Hi,

I have a Sony VAIO VGN-NR11S O/S Vista (18 months) and it does not start at all (it hangs).

I have tried most options available via F8 (repair my computer, safe mode, last known good configuration), F10 (options don't come up) and F2 (reset to factory settings)... Nothing works at all. All the lights are on (power, battery, HDD). After 5-10 minutes all I get is a black black screen (sometimes the mouse pointer is there and you can move it).

I haven't tried the RECOVERY CD YET because I have misplaced it and forgot to make another one. I will purchase another one if necessary but first I would like to know:

(1) If the hard disk drive is faulty will the RECOVERY CD work?

I have been told by a technician at PC Performance support that I should download a free HARD DISK DRIVE DIAGNOSTIC CD first. Apparently the best one which work for all notebooks are available on Packard Bell website. I cannot find it!!!

(2) If the HDD Diagnostic CD is worth trying has someone got the link?

I pay a monthly premium of £8.99 to get support but they can't help me.

Thank you for your help in advance.