Question...

[Cao Pi]

My laptop has an error and I think the only way to fix it is by re-installing the windows 7 all over again, but my sister and I have very important files in there and since I'm installing the same Windows OS again I am wondering will it keep those files in a windows.old folder like it did when i upgraded from Vista, or will it erase it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pebbly]

hi cao pi try doing a repair install http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?filter[2]=General Tips you will not lose your data that way. if you run into any probs just post back

 

[Cao Pi]

I would do that but the thing is my laptop won't even start up right like it would go straight to this thing called Gateway Recovery Management or NAPP6.EXE (I have a Gateway MD2614u) and I tried safe mode and every other option possible for repair but nothing, that always comes up... I have the Windows 7 installation disc and like I said I tried all the repair options on there too... So That's my problem and I don't know what to do This is so frustrating!!!!!!!!

Please Help!

 

[gregrocker]

First let's try to start Win7. Boot the Win7 DVD, select Repair on second screen, accept any offered repair to see if it will restart.

If not, repeat and click through to Recovery Tools list to run Startup Repair repeatedly until Win7 starts. It may take up to 3 separate attempts with reboots.

If this fails, return to Recov Tools list to attempt System Restore to a point before trouble began.

If all DVD repair attempts fail, then download a burn to CD free Partition Wizard bootable CD. Boot CD, allow files to load, select 1 for screen res, make sure Win7 is marked Active - if not Modify>Set to Active then return to Win7 DVD to run Startup Repair repeatedly.

If Win7 is marked active in Partition Wizard drive map, rightclick on it again to Browse files to see that your files are intact.

If so, post back a Camera Snap or summary of the partitioning on your HD(s) with labels and System/Active/Boot designations listed. We will help you reinstall in such a way as to access your files after install in the old Win7 from the clean reinstalled one.

 

[karlsnooks]

Cao Pi,

Another idea:
Insert a USB stick.
Boot up your Win7 DVD.
At the first dialog window, use SHIFT + F10 combo to get you to a good old command prompt.
The command prompt will show X:>
X: is the ram drive that the Win7 PE created.

Now by trial and error locate the drive where your data is and the USB drive. By trial and error I mean, try C:, D:, E: F:,you get the picture.

Backup your important data to the USB.

When you're finished,
type EXIT to get back to the win 7 install program.