Trouble finding desktop folder before Win 7 repair installation

d2build · 02 Oct 2011

I am going to do a Win 7 repair install but now can't find critical Desktop folders and files which must be backed up prior to install.

gregrocker · 02 Oct 2011

Do a search for some of the files using part of the known name from the Start Search box.

What exactly has led to the need for Startup Repair?

d2build · 02 Oct 2011

Can't boot. It loops and blue screens. Doing a Win 7 OS repair installation

gregrocker · 02 Oct 2011

If you can't boot, then you can't do a Repair Install anyway. You need Startup Repair to after cleaning up any possible infection which may have damaged system files.

Can you boot into Safe Mode with Networking to install, update and run Malwarebytes?

If not download, burn to CD or write to flash stick, boot, run a full scan with Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper

Have you booted the DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair a few times? What does it report?

It should automate System Restore and SFC, but run them manually anyway if not from the Recovery Tools list: SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot

d2build · 02 Oct 2011

1. Can't boot into safemode now. Used to be able to but not anymore.

2. Haven't done that. I will.

3. Regarding running repair cd, all I have is the original WIN 7 disc. Is this what you are referring to?

4. Don't understand.

linnemeyerhere · 02 Oct 2011

Greg,
d2build has created the MSSS disc from his daughters Mac. Now the problem is we try to change the boot order to his optical drive and it shows we are successful but in yet it wont boot from it and moves past to his non boot drive spinner which used to have XP on it. Everything seems to lead to a loop and or blue screen.

gregrocker · 02 Oct 2011

After booting, the Repair console is on the second Screen of Win7 DVD.

Accept any offered Repair. If Win7 doesn't start, boot back in to Run Startup Repair repeatedly, post back results.

It should automate System Restore, but if not click through from the screen where it discovers installation to Recovery Tools list to run it manually from list. Then open a Command Line to run SFC manually as well from the link I provided.

Can you write MSSS to flash stick instead, boot under USB, Removable or HD's using one-time BIOS boot menu key, which I'd also try for the CD. You may need to burn another using a Windows machine.

linnemeyerhere · 02 Oct 2011

Greg,
We will try start up repair instructions first but as I'm not at the machine it makes it tough to report. We will do our best and thanks.

linnemeyerhere · 02 Oct 2011

OK new plan of attack, OP is totally burned out and fears he might hit his system with a baseball bat. He'll be getting a bite to eat and rest and will pick this up in the AM. He's thinking this could a great time to purchase a SSD and just fresh install W7 to it and then deal with the data on the spinner later.

Cheers, Alan

theog · 03 Oct 2011

linnemeyerhere said:

Greg,
d2build has created the MSSS disc from his daughters Mac. Now the problem is we try to change the boot order to his optical drive and it shows we are successful but in yet it wont boot from it and moves past to his non boot drive spinner which used to have XP on it. Everything seems to lead to a loop and or blue screen.

1) If you remove the HD Drive, will the PC still loop or blue screen? (when boot the MSSS disc)

2) If you can change the DVD Drive, for known good one.