Hardware Laptop has booting problems

[Koetje]

My Inspiron 6000 can't boot anymore.
I see the logo of Dell with the bar filling itself, but after that I see a flickering line (like this "_").
I've tried to reinstall XP but I always have trouble during the installation.
---> http://i51.tinypic.com/jt6w7a.jpg
I've also tried to use data recovery software (boot-cd), but the laptop doesn't give me the option to boot from cd (even if I selected it to be the 1st in the bios).

Does anybody of you got any suggestion?
I just need some data back, but if it is possible, It would be awesome if I could use it again

 

[Hielkenator]

Try taking out the HD and put it in again.
Do the same with the RAM.

After that turn the laptop on again.

 

[aiRWaLKRe]

If you think the laptop wont ever boot right again and you don't want to risk reformatting the HD and losing the data. Take the HD out buy a usb enclosure to put the HD in, could cost $20 to $30. Hook up to a different computer to get the data off it.

 

[exorcist]

If you are unable to boot from CD how are you trying to reinstall XP?

 

[SixtySixHundred]

Have a look at my attached link. It's regarding your error message.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314474

 

[Strider]

Your installation seems screwed up. To get it running again, I would suggest a complete format BUT since you need data you should hold back with that.

Booting from CD/DVD must work if the Bios shows the option. You can also press F12 right after the Bios message to get to a menu where you select from where to boot.

So, you have several options.

* take the hard drive out of your Notebook and connect it via USB adapter, if you're up to it. Copy data required.

* Download a Linux CD/DVD, like Knoppix or Ubuntu. Boot from the CD/DVD (or USB) and then copy all required data over the net to another pc or onto a USB drive.

Then reinstall the pc clean, formatting the partition, not trying to repair the installation.