Safe mode startup shows a CLASSPNP.SYS error and haults  

Hi loninappleton,

loninappleton said:

I have troublesome HD since it got shut down during a power out. So I'm trying to manually recover things from it since it won't boot.

I cannot run SFC system scan scannow on it.

[1] Have you got an installation DVD/USB?
[2] You can recover your data etc using a Linux Live CD.

I hope this helps!

Hi loninappleton,

loninappleton said:

[1] Please say more about the Linux Live CD. I have not used one of those in many years-- just neveradapted to the Linux language and all the permissions and such.

[2] Right now I'm running a scan and repair routine (long) on it to see if that does any good
as noted in a related question.

[1]

Win 7 System Recovery Options - Linux LIVE DVD Or USB

You can create a Linux Live DVD or USB [this means that the Linux OS runs directly from the DVD or USB and not the HDD because it doesn't need installation]. This will read the HDD information which is inaccessible through Windows directly from the controller and is often a better solution in these types of situations. Another advantage of this is that you will have less activity on your HDD while you are trying to access it to retrieve [look at] the files.

Download the Linux ISO [I have used Linux Mint for this example] from here => Linux Mint.

Now burn the ISO [you can't just copy and paste it because it won't work] to a DVD or USB and boot it.

Nothing will be installed to your HDD unless you specifically tell it to. You can now retrieve [look at] the contents of the HDD from within Linux. When you have finished and want to go back into Windows, just remove the DVD or USB, then Shutdown and Restart the computer.

[2] Using your installation DVD/USB. you could try [if possible] a Repair Install!

Repair Install - Overview

A repair install differs from a clean install in the fact that it ONLY replaces the corrupted OS with a new fresh copy. This means that ALL your User Accounts, Folders, Files, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Data Files, Icons, and any installed programs are left intact. It does however, delete ALL the Window updates, and could possibly affect, sounds, services, visual effect settings and device drivers by re-setting them to default [unusual though]. You cannot do a repair install at boot, in Safe Mode, using a system repair disk, or using an integrated Windows update disk. Basically, this process can ONLY be performed from within the LIVE OS.

I hope this helps!

Hi loninappleton,

loninappleton said:

OK I'll review this in detail. But since it is Linux I will need a step by step on the procedures.

It is really quite simple.

Download the Linux Live CD ISO, burn it to a DVD/USB, boot it, browse to the HDD, copy your files etc to an external HDD.

I hope this helps!

Hi loninappleton,

loninappleton said:

I see where you mentioned Repair Install. That hasn't worked for me since XP but I'll see your instructions on it.

Repair Install - With Installation DVD/USB

Insert the DVD/USB and boot the computer. When AutoPlay appears, click Run setup.exe.
The process is the same as if you were doing a clean install, with the exception of when you get to the Which type of installation do you want screen, you MUST click Upgrade.

I hope this helps!