Help with error message please


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
       #1

    Help with error message please


    Emachines ET1831-07
    Windows 7 home premium 64 bit

    My computer started to shutdown automatically right after startup. Wouldn't allow system restore or virus scanning. Just shutdown. So I decided to restore the machine to its factory setting using the restore discs I made when I bought it. I loaded the 1st disc and changed the boot priority in bios to cd drive. First 2 discs ran great. 3rd disc it stopped and gave me this:

    Napp_km: napp7.exe - application error
    The exception unknown software exception (9xc000000d) occured in the application at location 0x10054162.

    I did this 3 times and also used the f10 function. I get this error message at the exact same point every time (13% complete). My only option at this point is to click OK to terminate the program. After I do this it restarts and I get:
    Windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computers hardware.
    Then I get:
    Setup will continue after restart.
    After restart I get:
    Windows could not complete the installation. To install windows in this computer restart the application.
    And here we go again.

    Has anyone seen this before? I have no idea what I'm doing. I think my computer is a goner and its only about a year old. Emachines wouldn't help me, it's out of warranty. (That's a whole new topic)

    Please help using english if you would be so kind. I'm a moron with computers.

    Thanks
    Dave
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #2

    Hello Thisdman and welcome to Seven Forums.

    Worst case scenario: the hard drive is failing.
    Not such a worst case scenario: The third restore disk was a bad burn, won't work now.

    If the hard drive hasn't failed, it's possible that you may be able to access a hidden recovery partition and restore your machine to factory specs. From what I could find out, eMachines have two ways to access the hidden partition: Power on the computer and immediately start clicking the F11 key. Keep clicking until a screen appears with the choice to factory restore. The second possibility is to hold down the Alt key and click the F10 key. If you get to the recovery screen you'd want to follow the prompts to restore to factory specs.

    If this doesn't work you may be able to troubleshoot your way out of the startup issues. One of the Forum experts prepared two troubleshooting guides. They are time consuming but have helped many (providing your computer hasn't had a major hardware failure.)

    Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot

    Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

    And a final possibility is a clean reinstall of the operating system (again, providing no major hardware failures.)

    Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for your response. I tried the alt f10 trick and it takes me back to the beginning of the whole restore process. Didn't work, same result. I'll try the f11. There is a restore disc I can buy from emachines for 20 bucks. Doesn't this have the same info on it that I have on the discs I made? Maybe disc 3 is bad, I don't know. I will also do the rest of the stuff you suggested if I can open windows in safe mode. It sure wont open in regular mode. Thanks again.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    The eMachine restore disk should get your computer back to factory specs. Again, providing there hasn't been any major hardware failures. If you want to save $20, and if you don't mind losing manufacturer's bloatware, a clean reinstall may be the best way to go. The tutorial has info on how to get a free ISO file of your specific version of Window 7. You'd then burn that ISO image to a DVD to create the install media. Just a thought.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Just tried the f11 trick and nothing happened. The computer ignored it and went ahead and tried to startup normally. I also cannot start in safe mode anymore. Boy I hosed this up.
    I don't care about the 20 bucks or anybodys bloatware (whatever that is) I just want a computer that works. Haha.
    What would make the hard drive fail like that?
    What would you do? That's what I want to do. I'd have to borrow somebody's else's computer to burn the new install cd but I could do that. This computer is the only desktop in the house. A couple of us use an ipad but obviously no burner.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #6

    A hard drive can fail for different reasons. You say the computer is about one year old. It was about a year ago that major flooding in Thailand hit many hard drive manufacturers really hard. Maybe your drive slipped through quality control checks when they resumed production and tried to make up for lost revenue.

    Pervasive Thailand Flooding Cripples Hard-Drive Suppliers - NYTimes.com

    Other reasons can include:

    Factors that May Cause Hard Disk Failure

    You've asked for my opinion. OK, but just remember that opinions are like a certain body part. Everybody's got one and sometimes they really stink. :) I would use this opportunity to do a full reinstall of the operating system.

    Bloatware is software that takes up a significant amount of space on a hard drive, but is used rarely or not at all by the typical user. Essentially, the concept is that the extra software is taking up space on the hard drive that could be used for more productive applications, causing the drive to be overloaded or bloated with relatively useless files and programs. A clean install gets rid of that making for a faster machine.

    But I can't stress this enough. If your computer suffered a major hardware failure nothing will help until that hardware is replaced.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for the input. I just read the tutorial and my first impression is that's its way above my head (sorry I should have read this first). Maybe I should replace the hard drive? That might be easier. If I try the steps in the tutorial I'm afraid disaster will occur. Would I get my Microsoft programs back, etc.
    The computer was only about 400 bucks and is used mostly by my 8th grader for schoolwork so I might just replace it. Best buy wants me to sign up for some kind of membership for 200. That doesn't make sense. Any recommendations on a new one? It's only used for word processing and Internet surfing, paying bills, stuff like that?

    Well I early appreciate your help. You have been very kind and patient. Thanks.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #8

    If I try the steps in the tutorial I'm afraid disaster will occur.
    You mean like having a computer that doesn't work? Isn't that where you are right now? :)

    Doing something you've never done before can be very intimidating. I know exactly how that feels. But here's another thought. So far you don't really know that the hard drive is bad. You just know that the 3rd restore disk didn't work. What if the drive is good and you replace it? You have no guarantee the 3rd restore disk will work on a new drive. So you'll still have a non-working computer and you'll still have to find a way to get the operating system reinstalled. Exactly where you are right now. And anything that isn't included with the operating system (like Microsoft Office, or Adobe Reader, or your antivirus program, etc) would have to be reinstalled.

    From a money saving standpoint I'd really, really consider doing a reinstall of the operating system. If the hard drive is good, you've saved yourself the cost of a replacement drive. If the reinstall fails because of a bad hard drive, then you can decide to replace the drive or get a new machine.

    Best Buy has some great deals on computers. I bought my last Sony Vaio laptop from them. But (here comes personal opinion again) I would not spend $200 for "membership" into what is probably an extended warranty or repair service. Most computer problems occur within the first year during a standard manufacturer's guarantee period. You could buy an extended warranty from a company like Square Trade for about half the price that will go into effect after the manufacturer's warranty runs out.

    Help with error message please-sqtrade.jpg

    Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Square Trade. This is for informational purposes only.

    Now that Windows 8 is on the market, there are many good to great buys on Windows 7 laptops. Any of the major brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, Sony, etc should do quite well. For price comparison purposes, check out online retailers Newegg and TigerDirect to get an idea of what you might expect to spend and what you'd be getting in the way of installed RAM, hard drive, graphics, etc.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    You know what, you're right. What do I have to lose. I'll try and work the tutorial tomorrow. I'll just take my time and do the best I can. How hard can it be. I'll use a dictionary and figure it out. Pretty soon ill be the one giving advise on this site and helping people out. Thanks again. I'll let you know how it goes.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #10

    There are many knowledgeable folks on this Forum who would be willing to help should you run into any problems. Just take it nice and slow and make sure you understand each step. Here's one more tutorial for you to familiarize yourself with.

    Clean Install Windows 7

    But you know what? I have every confidence in your ability to reinstall the operating system. If I can do it, anybody can do it. I'm serious. I still have problems changing light bulbs!
      My Computer


 

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