Windows 7: Systems Repair loop, Netbook, Windows 7 Starter

No worries. Just post back here, and I'll keep checking to make sure its all OK.

When I press esc I get a menu that says, "Choose an operating system to start, or press TAB to select a tool: (Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice, then press ENTER.)

Windows 7





To specify an advanced option for this choice, press F8.




Tools: windows Memory diagnostic"

I pressed F8 to see what the advanced options were and it shows the following: "Choose Advanced Options for: Windows 7
(Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice.)

Repair Your Computer

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable low-resolution video (640x480)
Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

Start Windows Normally"

And then it has a description for each function as you scroll down. I think I've seen that window before when I was going through the repair loop options, so I don't think that's the right screen. Also, when I used the LinuxLive USB Creator it said the Peppermint was not compatable, but it would use a configuration as close to it as possible. It said it formatted and the creation was successful. I don't know if I did something wrong or what I need to do from this point. I tried the F1 or F2, but I'm not sure if I should keep pressing it or just press it once. I will try each again just after this posts.

F2 worked, I'm now looking at a screen that says "InsydeH2O Setup Utility". I scrolled over to "Boot" and it says, "Boot priority order:

1. HDDO : WDC WD2500BPVT-22ZEST0
2. ATAPI CDROM :
3. USB FDD :
4. Network Boot : Realtek PXE B01 D00
5. USB HDD :
6. USB CDROM :"

I'm assuming I want to choose #5, correct?

I moved the "USB HDD" up to #1. I'll wait for your word to proceed to save and exit as you suggested earlier.

OK. Lets try the FN keys instead of ESC. Usually as the computer boots, you get some text which tells you which key (e.g. F1) to hit to enter System Setup. On gateways these are usually either F1 or F2.

When you turn on the computer keep hitting the F1 key repeatedly until the BIOS (System setup) screen opens. Within the BIOS you will find an option to select which disk should boot first - select the plugged in external HDD. Then Save and Exit the BIOS, and the computer should now boot from that HDD.

^ OK! Good work!

Select the number that corresponds to the external HDD. This looks like #5.

Save & Exit, and your computer will reboot and load PepperMint3

I saved the boot USB HDD option, but it's still coming up with the system repair screen. Should I ty reformatting with the Peppermint?

Should I try reformatting the HDD with the Peppermint, is what I meant. Have you ever had it say before that it wasn't compatible, but it would try to use a configuration as close as possible?

It should boot straight into the external HDD.

Go back ino the BIOS and make sure Option #5 is now shown as option #1 (first priority) - you might have to use PgUp/PgDn to make that disk so that it is 1st in the list. Save and exit to boot.

It is #1, I triple checked. I restarts automatically after I pus the button for save and exit and it comes up with the sceen where I have to choose the system repair or start window normally, which leads into the system repair, hence the loop.