Laptop not booting after the battery died during sleep mode.

[Pauly]

Do you have access to another machine, you could try removing the hdd to other machine to see if you can remove any data ??

 

[jumanji]

....... is there anything I can do to recover those files or is it pretty much done for?

Without losing any more time try this data recovery:

Download Lucid Puppy (Ubuntu-Compatible Build) v5.2.8 ISO from http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%20Latest%20Release.htm

It is light and only 132.6 MB.

Make a Bootable pendrive with Rufus v1.3.2 (442 KB) http://rufus.akeo.ie/

It takes less than 2 minutes to create your bootable live Linux pendrive.

For more guidance on the recovery process directly get into the heading Recovering files from the non-bootable Internal Drive - applicable to recovery from any hard drive - in [URL]http://www.sevenforums.com/software/198909-lucid-puppy-way-recover-files-non-bootable-computer.html[/URL]

You may also use this tutorial by Golden http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/256518-peppermint3-create-live-cd-dvd-usb-use-emergency-backup.html to create your bootable pendrive with Peppermint Linux

whichever is easy on you.

 

[gregrocker]

Everything is here that can be done for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start
including the hardware tests which I would do, leading up to if necessary rescuiing your files to restore your Toshiba laptop to its factory fresh software condition using system recovery Factory Recovery or getting the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

In the future in Power Options keep Hibernate set to kick in after a sleep period so that if it loses battery power it will write RAM to the HD and shut down (suspend) in an orderly fashion rather than just cutting power to the RAM>

And as always never run the corrupt OEM factory preinstall which throttles and interferes with Win7 so you never get to experience it's native perfect state. That's why tech enthusiasts all do the Clean Reinstall.

It is best to use Hybrid sleep to insure a power loss during sleep does not lose the current Windows session.
With Hybrid sleep the session is saved to RAM and to the Hard Drive (hiberfil.sys file) whenever the computer goes to sleep.

i.e.
If a PC is set to sleep after 30 minutes and set to Hibernate after 60 minutes:
If it does NOT use Hybrid sleep, the session will be lost if the computer is sleeping and the power goes out.
If the power goes out it will not be able to save the session to the Hard Drive (Hibernate) - it's too late.

Good catch, David. That is the purpose of Hybrid Sleep, which I also always Enable. But I forgot to mention it is designed to prevent this problem.

 

[blitz3]

Do you have access to another machine, you could try removing the hdd to other machine to see if you can remove any data ??

I don't have any adapter cable currently to hook it up to my other laptop. Unfortunately by the time I can get one I will have already taken the test that uses the files that are on the bad hard drive.

 

[blitz3]

....... is there anything I can do to recover those files or is it pretty much done for?

Without losing any more time try this data recovery:

Download Lucid Puppy (Ubuntu-Compatible Build) v5.2.8 ISO from http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%20Latest%20Release.htm

It is light and only 132.6 MB.

Make a Bootable pendrive with Rufus v1.3.2 (442 KB) Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

It takes less than 2 minutes to create your bootable live Linux pendrive.

For more guidance on the recovery process directly get into the heading Recovering files from the non-bootable Internal Drive - applicable to recovery from any hard drive - in [URL]http://www.sevenforums.com/software/198909-lucid-puppy-way-recover-files-non-bootable-computer.html[/URL]

You may also use this tutorial by Golden http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/256518-peppermint3-create-live-cd-dvd-usb-use-emergency-backup.html to create your bootable pendrive with Peppermint Linux

whichever is easy on you.

Thanks for this. I'm fighting another deadline for a book review so I may not get to try doing this for several days (unless I decide to procrastinate some later today), but I will definitely let you know whether this works or not.

 

[gregrocker]

If you already have a Win7 DVD or System Repair Disk you can also look for your files to Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console without using another OS we dont' even support here.

 

[blitz3]

If you already have a Win7 DVD or System Repair Disk you can also look for your files to Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console without using another OS we dont' even support here.

I had a system repair cd but couldn't get it to work. I'll make a fresh one and give it a shot.

 

[gregrocker]

When you see the files rightclick on their folder to copy and then go find your USB flash stick or external to paste them. Remember you are in Repair console which won't show file copy progress so you just have to wait. You might want to copy them in smaller batches for this reason.

 

[blitz3]

When you see the files rightclick on their folder to copy and then go find your USB flash stick or external to paste them. Remember you are in Repair console which won't show file copy progress so you just have to wait. You might want to copy them in smaller batches for this reason.

I'm still not having any luck with the repair disc. I can go through everything in this video: Windows 7 Repair Disc 64 bit - YouTube

but my laptop stops at the black screen with white pointer at roughly the 1'38" mark. It's been sitting like this for about 3 or 4 minutes at this point.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd make the Win7 installer DVD or flash stick for your licensed version instead since it can be used for repairs including file rescue , or if necessary Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. It's provided in Step 1, with tool to write to DVD or stick in Step 2.

 

[blitz3]

I'd make the Win7 installer DVD or flash stick for your licensed version instead since it can be used for repairs including file rescue , or if necessary Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. It's provided in Step 1, with tool to write to DVD or stick in Step 2.

Following the link in step one, I don't see any options for Windows 7 Home Basic 64 which is what I have. Can I use any of the other versions?

 

[blitz3]

I'd make the Win7 installer DVD or flash stick for your licensed version instead since it can be used for repairs including file rescue , or if necessary Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. It's provided in Step 1, with tool to write to DVD or stick in Step 2.

And in case this isn't tough enough, the sticker that is on the bottom of the laptop that has the product key for windows has seem to melted off and is far from readable. Hopefully that doesn't matter.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes it does matter. You'll not be able to Clean Reinstall with the Win7 Installer but will have to rely on trying to restore your Toshiba laptop to its factory fresh software condition using system recovery from it's partition or disks you made or make, or order those disks from Toshiba Tech Support.

But first let's see if you can get it repaired. Work through all of the steps in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start reporting back as you go.

For Home Basic you'll want to download Home Premium ISO file and run the eicfg removal tool on it to unlock all versions, the burn the DVD or write the bootable flash stick using the Download tool also linked. Are you sure you don't have 32 bit?

 

[blitz3]

....... is there anything I can do to recover those files or is it pretty much done for?

Without losing any more time try this data recovery:

Download Lucid Puppy (Ubuntu-Compatible Build) v5.2.8 ISO from http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%20Latest%20Release.htm

It is light and only 132.6 MB.

Make a Bootable pendrive with Rufus v1.3.2 (442 KB) Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

It takes less than 2 minutes to create your bootable live Linux pendrive.

For more guidance on the recovery process directly get into the heading Recovering files from the non-bootable Internal Drive - applicable to recovery from any hard drive - in [URL]http://www.sevenforums.com/software/198909-lucid-puppy-way-recover-files-non-bootable-computer.html[/URL]

You may also use this tutorial by Golden http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/256518-peppermint3-create-live-cd-dvd-usb-use-emergency-backup.html to create your bootable pendrive with Peppermint Linux

whichever is easy on you.

Thank you so much! The Peppermint3 setup allowed me to get back into my files and save everything I needed! I owe my semester GPA to you. Thanks again.

 

[blitz3]

Yes it does matter. You'll not be able to Clean Reinstall with the Win7 Installer but will have to rely on trying to restore your Toshiba laptop to its factory fresh software condition using system recovery from it's partition or disks you made or make, or order those disks from Toshiba Tech Support.

But first let's see if you can get it repaired. Work through all of the steps in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start reporting back as you go.

For Home Basic you'll want to download Home Premium ISO file and run the eicfg removal tool on it to unlock all versions, the burn the DVD or write the bootable flash stick using the Download tool also linked. Are you sure you don't have 32 bit?

Jumanji's post about using peppermint3 on a flash drive allowed me to get the relevant files off my computer. As such, I'll be abandoning any work on the afflicted laptop until next weekend at the earliest.

I hate to leave this unresolved for the rest of the week just for the sake of you and everyone else that has offered advice up to this point, but I have 700 pages to read, another 12 to write and a test on Thursday so I can't really afford to spend any more time on this.

Assuming I have the rest of my files backed up on my external HD where they should be, I'll be fine starting this laptop with a clean slate with whatever OS I can get for free. I won't be able to touch it til Friday though.

Thanks again so much for all the advice you offered. Should I go ahead and mark this thread as solved (and assume that the OS was corrupted)?

 

[gregrocker]

I would at least test the hardware and run Startup Repair from the DVD to see if it finds anything obvious.

Startup Repair may automate System Restore which overcomes damage caused by the pwoer failure. If not also try running manually from System Recovery Options.

If you can Start Win7 you can make your Recovery disks so you have a backup method, and save a Win7 backup image so you have a secondary.

If nothing works I would order Recovery disks from Toshiba which don't cost that much normally. Otherwise you're stuck with Linux which is a whole different animal that isn't too friendly.

 

[blitz3]

I would at least test the hardware and run Startup Repair from the DVD to see if it finds anything obvious.

Startup Repair may automate System Restore which overcomes damage caused by the pwoer failure. If not also try running the manually from System Recovery Options.

If you can Start Win7 you can make your Recovery disks so you have a backup method, and save a Win7 backup image so you have a secondary.

If nothing works I would order Recovery disks from Toshiba which don't cost that much normally. Otherwise you're stuck with Linux which is a whole different animal that isn't too friendly.

Sounds like a plan. I'll try to do it later in the week and report back. Thanks again.

 

[jumanji]

....... is there anything I can do to recover those files or is it pretty much done for?

Without losing any more time try this data recovery:

Download Lucid Puppy (Ubuntu-Compatible Build) v5.2.8 ISO from http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%20Latest%20Release.htm

It is light and only 132.6 MB.

Make a Bootable pendrive with Rufus v1.3.2 (442 KB) Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

It takes less than 2 minutes to create your bootable live Linux pendrive.

For more guidance on the recovery process directly get into the heading Recovering files from the non-bootable Internal Drive - applicable to recovery from any hard drive - in [URL]http://www.sevenforums.com/software/198909-lucid-puppy-way-recover-files-non-bootable-computer.html[/URL]

You may also use this tutorial by Golden http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/256518-peppermint3-create-live-cd-dvd-usb-use-emergency-backup.html to create your bootable pendrive with Peppermint Linux

whichever is easy on you.

Thank you so much! The Peppermint3 setup allowed me to get back into my files and save everything I needed! I owe my semester GPA to you. Thanks again.

Glad that you were able to retrieve all important data in time using a live Linux pendrive that kept your GPA intact soothing your nerves. It does not matter whether it was Lucid Puppy or Peppermint 3. All roads lead to the same destination.

Now you have all the time to tryout what others have suggested and/or what I am going to suggest at your leisure.

Your hard drive has perhaps turned RAW. a. MBR is corrupted and /or b. the partition table is corrupted.

Try the Partition Recovery Wizard in MiniTools Partition Wizard Home Edition 7.8. Download the bootable CD version of it ( ISO,42.6MB) , burn it to a CD and boot from it to run it.. http://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html

My hands on trial at Partition Recovery for your guidance here:

Straightaway head to the topic Recovery with Partition Wizard: SanDisk Cruzer Blade 16GB
in my thread Recover a flash drive turned RAW – Partition Wizard and TestDisk. and use the Partition Recovery Wizard. (In your case it will be your unbootable Hard drive.)

If it can see your HDD partition and show all your files, Finish and your laptop should be back in business.

If not, using the same Partition Wizard restore/rebuild the MBR and see whether it comes alive.

 

[DavidE]

If you can get Windows running again with the suggestions given, I think you can retrieve your current valid Windows license key.
That way you should be able to re-install Windows using your valid license without puchasing a new license (or Toshiba Restore disks).
I don't want to cross the line and suggest or imply piracy or hacking, but I think Belarc Advisor could help with this.
I'm no install expert, so it's best to wait for Greg or another more experienced expert for best advice on this...
From what I know, Pre-installed OEM licenses work differently than what I use on my home built systems...
Hopefully you can retrieve your OEM license even if you can not read the "melted sticker" at no cost!

 

[jumanji]

Nope.

What any keyfinder program will find is the Generic OEM_SLP (System Locked Preinstallation) key which that OEM uses to preactivate that particular edition of Windows 7 on all his machines/models.

That key cannot be used to activate a clean install unless certain other conditions - a valid SLIC table in the machine's BIOS embedded by the OEM and a Microsoft issued digitally signed certificate in the installation media - are met. These guard against casual piracy.

The OEM's Recovery discs as well as OEM supplied Reinstall Disc ( which to my knowledge only DELL supplies/ has been supplying free of cost) contains the generic OEM-SLP key as well as the certificate and that is why it will auto-activate after checking for a valid SLIC in the BIOS.

Microsoft provides the unique COA-SLP key on the sticker to enable genuine owners to do a clean install in contingent situations such as a corrupted SLIC table in the BIOS, where OEM activation will not go through.

Anyway all this has changed with Windows 8, where a unique key is embedded on each OEM machine.