Can't boot - SSD shows up in BIOS but not in the recovery mode

Do any keyboard shortcuts work when you're left with a black screen and a lone cursor?

Ctrl+Shift+Esc would be the best to try. Does it show the Task Manager? From there you might be able to start Explorer or other programs.

Failing this, can you clarify a little bit? Booting in to Windows 7 Recovery shows that there isn't an operating system to repair, is that correct? Are you using the right Recovery CD/image for your version of Windows? Windows 7 x86, for example.

Have you tried booting in to safe mode with Command Prompt?

I have an option to reinstall Windows (I think...), but I would very much like to safe some files before the drive is formatted...

Don't stress. It looks like you're able to recover your files, even if you have to resort to a LiveCD or something.

"E=LuzTeTT;2150786]Do any keyboard shortcuts work when you're left with a black screen and a lone cursor?[/QUOTE]

Just tried, and it's a negative. No shortcuts working. But actually, it restarts after some time (I just realised, sorry!!) and boots up directly to BIOS.

LuzTeTT said:

Booting in to Windows 7 Recovery shows that there isn't an operating system to repair, is that correct? Are you using the right Recovery CD/image for your version of Windows? Windows 7 x86, for example.

Yes, that is correct. I'm using a Windows 7 x86 install file, as my system is 64 bit.

Safe mode with command prompt isn't working - it gets stuck at "disk.sys" when loading the Windows files, followed by a screen with "safe mode" written in every corner and black screen. After that it reboots directly to BIOS, like normal mode.

Edit:

Just for clarification:

1. I boot it up and go to BIOS. The 128 Sandisk SSD is shown as Boot Option #1.
2. I boot it up and let it go to the Windows logo. Then a black screen and it reboots directly to BIOS. This time, the SSD doesn't show as a boot option. "

I'm using a Windows 7 x86 install file, as my system is 64 bit.

Try use a Windows 7 x64 recovery disc/image, or press F8 prior to the Windows 7 pulsating logo to boot in to your Windows 7 recovery partition.

I boot it up and let it go to the Windows logo. Then a black screen and it reboots directly to BIOS. This time, the SSD doesn't show as a boot option. "

This is leading me to think that your SSD is faulting, or your system is losing connection to it. Maneuvering through your BIOS management, do you see any mention of your SSD whatsoever after the initial reboot?

it gets stuck at "disk.sys"

Please follow the following guide closely to ensure that your Operating System files are intact.
SFC /SCANNOW : Run in Command Prompt at Boot