[Janice]

Operating System Version: Windows XP
Problem Application Name & Version:
Problem Hardware Make & Model: Toshiba Satellite

I THINK my laptop accidentally was left on and used up all its battery. I recharged the battery, but when I tried to start the machine it looks like it is starting up, in that I get the Windows XP thing with the rectangles travelling across the mid bottom of the screen but then, when I would normally get a little happy song sound and then see my desktop, instead I only see a totally black screen with a white arrow cursor which I can move all over the screen. I know I probably have to use either the Windows XP CD or the product recovery disc, but I"m not sure which to use or how. I'm hoping to NOT lose any of my important files which I didn't back up recently.
Can anyone help? I'm not highly technical, my machine is only two years old, and I haven't had a problem up to this point. I'm positive the problem is related to power because I wasn't doing anything except working on an assignment I need to use with my grade eight class on Monday! If you think you could help, could you email me because I'm not sure I'll know how to get back to this discussion list. I hope I've posted in the right place. Thanks