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test first ram and disk, to be sure about the basics :<br />
ram : &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.memtest.org" rel="ugc">www.memtest.org</a><br />
disk : &nbsp;<a href="http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287" rel="ugc">http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287</a>
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test first ram and disk, to be sure about the basics :
ram :    www.memtest.org [http://www.memtest.org]
disk :  http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 [http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287]

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Thanks for your suggestions.<br />
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I've loaded Linux (Knoppix) and performed a memory test (successful). I can't get any further and I think the disc is probably beyond salvage. Given the device is over 4 years old and has not been carefully handled by my friend's son I'm minded to give up at this point.
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Thanks for your suggestions.

I've loaded Linux (Knoppix) and performed a memory test (successful). I can't get any further and I think the disc is probably beyond salvage. Given the device is over 4 years old and has not been carefully handled by my friend's son I'm minded to give up at this point.

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Thanks nobus, I'll give it a try
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Thanks for your help we have given up on this I will share the points as the solutions worked but the disc is dead
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Thanks for your help we have given up on this I will share the points as the solutions worked but the disc is dead

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Disc was dead, advice helped isolate the issue
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Disc was dead, advice helped isolate the issue

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I'm trying to diagnose what's wrong with a Sony Vaio laptop (PCG 700 series) for a friend. The machine won't boot even in Safe Mode..Does it have a function key that runs &nbsp;the self test hardware diagnostics (like the Dell). 
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I'm trying to diagnose what's wrong with a Sony Vaio laptop (PCG 700 series) for a friend. The machine won't boot even in Safe Mode..Does it have a function key that runs  the self test hardware diagnostics (like the Dell). 

Sony Vaio self test diagnstics

A laptop or notebook is a portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor, suitable for mobile use. Although originally there was a distinction between laptops and notebooks, the former being bigger and heavier than the latter, there is often no longer any difference. Laptops are commonly used in a variety of settings, such as at work, in education, and for personal multimedia. A laptop combines the components, inputs, outputs and capabilities of a desktop computer, including the display screen, speakers, a keyboard, and pointing devices (such as a touchpad or trackpad) into a single unit. The device can be powered either from a rechargeable battery or by mains electricity from an AC adapter.