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the laptop was knocked over by the little one and now its coming up with the follwing message

intel UNDI, PXE-2.1 (build 082)
cpoyright (c) 1997-2000 intel corporation

for realtek RTL8101E 10/100 pci-express ethernet adapter v1.03 (070618)
PXE-E61: media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: exiting PXE ROM
operating system not found

and then it just repeats the above,

the laptop if a fujitsu siemens amilo, intel pentium, windows vista.

I'd check the connections, especially to the hard drive as it is possible that when the laptop was knocked it has dislodged one of the cables.

You might have to remove some screws and access panels to get in to it!

Sounds like the hard drive connections are a bit dodgy....if you are confident take the screws outta the base and check the little rake like connections are all aligned....if not Quick write a list for Santa....

Hi

The laptop is unble to see the hard drive and it is trying all the other ways it knows how to boot up which is why you are getting the list.

The faultfinding checklist is
1. Check the connections for the hard drive (usually accessable through a 2.5" x 3.5" panel on the underneath of the machine). The connections are usually a tight fit and unlikly to come off so not likely to be the problem :-(
2. Remove the hard drive & see if it works when connected to another computer (this will invalidate any warranty although looking at the spec this is probably not an issue!). Connecting the hard drive to another computer will need a suitable cable or external hard drive case to mount it in. If the hard drive works here then it it is likley there is a fault with the laptop that means either repair (usually expensive) or replacement.
3. If the hard drive is faulty you can get a replacement for arround £50 but you will need to reload all of your operating system, programmes & data from back-up.

I hope you have a back-up of all the data on that hard-drive! Good luck!

Regards

Chris
(qualified computer geek ;-)

Chrisday99 wrote: 1. Check the connections for the hard drive (usually accessable through a 2.5" x 3.5" panel on the underneath of the machine). The connections are usually a tight fit and unlikly to come off so not likely to be the problem :-(
2. Remove the hard drive & see if it works when connected to another computer (this will invalidate any warranty although looking at the spec this is probably not an issue!). Connecting the hard drive to another computer will need a suitable cable or external hard drive case to mount it in. If the hard drive works here then it it is likley there is a fault with the laptop that means either repair (usually expensive) or replacement.
3. If the hard drive is faulty you can get a replacement for arround £50 but you will need to reload all of your operating system, programmes & data from back-up.

I hope you have a back-up of all the data on that hard-drive! Good luck!

The hazards of committing oneself to laptop use where it's not essential :-(.

John

Just to add to this, I can't see the issue with opening the HDD compartment of a laptop/notebook. I can't remember the last time I saw a seal on a notebook of any manufacturer. (Netbooks being an exception here - they usually have drives internal and require a chassis split).

Unless you damage it yourself or visably (unlikely) then it's not a problem.

Don't be scared of doing this repair. We can help and you'll have a better understanding on your machine and be pleased you DIY'd it :)

Go for it!