Back in the startup again (and again and again...)

KBT

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Hello, I am new user and member, KBT. I am having a problem, and as the few others who had similar problems' solutions didn't work, I thought I would be straightforward and create a new thread to attract attention rather than posting in an old one. Forgive me if this is improper conduct.

WARNING: Wall of Text Ahead

My computer is about a year old, and has had no major issues until a few days ago. For the first time, and I do not know why, on startup, Startup repair... started. I was not even aware of this programs existence until that moment. After a lengthy wait time, I was asked to restart. I restarted, used my computer as normal, wrote it off as nothing more than a virus, and performed a full scan with MS Security Essentials (and later, at the behest of a much more knowledgeable friend, another with Malware Bytes'). Two startups later, and the process repeats. This time, I view the results. The root cause was something called error "0xa" in which critical file ci.dll failed to boot (paraphrased). I was also missing several files, and had a few I'd deleted. I went online, did as the first google result said without any thought, and moved on. Every second startup would still have to repair, and occasionally a few files would follow the same fate (thanks to an event called "restore point" I later discovered). Tired of it happening and eating so much time to find and "fix" the problem, I started trying other measures: sfc/scannow, disabling startups in MS Config, and sfc/verify. No changes. Being the arrogant dumba** I am, I thought I could just delete ALL past restore points and create a new one every time I was about to start my computer, and just deal with having to wait only five additional minutes before shutdown as opposed to 2-3 hours before startup. Good news: ci.dll is no longer listed as the problem. Bad news: startup repair cannot find the problem (which is listed as the "root cause", and I can't even enter Safe Mode. I have actually tried a "Restore to system default" and was rewarded with a single, brief glimpse of no data before the problem persisted. I have also tried Dzomlija's repair, and no luck. As I no longer have anything left to lose, and it is all just data that can be regained eventually, I have no problems with having to remove any and all memory. However, is there is a way to avoid this, as well as a way to prevent it from ever happening again, I open to ideas.

My laptop is an eMachine that boasts Windows7 and intel Celeron. I personally know no way to tell you anything else about it, do not have any sort of disk in the box (though I do have a small book wrapped in plastic, but alas, no disc was within), hate long walks in direct sunlight, and could probably write what I know about computers on a cigarette with a sharpie.

TL;DR I got problems, ese, and I already did this (http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/139576-startup-repair-infinite-loop-recovery.html).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
What were the AV and Malwarebytes scan results? You may need to run a bootable AV if you're still infected and cannot boot, or run Malwarebytes again from Safe Mode. FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

You need to run Startup Repair from the WIn7 DVD or Repair CD so it doesn't depend on possibly infected or corrupt System files. Can you boot into the Backup Center to burn one? Or make one on a friend's Win7 computer which has the same 64 bit OS.

You can copy your files out using the DVD or REpair CD: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console or use Paragon Rescue CD freeware.

See if Repair CD finds an installation to Repair, accept Repair. If it doesn't fix the problem, boot back in to Run Startup Repair repeatedly. Report back results.

I don't know why you deleted your Restore points - like taking the bullets out of your gun before a gunfight.

Next run SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot from DVD/Repair CD command Line. Next from the same Command Line run Disk Check.

If Win7 won't repair, after copying out your files try running Factory Recovery from its partition at boot which is the most stable method, or using the Recovery Disks if you made them or can still make them.

Or find a Win7 installation DVD to clean reinstall with the Product Key on your COA sticker, following these tips to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7
 
You may be interested if you can't find your product key...download Magic Jelly Beans. Sorry to jump in but it may be of use.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bitIntel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz Penryn 45nm Te...3.0 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 332MHz (5-5-5-15)Mobil Intel (R) Express Chipset Family
Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Compaq CQ45 102TU Laptop
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz Penryn 45nm Technology
Motherboard
Compal 30F7
Memory
3.0 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 332MHz (5-5-5-15)
Graphics Card(s)
Mobil Intel (R) Express Chipset Family
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor on Mobil Intel 4 Series Express Chipset
Screen Resolution
1280*800
Hard Drives
224GB Hitachi HTS542525K9A300 ATA (SATA)
Internet Speed
Fibre ... Paying for 30 down and 7 up and normally get more
Other Info
Desktop is a standard ACER M3920 (with 4GBs RAM and running Win7 Professional 64bit.

Dell Inspiration 6400 T2130 CPU, 2GB+0.5GB RAM W7Ult X86 256GB SSD
Obviously, this is of no use to you at the moment, but if you do manage to get your system up and running again, please do create a set of recovery disks.

I would have given you a link, but you haven't specified what make your laptop is.

If, by any chance, you can't create any recovery discs for whatever reason, your computer manufacturer should do.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-BitIntel Core i7 870 @ 2.93GHz8Gb Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 664MHznVidia GeForce GTX 460 1024MB dedicated RAM
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion Elite 495UK
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
CPU
Intel Core i7 870 @ 2.93GHz
Motherboard
MSI 2A9C (CPU1)
Memory
8Gb Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 664MHz
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia GeForce GTX 460 1024MB dedicated RAM
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
HP2310i
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
1x1954GB Hitachi HDS22020ALA 330 (RAID), 1x1954GB Hitachi External for backup and storage
PSU
460W
Case
HP Elite
Cooling
Air cooled
Keyboard
Logitech K750 solar-powered keyboard
Mouse
Logitech Wireless M180 mouse
Internet Speed
2Mb
Other Info
Pure Avanti Flow Internet Radio with iPod Dock, 64Gb iPod, HP USB Speakers, Sony MDR-V500 Headphones, Sony Vaio F-Series Laptop

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

ME/XP/Vista/Win7
OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7
First off, I would like to thank all of you for your responses. I know another's appreciation doesn't have much monetary value in the market right now, but I'm extremely grateful to all of you for helping me.

Alright, an update thus far:

What were the AV and Malwarebytes scan results? You may need to run a bootable AV if you're still infected and cannot boot, or run Malwarebytes again from Safe Mode. FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

There were no viruses found, just some adware from something called Mp3Tube (I think it came with DivX). And no, I can't boot regularly, or even in Safe Mode. AND all of those Rescue CDs seem to deal with Linux systems; after following two of them to the letter (just in case), I found that, no, I can't load them. Startup Repair starts up, and I tried loading them from Command Prompt (or I think I did; I know I tried something). No dice, the drive said "SYSTEM PROTECTED" and "File not found," which was new, at least.

You need to run Startup Repair from the WIn7 DVD or Repair CD so it doesn't depend on possibly infected or corrupt System files. Can you boot into the Backup Center to burn one? Or make one on a friend's Win7 computer which has the same 64 bit OS.

I'm making one as I type. I'm hoping you can tell me how I can run it from SR's Command Prompt, or you know a way to load a CD before startup.

You can copy your files out using the DVD or REpair CD: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console or use Paragon Rescue CD freeware.

See if Repair CD finds an installation to Repair, accept Repair. If it doesn't fix the problem, boot back in to Run Startup Repair repeatedly. Report back results.

If this is just to save my data, thank you very much for the effort, but I won't be using this step. One of my guardians took my laptop and System Restored it (a second time) on their own, without supervision. There's no data, and hopefully they didn't mess with anything else. On next startup, I'll tell you if anything's different.

In other words, I haven't actually done that one yet.

I don't know why you deleted your Restore points - like taking the bullets out of your gun before a gunfight.

To continue with that simile: I thought it was like using a handgun from point-blank by giving my laptop only one restore point that had started up seamlessly, but it turned out to be as stupid as sniping with a revolver and one blank. Or taking the bullets out of a gun before a gunfight.

Next run SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot from DVD/Repair CD command Line. Next from the same Command Line run Disk Check.

Any sfc command I run (since it can only run during SR) does nothing since sfc apparently conflicts with SR, and it tells me to wait for SR to finish, and then restart my computer. Should that be happening? I was able to do so in Safe Mode, if that clarifies anything, but they found no issues.

If Win7 won't repair, after copying out your files try running Factory Recovery from its partition at boot which is the most stable method, or using the Recovery Disks if you made them or can still make them.

Waaaaay ahead of you, unintentionally. And she calls me the pretentious know-it-all?

Or find a Win7 installation DVD to clean reinstall with the Product Key on your COA sticker, following these tips to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

I'm saving that as a last resort, if you don't mind. Not because I want to keep any data; I want to beat this thing.

You may be interested if you can't find your product key...download Magic Jelly Beans. Sorry to jump in but it may be of use.

Do I need to know or give my product key for some reason? And you're not really jumping if you're offering advice in this particular matter; at least, I don't see it that way.

Obviously, this is of no use to you at the moment, but if you do manage to get your system up and running again, please do create a set of recovery disks.

I would have given you a link, but you haven't specified what make your laptop is.

If, by any chance, you can't create any recovery discs for whatever reason, your computer manufacturer should do.

I should have done one of those a long time ago. I just never thought I'd see the day where I needed one.

And as far as make goes, all the box and the computer say is "emachines" and "intel," with a "Windows7" sticker on the laptop.


I tried that a moment ago, and all it did was beep at me. Is that bad, or just confusing?


Thank you for the links (the latter applies to me, if you needed to know).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
I apologize for the double-post, but I thought this important enough to receive it's own post, rather than something from that other, larger post that might be skimmed over:

I started SR as my computer booted (out of habit of pressing F8 now, since just about everything involves that) and viewed the diagnostic report for any changes. There is now a new root cause as to why SR cannot detect a problem: "Boot status indicates that the OS booted successfully." Why? And before I allow updates, a few of the sites I looked through in all of this said I would need to uninstall anything recent in Safe Mode, unless it was MS-related. Is there an update I need to avoid, now that my computer is inexplicably clean? And, while I'm asking questions, I have less memory available than the last time it was Factory Default'd; why?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
What were the AV and Malwarebytes scan results? You may need to run a bootable AV if you're still infected and cannot boot, or run Malwarebytes again from Safe Mode. FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

You need to run Startup Repair from the WIn7 DVD or Repair CD so it doesn't depend on possibly infected or corrupt System files. Can you boot into the Backup Center to burn one? Or make one on a friend's Win7 computer which has the same 64 bit OS.

You can copy your files out using the DVD or REpair CD: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console or use Paragon Rescue CD freeware.

See if Repair CD finds an installation to Repair, accept Repair. If it doesn't fix the problem, boot back in to Run Startup Repair repeatedly. Report back results.

I don't know why you deleted your Restore points - like taking the bullets out of your gun before a gunfight.

Next run SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot from DVD/Repair CD command Line. Next from the same Command Line run Disk Check.

If Win7 won't repair, after copying out your files try running Factory Recovery from its partition at boot which is the most stable method, or using the Recovery Disks if you made them or can still make them.

Or find a Win7 installation DVD to clean reinstall with the Product Key on your COA sticker, following these tips to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

All the above will work better from the Startup Repair CD.
Do have mate with Windiws 7 & Rw DVD Drive, how could burn one off.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html?ltr=S
Note: You may need to do startup repair 3 to 4 times.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/139576-startup-repair-infinite-loop-recovery.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html?ltr=S
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

ME/XP/Vista/Win7
OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7
The whole point is that the various repairs (Startup, SysRestore, SFC, Disk Check) need to be tried from the Repair CD or DVD as System files may be damaged.

Is WIn7 booting now, because it isn't clear from your last post?

How to Boot your Computer from a Bootable CD or DVD
Or tap the eMachine F10 key at bootup to get a one-time BIOS Boot Menu, choose CD drive.
 
Okay, reinstalled (I think) Windows7 x64 with a repair disc. I am currently on my laptop, so so far so good :D. I then ran SR 3 times in a row before restarting my laptop. I still have that ImgBurn on my laptop (the last thing I was able to download after System Default), but since I was supposed to backup any data on a portable medium, I can't help but feel that I've screwed up. I have to restart/shutdown for some updates, so I'll try SR before boot once more to see if anything persists and update you then. Whether this does it or not, thank you so very much, especially you, Scarecr- er, gregrocker.


--EDIT--
That's three successful startups and checks with no issues or problems.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
What do you mean you reinstalled? Did you reinstall the OS with Recovery Disks(s) or The WIn7 Installation DVD? Or did you just run Startup Repair?

Exactly what did you run?
 
Okay, reinstalled (I think) Windows7 x64 with a repair disc. I am currently on my laptop, so so far so good :D. I then ran SR 3 times in a row before restarting my laptop. I still have that ImgBurn on my laptop (the last thing I was able to download after System Default), but since I was supposed to backup any data on a portable medium, I can't help but feel that I've screwed up. I have to restart/shutdown for some updates, so I'll try SR before boot once more to see if anything persists and update you then. Whether this does it or not, thank you so very much, especially you, Scarecr- er, gregrocker.

If you have a External HD, you could copy & paste your data.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html
than copy & paste your data to new HD.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

ME/XP/Vista/Win7
OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7
What do you mean you reinstalled? Did you reinstall the OS with Recovery Disks(s) or The WIn7 Installation DVD? Or did you just run Startup Repair?

Exactly what did you run?

I ran a disk running as a CD/DVD with Windows7 64-Bit Recovery Disc (I can provide a link if you want the specific; my friends and family use either x32, Apple, or nothing). Apparently, it didn't take, it took nearly 2 hours to attempt to repair. I now have three errors: 0xa (the ci.dll), 0x1f (either system repair or system restore), and 0x490 (whatever the other wasn't). Also, F10 didn't do... that. F2 let me boot the disk.

If you have a External HD, you could copy & paste your data.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html
than copy & paste your data to new HD.

Thank you, but I don't really have any data to move (just MS Security Essentials and Realplayer on my laptop right now). I don't have enough time or patience to try getting anything back unless it's guaranteed to stick.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
Since you have no files to rescue, let's try to run Factory Recovery from its partition on the Hard drive.

Reboot the computer, tapping F8 every second vigorously. Does the Advanced Boot Options menu
have a Repair My Computer choice on it? If so, click on it and see if it finds an installation to Repair. EIther way, click through to Recovery Tools list. Is there are choice for Recover to Factory Condition? Choose that to restore your computer to how it was when it left the factory.

If the Recovery choice is not there in the list, post back your exact eMachine model so we can look up the Manual for how to run its Factory Recovery, or look in the Manual provided.

If you do need to copy out any files, using the CD with this method: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console
 
Since you have no files to rescue, let's try to run Factory Recovery from its partition on the Hard drive.

Reboot the computer, tapping F8 every second vigorously. Does the Advanced Boot Options menu
have a Repair My Computer choice on it? If so, click on it and see if it finds an installation to Repair. EIther way, click through to Recovery Tools list. Is there are choice for Recover to Factory Condition? Choose that to restore your computer to how it was when it left the factory.

If the Recovery choice is not there in the list, post back your exact eMachine model so we can look up the Manual for how to run its Factory Recovery, or look in the Manual provided.

If you do need to copy out any files, using the CD with this method: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

I already told you, my computer's done a factory reset twice since the problem first arose, and still persists. Am I just screwed and have to get a new computer?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
Exactly where did you state twice before in this thread that you have run Full Factory REcovery from its partition by using the Fkey?

You said that you deleted your System Restore points but somehow ran a System Restore, you ran a CD/DVD WIn7 Recovery Disk which seems to describe the Repair CD running Startup Repair - but even it it is a Factory Recovery Disk it is not running the Partition from the HD as I am suggesting you do now.

When did you tap the Fkey which triggers Full Factory Recovery to run from its partition on the HD, and what were the results?

No you do not have to get a new computer, but you need to interact so we can understand exactly what you have done. Take the time to ask all the questions you need to understand the steps we give you.
 
Last edited:
Have you looked at the manual in Post 5?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

ME/XP/Vista/Win7
OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7
Exactly where did you state twice before in this thread that you have run Full Factory REcovery from its partition by using the Fkey?

You said that you deleted your System Restore points but somehow ran a System Restore, you ran a CD/DVD WIn7 Recovery Disk which seems to describe the Repair CD running Startup Repair - but even it it is a Factory Recovery Disk it is not running the Partition from the HD as I am suggesting you do now.

When did you tap the Fkey which triggers Full Factory Recovery to run from its partition on the HD, and what were the results?

I have actually tried a "Restore to system default"

One of my guardians took my laptop and System Restored it (a second time) on their own, without supervision.

I apologize. I mistyped; when I said "System Restored" at this point, I meant to the default factory settings.


No you do not have to get a new computer, but you need to interact so we can understand exactly what you have done. Take the time to ask all the questions you need to understand the steps we give you.

All right: I've got pretty much full access to my laptop (at the moment); tell me everything I need to tell you, and at which points I was confusing or contradictory.



Have you looked at the manual in Post 5?

Ah, no, sorry, I forgot about it after all it did was beep at me repeatedly. I'll go back over it, tell you what happens.

--EDIT--
There is no file in my Start menu that has "Acer" in it. I performed a search, too; except for two MRK and DLL files and a handful of images, I have nothing with "acer" in the name or description.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
Please post up your exact make/model. You have eMachine, correct? I think Ray confused it for Acer.

Have you been running the Full Factory Recovery (twice) from within the OS, from boot by tapping the F8 key, or using Recovery Disks?

Do you have access to a Win7 installation DVD or ISO to make one, so you could clean reinstall after wiping your HD of possible corruption?

If you are thrown into Startup Repair loop even after full Factory Recovery then it may involve corruption of the boot sector requring wiping the HD, then reinstalling using the Recovery Disks or (for a cleaner reinstall) Win7 Installation DVD.

What are the results of three separate Startup Repairs run from the Repair CD?
 
Let's see how I can screw this up now...

Please post up your exact make/model. You have eMachine, correct? I think Ray confused it for Acer.

eMachines D525 64-bit OS running on Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 900 @ 2.2GHz 2.19GHz

Have you been running the Full Factory Recovery (twice) from within the OS, from boot by tapping the F8 key, or using Recovery Disks?

The F8 from boot (sort of); it was from the Startup Repair menu's advanced settings (guardian says they did as well).

Do you have access to a Win7 installation DVD or ISO to make one, so you could clean reinstall after wiping your HD of possible corruption?

I burned a disc from (removed). I pressed F2 before the logo came up and was able to tell my comp to load from the disc drive before the hard drive (that's how I was told to run that particular one; I hope I did as you were asking when you told me to press F10 to load my BIOS) which at least allowed me to run my comp.

If you are thrown into Startup Repair loop even after full Factory Recovery then it may involve corruption of the boot sector requring wiping the HD, then reinstalling using the Recovery Disks or (for a cleaner reinstall) Win7 Installation DVD.

I don't have an Install DVD; do I need to buy or make one?

What are the results of three separate Startup Repairs run from the Repair CD?

After first booting (and three consecutive SR), it said the only problem was that there was no problem. After my first restart to set MS Sec. Essentials, I had a smooth boot with no problems. After shutting down for MS updates, though... when I next turned on my computer, I was thrown into SR, and was told I had one root cause with three errors: 0xa ("Could not boot critical file ci.dll"), and 0x1f and 0x490 (I think they said something about system repair and system restore).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 64bit
OS
Windows 7 64bit
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