Comp won't start after system restore, please help!

[aheyn]

Hi All,

I've had an issue with Windows 7 RC that is very strange and I'm struggling to find a solution to it.

I went to install the updated drivers for my GeForce 7300 video card through Windows Update (the update appeared a few weeks ago). Anyway, before this I made a system restore point just in case. I installed the update and it worked ok. However, I then found the screen would sporadically blink strangely.

I restarted the computer, same issue. I then, using system restore, went to restore back to the original point I created (mentioned at the start of the post). Again, it went through ok and the computer restarted.

However, when the computer restarted it went to a black screen with just a mouse cursor (instead of the logon screen). There was hard drive activity on and off, but nothing appeared on screen,. After about 15 minutes I restarted, and same story - to the black screen with just the mouse cursor. As the mouse cursor appears, it even changes to the 'busy' icon for a few seconds and then just the white cursor. I've tried Last Known Good Configuration and also Low-video mode (640x480) but same story, black screen with mouse cursor.

Any ideas how I might solve this? Seems like the system restore has failed or created some problem.

Thanks everyone, appreciate your time in reading this! Andrew.

 

[Orbital Shark]

Hi aheyn, welcome to the forums.

Your best bet is a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

This will repair any errors in you installation without damaging your personal files or settings.

Hope it helps




Jeff

 

[bjs53]

Try to boot with install cd in the drive and go to the "repair" option. Maybe it will help.

 

[aheyn]

Hi guys, thanks. I've been reading the forum for ages but only got round to posting now!

I've had good luck in that I stuck the Win 7 Beta in and though it didnt list the OS, system restore worked and I've restored it to before the problem.

BUT, when I get to the login screen and then type my password, its hanging on the "Welcome" with the circular busy icon - no hard drive activity!!! any ideas?

 

[Orbital Shark]

Can you get it booted in safe mode?

 

[mtp]

multiple problems

Another thing to keep in mind is that the repair that you did previously searches for a problem and then fixes it. Then it stops. If you have multiple start up problems, you need to run the repair multiple times. I would try to run it again.

Good luck

Mark

 

[Orbital Shark]

I would boot in 'Safe Mode' and go into Device Manager and uninstall your Graphics adapter. Upon restart your GFX will revert to 'Standard VGA Adaptor', this will allow you to go to the manufaturers website and download the latest drivers from there.

They may likely be Vista drivers but once you've downloaded the main EXE file you can right-click -> properties -> compatability and select Vista (sp doesn't matter). Now when you run the file it'll fully install and should solve your problem.




Jeff

 

[aheyn]

Thanks heaps Orbital shark - stupidly it didn't occur to try Safe mode as I could get to the login screen normally.

Tried safe mode, it went to login and then to the deskop - then restared and normally it also went to login and then to desktop (before it would hang after entering the password).

Weird how just going into safe mode fixes some probs?

Thanks heaps mate though, appreciate it!

 

[aheyn]

Just noticed the other replies - thanks to all for the help.

I tried the repair and it didnt seem to help, and I had thought about uninstalling the gfx driver, but it seems I didnt need to do that which is great.

Cheers

 

[Orbital Shark]

Excellent news, glad we could help.

Stick around, you can find many tutorials on how to get the best out of your Windows 7 installation

 

[eclipse2013]

I have this same problem. I have looked all over the net & all I get is "Boot from your Windows cd/dvd". I mean, the last 3 pc's I have owned have not come with disc's as they are supposed to have recovery options built in to the pc, so why does everyone (including HP & Microsoft) tell me to insert the cd? I bought my system brand new from PC World & never got any disc's with the pc. It took me forever to solve this same issue on Win XP using SuperGrubs Boot Disc, but this fix does not work with my Win 7 system. Any suggestions? & please dont say something stupid like "Use your Windows 7 disc" (Sorry, but i am getting so pi***d off with ppl telling me to do that!) What is the point of having a built in recovery if it is unaccessible when your pc is broke? ffs the whole point is you need it when your pc is broke. I wish they would just go back to shipping every new pc with recovery disc's, saves all the hassle!