My Dell Inspiron 1545 running Windows 7 won't boot. What do I do?

My aunt is having a similar problem. Her Inspiron 1545, running Windows 7,  will begin start up, but then reaches a black, blank screen with only the cursor. With the fact that she has stored many important photos on the computer, as well as the majority of her music, we are reluctant to reinstall Windows and lose all of that. Is there any possible way to back up her things without being able to reach the login screen or any such thing?

Remove the hard drive and mount it in an external case - attach it to a working system and back up the data.

Example:

www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx

Hi,

Refer the following link which has troubleshooting steps to isolate the issue:

http://dell.to/16YSfQb

I recommend to contact a local technician or drive savers to back up data.

I have provided a link below for drive savers data backup:

http://dell.to/16ugNim

Click on the above link and select the options accordingly. They would help you in backing up data.

You may also run diagnostics on the computer. Restart the computer by holding the FN and Power button simultaneously. Let the diagnostics run.

Let me know the status.

I have a Inspiron 1545 win 7. F8 option never worked. I did used the F12 option, run the diagnostics and afterwards the booting options appeared (I didn't even have to run the full diagnostics).

It seems on Win 7 you need to run diagnostics in order to be able to access the safe mode booting options!

All I have to say is this... you're a genius and thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!  I thought my Inspiron 1545 was gone forever!  Whew, wow, cannot believe my computer's life has been restored.  It has been sitting in the basement "dead" for a few years now.  Whoaaaa, I'm super excited.

Linda

I have a dell inspiron M5040 that also keeps rebooting.  I have ran the diagnostics and it says everything passes.  It will not let me do the f8 to recover.  I have tried EVERYTHING I can possibly think of but still just loads the dell logo, cursor at top left corner and reboots.  Nothing is working. 

Would you need a password for this?

I have not used this laptop in 5 years. I have an ACER that has a broken hard drive and screen. But I do currently use my two desktop computers for work. I would like to use my laptop to travel with as well, however, since I can not remember the password I set 5 years ago, I cannot get past this screen. When I boot my screen this is the page I get. I press F2, F8 and F12 with still no hope. Help Please.

Any suggestions?

TLS777

Hello- I hope this messages finds you doing well. My name is Brittany, I own a Dell Inspiron 1545 and am having MAJOR problems with it lately. I've been on the dell support forums religiously attempting to figure out how to fix my laptop and noticed you've helped a substantial number of people with various problems, but I still cannot get mine to work. I was hoping you could friend me, and help me fix mine? Then we can start a forum to help others with this odd problem. Thank you so much in advance and please have a glorious day.

-Britt

TLS777,

Contact Dell Tech Support with proof of ownership. Since the system is not in warranty, there will be a fee.

Rick

Hi, I made this file for the exact purpose to find out how to fix my computer, Blazer555 and I both have the same problem, but did blazer555 fix his/her computer? Could you PM me the information how to fix my Computer, I just need some help.

Thanks for reading and I hope for a soon response.

=]

I'm having the same issue, black screen when i try to turn on the laptop.  Problem is the F8 key doesn't do anything.  I've tried all the options with F2 and F12, noting works.  Since the F8 key isn't getting me to the safe mode screen, I can't go any further.  I've reset the defaults already, no help.  I ran the diagnostics, even the one that takes 30 min, and everything comes up fine.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Thanks

I am having the same issue. I just bought this laptop from somebody who had completely erased the laptop before selling to me , telling me I had to reinstall windows vista onto it. I tried putting disc in and as the laptop (Inspiron1545) reboots, it loads to DeLL screen and option for setup and boot pressing f12 comes up and when selected, options come up where I select CD\DVD then the entire DELL screen comes back loading over and over again. loads, goes black like its trying to boot , white blinker comes up at top right, then just reloads over and over again.

I have run a diagnostic and everything has passed including extended diagnostic. What do I do ?! I just purchased this laptop and it is not working ? Please help if you could. If directly emailing me will make this easier please, feel free to !!

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Thank you !

-Chelana Vandusen