HP DV6000t On the Fritz

I have a 15 month old HP that is now outside of warranty. However, the DC connection has now become very "sloppy" and I have to wedge the power in to make a connection.

About 2 weeks ago, I ran a file duplication finder and without reviewing everything, I ended up deleting critical NT files (i.e. NTDETECT). I ran an ultimate boot CD and could get things up and running again. However, now the system would simply turn off. So I was able to get everything backed up and ran the HP reinstallation program. Unfortunately, this also did not seem to work. It appears that NT files are missing (the first is the HAL.DLL). I've tried reinstalling XP on its own, but the XP Installation process cannot detect a harddrive.

I called HP and they said to go up to Best Buy. I let them know what is going on. To replace the motherboard, $400+. A new HP would run me $700-800.

Is there a way to repair the power connection on my own? If not, then is it worth having Best Buy work on this? Unfortunately, I'm very strapped for cash now, so a replacement is almost out of the picture.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Brian

 

i dont think deleting a file would result in a motherboard failure.

 

You just need to get a hold of a Vista Install disc and do a clean install

The reason your HDD isnt getting detected by XP is because you didnt slipstream the SATA drivers

 

follow the guide in the top of this forum if you want to install XP

 

THANK YOU for the SATA info. At least I can now get XP to try to start up. I was able to reformat the partition (leaving the restoration partition safe). XP loaded initial, but now during the first reboot, it goes through the spash screen, then turns off.

What might be my next move?

Thanks again for the help here,
Brian