Restore point error

[PattiChati]

I have gotten to the point where both my c drive and my external drive backup "i" are on and I configured it. That is as far as I can get.
Oh, in the beginning it asked if I wanted to change names. They had my name spelled wrong so I changed it and then rebooted. It didn't seem to hurt anything.

 

[PattiChati]

It was under system properties that I changed the name.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I don't think you should devote too much energy to trying to get System Restore to work.

Why? Well, for all we know your system has been shaky for months and none of your available restore points are far enough in the past to be an improvement. I wouldn't totally give up on System Restore, but you should understand it may not be a fix even if you get it to work.

If you want to do anything at all, I would think in terms of restoring to factory specifications (Vista) or a fresh install of Windows 7 with your Windows 7 installation disc.

If nothing else, you should be able to contact Dell by phone and give them your service tag number. They should then send you a set of Vista recovery disks for a small fee. That way, you would not be faced with making your own disks, which you find too complicated.

 

[PattiChati]

Thank you so much. I do think when I can't take this computer anymore, I will call in a tech to reinstall windows 7 and then go from there. You have been such a tremendous help, I can't thank you enough. Thanks.

 

[PattiChati]

How is a repair install different than a clean install? Do they both wipe out all your data and programs. I just reread repair install and if I print it all out and follow it step by step, I think I could do it. What do you think? I am talking about windows 7. Is it a lot of work for nothing?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

OK.

When he finishes, we can try to give you a list of guidelines as to what to do to avoid getting back into the same situation.

If the tech is capable of it, you might ask him to make you an "image" of your brand new installation and store that image on your new external hard drive.

If he is going to do the reinstall at your house, you might sit next to him and watch how easy it is to install Windows 7.

And I would have him find out for a fact if your PC is restorable to Vista with the built-in Dell tools. I wouldn't go back to Vista, but you should find out if that is doable. You probably have a (possibly hidden) partition on your hard drive that would facilitate a return to Vista.

 

[PattiChati]

But what is the difference between a repair install and a clean install. As I said, I think I could do a repair install. On a clean install, I am not sure how to get my data back in the programs - that is my fear. A tech is a couple hundred dollars I have found out and I can't afford that.
When backing up through the windows program, it asks if you want to backup the images, should I do that?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

How is a repair install different than a clean install? Do they both wipe out all your data and programs. I just reread repair install and if I print it all out and follow it step by step, I think I could do it. What do you think? I am talking about windows 7. Is it a lot of work for nothing?

A repair install will not wipe out all your programs or data, but you should be backed up in case something goes wrong.

A clean install will wipe out both your programs and your data---everything on the C drive will be gone.

If you are willing to call in a tech as a last resort, you certainly have nothing to lose by trying.

I would lean toward a clean install rather than repair install, but you could try a repair first and if it doesn't work, then try a clean install.

Do you have a way to post to this forum without using your Vostro PC?

 

[PattiChati]

No I don't have anothr computer

 

[ignatzatsonic]

But what is the difference between a repair install and a clean install. As I said, I think I could do a repair install. On a clean install, I am not sure how to get my data back in the programs - that is my fear. A tech is a couple hundred dollars I have found out and I can't afford that.
When backing up through the windows program, it asks if you want to backup the images, should I do that?

See previous reply for the difference between clean and repair.

I'm not sure what you mean by "getting data back in the programs". If you do a clean install, you will have to reinstall your programs. Your personal data should be safe assuming you have it backed up onto your external hard drive.

I would NOT use any "Windows program" to back up anything. Use your mouse and drag your backups to the external. All you have to backup is your data, bookmarks, email.

I would disconnect the external COMPLETELY before I began a repair or clean install. Disconnect your printer and anything else other than monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

 

[PattiChati]

As soon as I downloaded firefox again, wouldn't all my email be there? If not, how do I backup email? I guess I could find it in a tutorial, couldn't I?

 

[PattiChati]

How do you backup emails? When I reinstall firefox, shouldn't they all be there? I guess I could find this answer under tutorials, couldn't I?; Do you think I am capable of a repair install you knowing what I know?

 

[PattiChati]

Sorry for the double post, didn't know it went through.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

No.

Firefox has nothing to do with mail.

Firefox is a browser.

I don't know what email setup you have. If you use webmail of some type---like Yahoo or Gmail, then your email should still be accessible through your browser if you have a working internet connection.

But if you use a PC-based email like Thunderbird, your email is on your hard drive and needs to be backed up if you care about it.

 

[PattiChati]

I use yahoo - so I don't have to back that up?
It is a chilly windy day here with nothing to do, I think I will give it a shot. Nothing else to do!!!
Wish me luck. Is the internet still available after a repair install?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If you use Yahoo, your email should still be on Yahoo servers and doesn't need to be backed up.

I'd try a repair install first. If that fails, try clean. Print out instructions for both.

People with less experience than you do it successfully.

Even if the repair install fails, you should still have an internet connection and be able to post here.

If you do a clean install, you will have to get your internet connection working again.

Make sure you know all necessary passwords and have your Windows 7 product key available.

 

[PattiChati]

Thank you - here I go. How do I give you credit for helping me? Isn't there somewhere I can post something?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

OK.

Send up a smoke signal when you are done.

 

[PattiChati]

On the compatibility issues it says my windows is upgraded more than the one I am trying to restore. It won't upgrade. What do I do now?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

On the compatibility issues it says my windows is upgraded more than the one I am trying to restore. It won't upgrade. What do I do now?

Quote that exact message in its entirety, word for word.

It would be best if you post a picture of the screen you are looking at.

I would start a new thread entitled "Newbie needs help with repair install" in the installation section of this forum.