I start my laptop cpu and the system doesn't boot up and need to wait almost 15 minutes and then the screen shown system bios R1.16. I would to keep all the data in HD, how to fix this problem... please help!!

We are going to need more information in order to help you.

Let's start with:

- Brand and model number of the laptop.
- Has it been dropped or otherwise traumatized?
- How old is it?
- What operating system and version were you using?
- What were the last few things you did with the laptop while it was still working. In particular, was any software installed or updates applied? Also, was any new hardware installed recently?
- Did the problem start occurring after an improper or emergency shutdown?
- Is the laptop making any new and strange noises? In particular, are there any 'tapping' noises? Can you tell if the fan has stopped? Does it 'beep' in any sort of pattern when you start it up?

We would really like to help. Please give us as much information as you can. Also, let us know of anything else that seems out of the ordinary.

Generally the solution lays hidden in the details!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Guy

- Brand and model number of the laptop. I don't have a model #... just the brand... it's a Digitek (a Korean brandname that has gone out of business since)
- Has it been dropped or otherwise traumatized? The laptop has not been dropped or experienced any type of trauma physically.
- How old is it? It is approximately 2 years old.
- What operating system and version were you using? I was using Windows XP.
- What were the last few things you did with the laptop while it was still working. In particular, was any software installed or updates applied? Also, was any new hardware installed recently? No software or updates have been installed recently. There also has not been any new hardware installation. The last time it was used was probably to dial-up on line to review emails.
- Did the problem start occurring after an improper or emergency shutdown? I cannot recall whether the computer was properly shut down last. There have been numerous occasions where the power cord was accidentally unplugged, causing the laptop to shut down suddenly. This may have been the case.
- Is the laptop making any new and strange noises? In particular, are there any 'tapping' noises? Can you tell if the fan has stopped? Does it 'beep' in any sort of pattern when you start it up? I do not detect any new or strange noises. The fan appears to be functional, as I can hear it humming.

In greater detail, this is what appears to happen when I turn on the system.

1.) When the laptop powers up, the Power Indicator Lights light up, and the fan begins to hum.
2.) However, the screen remains blank as though the system is off. (I have tried plugging in an external monitor in case the LCD screen is malfunctioning, to no avail)
3.) The system fails to load up, as it does not even reach the bootup process (it usually attempts to bootup from the floppy first)
4.) There was one instance where we left the laptop on for an extended period in this state, and it actually started, showing system bios R1.16, but that is as far as it got and did not load up any further. After reboot, the system failed to even reach that far, and the screen remained blank ( on repeated attempts).