Windows won't load! Please help!

Hi guys, mini update - I've managed to get Lucid Puppy onto a USB drive and salvage my files on the broken OS machine.

Downloading the large .iso file today, but the wi-fi cafes here are crap! Do you guys know some good Download Manager software that allows for pauses in downloads/ download over multiple sessions etc?

I'll let you know when I've got it.

Cheers! Stu

Hi Stuart,

Do you have download facilities where you are? If you do, please download Windows 7 Home Premium x86 from this location, and then install it to a bootable 4GB drive using the tool linked below.

Post back here once you've done that, and I'll talk you through doing a chkdsk from that USB, or perhaps even a Repair Install., depending on what we find. There is definately no need to visit a repair shop - we'll sort you out for free.

Windows 7 Download - you want the file shown as English x86: X17-58996.iso
http://www.mydigitallife.info/offici...digital-river/

Windows USB Installer - see Step 1:
Microsoft Store Online

Regards,
Golden

Hi guys! Finally managed to download the above .iso file, and have successfully loaded it onto my 4gb bootable drive.

What's the next move from here? Shall I try and boot from it from start up?

Thanks a bunch guys.
Stu

Yes, just insert the drive, restart your computer and boot into the USB drive.

If you need help with the install, this tutorial should help you as the steps are the same whether you're booting from a DVD or a USB drive.

Clean Install Windows 7

Right, I've booted off the USB drive at it works!

I select 'Repair Your Computer', then I select 'Use recovery tools that can help fix problems starting Windows'

Then the following pops up:
"This version of System Recovery Options is not compatible with the version of Windows you are trying to repair. Try using a recovery disc that is compatible with this version of windows"

Then the only option I have is to do a fresh install of Windows. Have I got the wrong .iso file or something? Agh!

Thanks for the patience guys!
Stu

I thought it was a clean install you were after?

Did you download the ISO for your version of Windows?

As you are using Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit you need the ISO for that version.

If you don't choose the correct ISO version, you'll not be able to activate using your COA product key.

Hi Seavixen,
Previously the forum member 'Golden' said he/she would be able to help me run CHKDSK from the USB drive. A clean install is the last option I want to go for really, as I'd rather try and repair Windows than wipe my machine and loose all my files and programs. And I'm not sure whether I actually have my product key. (I'm in India travelling)


I downloaded the .iso file that Golden recommended.

Is there a way of finding out exactly which version of Windows I'm running (just to make absolutely sure) from within setup/bios menus?

Thanks!
Stu