the bios the machine senses the cd drive? Does the drive spin with a disc in it on boot? You could try a fresh windows install. Any PC owner should really have a FULL copy of windows just in case anything truly berzerk goes wrong. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Starter of Thread Must Die.

06-02-2005, 10:23 AM	#4
Jen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 115	Here's a German site that looks like it has replacement internal drives: http://www.ipc-computer.de/index.php?cPath=98 Share Share this post on Twitter

06-02-2005, 10:30 AM	#5
squarejawhero Epinionated. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 5,841	I'm just suggesting things. You've only said that there's windows problems and nothing you wrote other than the registry error indicates anything to do with a CD drive. I know you said it doesn't work, but there was always the risk I wasn't reading into your post as you intended as much of it refers to boot-up errors on windows startup and not what the drive does when you turn on the computer from the beginning. Internal drive replacement is the only way. Then hopefully Window's will start properly, if not there could be a corrupt registry which would require a copy to clear it out with a repair install. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Starter of Thread Must Die.

06-02-2005, 10:34 AM	#6
squarejawhero Epinionated. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 5,841	http://www.rogerhenson.com/parts.php Yay for Goggle UK seach. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Starter of Thread Must Die.

06-02-2005, 11:06 AM	#7
Quadriflax cows are my friends... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tonawanda, NY Posts: 258	Those do sound like HD errors, or at least partition errors. If you have a floppy drive you can try booting from a Windows startup disk and see if you can get anywhere from there. The problem with trying to find a replacement CDROM (or replacement anything for a laptop) is they're often very specific about what will fit/work. It's not like buying a new CDROM for a desktop computer, with the varying sizes and whatnot. You mentioned you bought an external CDROM drive and it wouldn't power on. This might be a dumb question, but did it have/need an external power source? Not everything can be powered up over USB. Even if it can it's often more stable when plugged in to it's own power source anyway (so I'd imagine). Also, if you were using a USB hub with more than one component I've read (and experienced) that certain devices need to have their own port and won't work when plugged into a hub, even if it has its own power. The fact that it didn't turn on could also suggest that either a) the USB port on your laptop is screwed up or b) the CDROM drive was a dud. If you need a CDROM to install Windows I would try another external drive. Another, perhaps more expensive method, to get at the hard drive would be to get an adaptor for it. This would also require that you be comfortable enough to extract the HD from your laptop, install it in the drive adaptor, install the drive adaptor into your desktop, then do it all in reverse once you get access to the HD from your desktop's Windows. I've never seen or used a laptop->desktop HD adaptor so I don't know how costly or easy it is, but I've read that such devices exist. Those are some ideas, anyway. I'm not sure how else you can go about fixing it without sending it back to the company or some other specialty shop. Just make sure that if you do buy a replacement that it will work with your model laptop. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Quadriflax "To Insanity and Beyond!"

06-02-2005, 02:06 PM	#9
SakSquash Banned User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Paltz...for now... Posts: 6,177	Perhaps it's time to get a new laptop? You can snag one for about $600 bones these days. Share Share this post on Twitter

06-02-2005, 02:10 PM	#10
Intrepid Homoludens merely human Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 22,309	Heh heh, that's exactly what I was thinking. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ platform: laptop, iPhone 3Gs \| gaming: x360, PS3, psp, iPhone, wii \| blog: a space alien \| book: the moral landscape: how science can determine human values by sam harris \| games: l.a.noire, portal 2, brink, dragon age 2, heavy rain \| sites: NPR, skeptoid, gaygamer \| music: ray lamontagne, adele, washed out, james blake \| twitter: a_space_alien

06-02-2005, 02:35 PM	#13
Erwin_Br Under pressure. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Posts: 3,773	Have you tried booting the laptop with a Windows XP (or 2000) CD in the drive? Just to be sure? --Erwin Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ > Learn more about my forthcoming point & click adventure: Bad Timing! > Or... Visit Adventure Developers: Everything about developing adventure games.

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