As I've previously mentioned I've already made a System Repair Disc as per the site mentioned earlier but some of the problem is when I run it it can't find a Windows installation.
I can access the recovery software on my laptop via the System Repair Disc but I get the Bootmgr error when it finishes.
I have been going round in circles for 2 days now trying to access the installation files on the recovery partition.
[QUOTE=derekimo;2380902]
These OEM MFG's should stop using these partitions and supply a DVD. You say you have an Identical setup. Can you clone it to the broken one?
My grandson has an identical machine. If I were to clone that would that mean 2 machines with the same serial number?
I have just put my acronis true image disk in the laptop and I can see the partitions. The recovery partition is shown as pri/hid, 15GB and FAT32.
The C: drive is empty so it looks like the first recovery attempt wiped it and didn't reload from the recovery partition.
Anything to get it back, a clean install would be OK, all my data is backed up and yes the product key is readable.
Where will I get the installation files from though?
Thanks
Bill
Here is an excellent tutorial for getting a superior clean install,
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
The only extra step you will have to take is unlocking an x86 version of Home Premium so you have access to the Starter installation option.
Once you download the ISO, (feel free to scan but these are trusted by all here) from step 1 in the tutorial,
You need this Eicfg removal tool, winisoutils - Windows ISO Disc Image Utilities unzip, and run the tool, it will ask you to point it to the ISO you just downloaded, follow the prompts and wait for the confirm message.
Then just follow the tutorial from step 2, feel free to ask more questions if you are unsure.
I can't access the files at present, I've got a copy of acronis disk director somewhere and I think that might tell me what's there.
I've just seen this file in the hidden partition, ENX101CH_WW_W71S_32H_01.082.wim which looks like an image file
In the Boot (X) drive there's a setup file, I'll try and see if I can run that.
Last edited by Bill2013; 28 Apr 2013 at 18:33. Reason: found a file
In addiition everything possible that can be done to boot Win7 is in this tutorial for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.
Indeed the bootrec commands can sometimes force the installer to show an install that doesn't appear at first, but the commands are also all automated in Startup Repair along with many other tests and fixes.
Your were correct to run Startup Repair 3 separate times but always first confirm the Active partition is either System Reserved or C, using Diskpart Mark as Active (Method Two) or free Partition Wizard bootable
CD.
It's very rare to resolve unbootable 7 that doesn't show to repair so Derek set you on the next best course, and there's a step to rescue your files if necessary in both tutorials.
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