Member Avatar for jogc979021

Computer was working fine, lights went out and then know all I get is bios, a bunch of dollar signs and vistas please wait screen after 10 to 15 minutes I get the blue screen of death. I think it is virus, maleware or bad video card any body have a idea.

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Short summary: the pattern of repeated characters on-screen and a Windows install that never finishes (as reported by and discussed by ) makes hardware faults far more likely than a virus. Malware rarely corrupts video output or the pre-Windows/BIOS display. The next steps should focus on isolating GPU/display, memory, storage, and power issues before spending time on another reinstall.

Isolation checklist and order of tests:

  • Perform a full power reset: remove AC, remove the battery (if possible), hold the power button 20–30 seconds, then try powering up on AC only.
  • Attach an external monitor. If the same dollar-sign artifacts appear on the external screen, the GPU or motherboard is the culprit. If the external is fine but the laptop screen shows artifacts, suspect the LCD, inverter/cable, or connector.
  • Test memory: reseat SODIMMs, then run a bootable memory tester (Memtest86 or similar) for several passes. Try one module at a time in different slots.
  • Test the drive: boot a Linux live USB (or vendor drive diagnostics) and check the drive with SMART tools. A failing disk can cause install stalls and BSODs.
  • Try a known-good install medium or a different target drive (swap in a spare HDD/SSD) to rule out corrupt recovery media.

If artifacts are visible before any OS loads (BIOS/UEFI or external monitor), expect a hardware repair. Options include professional board repair or replacement; reflow/reball shops exist, but motherboard replacement is often more reliable. Before any repair, remove the hard drive and image or copy important files with a USB adapter.

Since already covered recovery media, focus on the hardware tests above; they will tell whether a reinstall is worthwhile or whether board-level repair/data recovery is needed.

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Member Avatar for jogc979021

Any one out there?

Member Avatar for cgeier

Press the "esc" key during booting and you should be able to see additional information.

Member Avatar for cgeier

You'll probably need to download a Vista recovery DVD.
See http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=622

Look under the heading "Getting the ISO".

Burn it to a DVD using "ISO Recorder". Boot from it, then do the following:

-Click "Next"
-Click "Repair your computer"
Microsoft Windows Vista should show up. If not, let me know.
-Click "Next"
-Click "Command Prompt"

type the following:

>chkdsk c: /f /r

when that finishes type:

>bootrec /FixMBR
>bootrec /FixBoot

>exit

Eject your dvd and click "Restart".

Edited by cgeier because: n/a
Member Avatar for jogc979021

I tried reformatting but still getting the same screen.

Member Avatar for cgeier

How did you "try reformatting"? What exactly have you done? I suppose that it is possible that a power spike occured and if you weren't using a surge protector that it caused damage to your computer. But let's check out some other things first.

Member Avatar for jogc979021

I reformatted from recovery dvd and recovery partition. I tried both ways. Tried to install windows vista but now it will not finish, I know this because I tried to go into safe mode and it said that windows installation not completed. What should I try next?

Member Avatar for cgeier

You probably didn't let it finish. Not sure about Sony's recovery process, but I recovered my computer with recovery disks from another manufacturer and it took 4-6 hrs. It may reboot multiple times during this process and it may appear to be finished, but it won't be finished until it either says it's finished or you get a message saying welcome to Windows.

Member Avatar for Alxandro

A bunch of dollar signs?

That's just the amount of money you could have saved by switching to Geico.
Have you ever felt like someboby is watching you?

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