Can't backup my files: unable to access file

[shortlilmayan44]

I have a Win 7 64-bit and yesterday, I got the black screen of death on boot. Black screen, blinking cursor right after I boot. I can access the Samsung recovery menu. I figured I'd just backup my data and do system restore or clean reinstall. After hours of backup, I looked to see the details on a popup dialogue and apparently, nothing was backed up because it was unable to access the files on my C: drive and transfer onto an external hard drive. I also tried to backup an image, but that also fails. Any help?

 

[Kaktussoft]

I have a Win 7 64-bit and yesterday, I got the black screen of death on boot. Black screen, blinking cursor right after I boot. I can access the Samsung recovery menu. I figured I'd just backup my data and do system restore or clean reinstall. After hours of backup, I looked to see the details on a popup dialogue and apparently, nothing was backed up because it was unable to access the files on my C: drive and transfer onto an external hard drive. I also tried to backup an image, but that also fails. Any help?

First let's try to fix the problem!

Is it a blink cursor, or do you mean mouse pointer? Is it on top left of screen?
just after bios screen, or do you see win7 animated logo?

 

[Kaktussoft]

Do you have a win7 install dvd, or system repair disk (not the factory recovery disc!)
You can create one http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html from another win7 (64 bits) system. Or borrow one from friend.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Can you boot into advanced boot options http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/666-advanced-boot-options.html
If not... did that ever work before?

 

[whs]

If you do a system restore, your own files will not be touched or altered.

If you do a reinstall, you need to first recover your files. Try Puppy: http://www.sevenforums.com/software/198909-lucid-puppy-way-recover-files-non-bootable-computer.html

 

[shortlilmayan44]

I mean a blinking cursor on the top left. I don't see any windows logo when I boot, so I can't log in. I also can't get into safe mode. I have tried system restore, but for some reason, I have no restore points. I have no idea where any of my recovery disks or any disks for that matter. But I do have Win 7 installation on a hard drive given to engineers by our university. Not sure if that would also work.
I'm going to try the lucidpuppy and get back to you. At this point, I just want my files back.

 

[whs]

If Puppy does not work for you (although I see no reason why it should not), post back. There are other options.

 

[shortlilmayan44]

Okay so I attempted puppy but I kept getting stuck at the last step. It just keeps going and going and I never get the close button to be clickable. How long is it supposed to take? Is my flash drive supposed to be completely empty for it to work?

 

[whs]

OK, try something else.

1. Download this .iso from my skydrive https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=475a0a48ca6d4035&provision=1&ref=3&wa=wsignin1.0&sa=412485191#cid=475A0A48CA6D4035&id=475A0A48CA6D4035%211812

2. Burn the .iso to CD and boot with the CD

3. Make an image of the partition in question - tutorial below

4. Mount the image (double click on it) and extract the files in Computer.

Tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

 

[Kaktussoft]

I mean a blinking cursor on the top left. I don't see any windows logo when I boot, so I can't log in. I also can't get into safe mode. I have tried system restore, but for some reason, I have no restore points. I have no idea where any of my recovery disks or any disks for that matter. But I do have Win 7 installation on a hard drive given to engineers by our university. Not sure if that would also work.
I'm going to try the lucidpuppy and get back to you. At this point, I just want my files back.

How did you try system restore? that's only possible from within windows...which doesn't start in your case. Or did you use a system repair disc, install dvd to do it?