[waynejc]

I have a Sony VAIO RCV-RX850 Pentium 4 2.4 GHz Computer running Windows XP Home Addition.  My problem: I tried to use a program listed in the PC Magazine, 16th annual utility guide, green issue, dated April 2008.  It listed a program called "DoubleKiller" by (www.bigbangenterprises.de/en/doublekiller). The program is supposed to locate all duplicate files and kill them. It checked all the duplicates that were to be removed. It suggested that I make a backup file is case everything didn't go according to plan.  Well, it didn't go according to plan!  At first, it deleted some operating programs that won't allow me to get the Desktop Icons on my Home Page. I have NO Start Button, NO Task Bar, NO Windows Programs etc.  All I was gettine was a (home page) with nothing on it except the home picture.  I cannot use the mouse as there is nothing to click on? I tried to re-install Windows XP from my disc.  It started OK then stopped cold never fully re-installing the XP program. The monitor screen went Black and showed the words "Out of Range".  From then on I was never able to get past the "Out of Range" Black screen to look at anything.  I used to be able to bring up the Task Manager Program by hitting the Ctrl/Alt/Delete keys but, I can't do that anymore as I keep running into the "Out of Range" Black screen. I made a DoubleKiller backup file for the programs that were deleted in case something when wrong (and it did)!  I was able to get to the file within the TaskManager Program but as I said I can't get to that program anymore because of the Black screen. 
I really don't know what to do next. 
I am currently using another computer for the time being and could really use you Help.  Thanks, WayneJ

[seahwk83]

First

This happens when your screen resolution is set to something higher than what your monitor can display. For example, if your monitor supports resolutions of up to 1024x768 and your video card allows you to crank it up to 1600x1200, doing so will give you an error. Another reason you might get the error is if the refresh rate you selected a certain resolution is higher than what your monitor supports. The monitor can't "sync" with the video card, so it just gives you that "Out of Range" error. If you are sure you have your resolution set at a reasonable amount, make sure that your monitor is plugged in all the way. Actually, if you're like me, that might be the first thing to check. =)

If you are using Windows, hold down the F8 key while the computer is starting up and choose "Safe Mode" from the list of options that appears on the screen. This should force the display to be a low enough resolution so that it will work.

If all works out here, while in safe mode, go to control panel and uninstall whatever you have installed that started this problem through add/remove programs

and reboot if can

Do this first and post back to address any or next situation

[JBeaucaire]

If he can get it into Safe Mode, I'd suggest a System Restore back a week or three.

START > PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS > System Restore

[waynejc]

First

If all works out here, while in safe mode, go to control panel and uninstall whatever you have installed that started this problem through add/remove programs

and reboot if can

Do this first and post back to address any or next situation

Seahwk83 - Appreciate the Help and solutions concerning my problem.
While getting ready to use your solutions, I turned on the computer, it started checking disks via CHKDSK for some reason? It said: Deleting Index Entry Security and Log in Index $I30 of file 11856. Then, CHKDSK starting verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 3) 100% completed. Then, I got a Blue screen: UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME. It told me to use the F8 key on re-start but, I tried, tried, and tried using the F8 key again, again and again on Re-Boots but, was only successful one time,it just wouldn't take hold. Now, when I turn on the computer a Blue screens appears telling me to use the F8 key. (which won't take hold). Don't know where to turn now.

[seahwk83]

From things you have done in your original question, it would be a system file issue

Now the below is way to run chkdsk again but with /r , /r is for repair

If it's a damaged file system case then:-

1.Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.

Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted.

2.When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.

3.When you are prompted, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.

4.At the command prompt, type chkdsk /r , and then press ENTER.

6.At the command prompt, type exit , and then press ENTER to restart your computer.

This takes a bit longer, but the system should boot back into Windows.

Of course, it may take awhile, wait it out and post back

[waynejc]

I was going to implement your suggestions but my keyboard won't respond to the Sony computer. It's like it won't turn-on. I never noticed it before because I never got this far. I checked all the hook-ups but can't get it to work on the Sony. There must be a program that links the keyboard to the Sony computer that won't activate. I did insert the XP disc - it displayed a Black screen that wanted me to hit any key to start the re-boot. But, I could not activate the keyboard to hit the key. I know the keyboard works because I'm using it now (on another computer) to type this response. Is there anything I can to correct this problem so I can continue with your suggestions.

[seahwk83]

OK,

First thing to do is get into BIOS and reset system defaults. For yours, from what I can find is:
Sony VAIO : Press (F3) or (F2) while you are starting the PC

If this is not correct, you should see some sort of commands when first turning on of PC or check manual if avail

No check out screens avail in BIOS and RESET Defaults and then save and let it restart

Is your computer a Sony VAIO PCV-RX850 and not a Sony VAIO RCV-RX850

Hopefully you can get to the previous step above now, if not:

Depending on what type of keyboard you are using at the problem computer
(usb or ps2/serial keyboard) try to get hold of the opposite one to use on problem PC.

So if you are using a USB keyboard now, then get hold of a ps2 keyboard and try again and/or vice versa

[waynejc]

Sorry, it's a Sony PCV-RX850. I will try what you suggested. Will get back to you on the results.

[waynejc]

I hooked-up to a new keyboard (ps2). Same results as with a USB keyboard. It started to lite-up when I turned on the computer then, went dead just like the USB keyboard. Then, I got my Blue screen again saying the same things as I told you before. I don't think that the computer is reading the keyboard anymore. There must be some program that is not working.
I'm about to quit trying with this Sony computer. I really, really appreciate all the help you have given me in trying to rectify my problems. Thanks Again.

[seahwk83]

So when you immediately turn on your computer, Start tapping your F3 key every 1 sec

Try both keyboards a couple of times to confirm

Originally problem started when:

-deleted important system files
Repair should fix that

-out of range
Safe mode should bypass that

-chkdsk started by itself then - Then, Blue screen: UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
Chkdsk /r should address this issue

-now keyboard won't work
Bios defaults or new keynoard should address this isssue

-now same as before, UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
But problem still is can not get into bios as no keyboard will work

Is all above correct?