Hello All

I am an IT major and I have come across something that puzzles me. I have an HPdv200Z (AMD not intel) reformatted it to re-install XP (it did have Vista) after it was done reformatting it prompted to reboot which I accepted but now when it turns on nothing happens not even the BIOS screen comes up or the POST startup screen. It's completely black but sounds like it's running and everything

Can someone point me in the right direction or help me out!

Thanks in advance!

:D

From what you have typed; you reformatted with the intention of installing XP, after it was done reformatting it prompted you to reboot, so you did not get to install XP, so there is no OS on your PC and no POST screen will appear.

The POST will only fail to appear if one of the following is corrupted:

Master boot record
Boot sector (containing the MBR)

Can you boot up with the Windows Installation CD ?

If YES, Enter Windows Recovery Console and at the command prompt enter fixmbr

Correct I did not get a chance to install an OS. Nothing appears even when I put in the XP install Cd, or the Vista recovery cd.

Your video card probably went out on you

First I do not recommend going back to XP on an Vista machine. You need to make sure that the hardware is compatible with XP.

Try pressing F11 as you boot and see if you can enter the Recovery partition.

Yeah actually I did not try to install XP I don't know what I was thinking, I kept getting the BSOD and I couldn't restore or nothing! So I reformatted my laptop and erased the partition where Vista was stored and I booted the laptop and it said I had no OS obviously cause I didn't but then I put in the Vista Recovery disc (because I thought the recovery disc stored an image you could use to install) to try to re-install Vista on an empty HD.

Was I mistaken? My laptop turn on the lights are on the HD light is on and the power light is on , the wirless light is on??

Make sure your CMOS settngs are set to boot from the CD.

I don't get any CMOS or POST options. Nothing comes up when I boot, the screen remains black no BIOS script nothing.

If you are not getting any display on the screen it could be you have a faulty bios, faulty video, or a faulty screen

Any suggestions on what do?

Have you tried contacting HP tech support? You get free life of product e-mail and chat support.

No I haven't Ididn't even think about it. I guess I am unsure of what they could help me with, no anymore than you guys??

I'll have my brother check the display and video card and I will look for a BIOS update alhough I am not sure if you can install the new update with no OS.

Try hooking it up to a external monitor and if that works then it is a bad screen cause they can can go out
Second in response to scott's answer any machine that will run vista
Can run xp cause the system requirements aren't as high

That's not true, you have to consider driver compatibilty and support, and whether the hardware is TOO high for XP. It is not a given that any Vista machine will work with XP.

Maybe I have some hardware that was recently created not supported my XP (because it wasn't out yet)

Performance wise yes, if it runs Vista then it can run XP but does it work that is the question, nothing is guaranteed in IT

I hate to say I disagree with that because all computer manufacturs post links to their drivers on their website I've done over 30 installs of xp pro onto vista only machines and no problems

i hate to say i disagree with that because all computer manufacturs post links to their drivers on their website i've done over 30 installs of xp pro onto vista only machines and no problems

I have to agree with Rick. Some Vista machines will take XP, but the newer the machine the more likely it will have hardware that is only supported for Vista or is tuned to perform better under Vista. Thatr's why I don't recommend trying to put XP on a Vista machine.

I would have to agree with scott.

As Vista becomes more and more implemented into laptops sold worldwide the more and more manufacturers will start making products ie: hardware, for Vista only or at least maximum performance will be under Vista.

Also all computers are different, I have an HP if you've done 30 install on dells or gateways or sony's your input does me absolyley no good. My hardware and apps. Are different in my HP then in your dell, sony or gateway.

There is a good chance I might have SOMETHING that won't transfer only, maybe it will though but for you to say YES IT DOES is not very helpful and you can't prove it. Sorry I do support your input though.

Could you possibly have a bad install disk?

Yeah, I am not allowed to discuss piracy but yeah there is a good chance it was a bad Torrent. That f**** up everything. I thought about it and I will not be using them again :(

ITstudet2006, I'm sitting with exactly the same problem as you are.

I need serious help

I figured it out. It's a bad video card. Since the Video card is on the motherboard HP is replacing it for FREE! Go to their website and they have a list of models that this has been happening to and see if your's is listed.

Thanks to all of you who have answered me on this question but it was all figured out. Thanks Again!