Startup Error Please Help Immediately :(

[Elishafanz]

Yesterday, my win7 has suddenly crushed after a restart. I didn't understand what happened. I haven't installed or uninstalled a program or plugged a device. The black screen about recovery comes. http://www.withinwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/menu3.png. When I tried to restore windows it shows 0 mb partition and the C: drive is missing. It show 0 mb partition and the drive is "C:". I've tried bootrec and bootsect commands but the situation didn't change. Also I tried with a Vista dvd but it doesn't help. I've many important files in the pc, I don't have a chance to format my pc. Please somebody help..

Btw, I'm using Sony Vaio notebook.

 

[richc46]

See what happens in safe mode.

 

[LEWke]

Hi,
If safemode doesn't give you a solution, maybe a "startup repair" can help you? See tutorials here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html
Kind reg,

 

[Elishafanz]

When I run the windows in safe mode the installation window comes. 2 options installing or repairing but I can't repair because of partition problem. It's just like missing operating system but something different. Btw, there is no repair option for me in the advanced boot options. http://cranialtrauma.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/windows-7-startup-menu.png (at the top)

 

[richc46]

Do you have a Seven install DVD? Did you buy a DVD and install yourself or the OS came preinstalled?

 

[Elishafanz]

Yes I've seven install dvd. It came as preinstalled but I've formatted it and installed by myself.

 

[richc46]

Anything on your hard drive that you cannot lose. Pics, documents, etc?

 

[Elishafanz]

I have important docs on the C: drive. The notebook is my father's I don't know what to do

 

[Elishafanz]

Btw, when startup repair is done. It helps nothing but it says:

Root cause found:
--------------------------
No OS Files found on disk.

Repair actionartition table repair
Result:Failed. Error code = 0x490
Time taken = 672723 ms

------------------
------------------

I'm planning to unplug and plug the hdd.. Does it help ?

 

[richc46]

I do not know what happened to you C drive and the OS, but I am sure that it is there just not recognized. I am reluctant to give too much advice, since a misunderstanding or even a mistake by either one of us can cause you to lose your documents. May I suggest:
Uninstall the Hard Drive put in another computer to back up the documents.

Are you proficient enought to install ubuntu to regain your documents?

 

[Elishafanz]

I'm not sure =) I don't know much about other os. I know much about windows but dunno what to do. 2 years ago when I was using xp a problem like this occured I've used many programs but just saved 70% of my data it's about 250 gbs. Windows sux

 

[richc46]

I leave the choice up to you. Want to try and fix it, but may lose documents?
What concerns me is that sometimes advice that is not suppose to cause a loss of documents results in such loss. I think it is because the person with the problem did not follow instructions, precisely.

 

[Elishafanz]

I'm gonna loose all of the data or some parts will be missing after the operation ?

 

[richc46]

I cannot give a definitive answer to that. I can say if you want to try, I will do my best not to lose any documents. It would not be fair to you to say that I guarantee it and then say, "Oh, Im sorry" if it happens.

 

[Elishafanz]

Oh ok =), you don't have to feel sorry for dat I promise I won't say anything . I'll try your suggestion in a couple of hours. I'm trying some other things.

 

[Elishafanz]

u there richc ? I'm waiting for your solution

 

[richc46]

Sorry to keep you waiting. Although, I enjoy doing this, I cannot just sit by the computer.

Try a startup repair.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html

 

[MacGyvr]

It sounds like a failed hard drive to me. Seatools would be a great first test to find out.

 

[Elishafanz]

As I said before startup repair doesn't help..

 

[gregrocker]

Try to copy your files out using the Repair console on DVD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html

If this fails, download and burn to CD HD maker's diag/repair HD test, boot to run full scan: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 which will fix or tell you what any failure is.

Next boot back into Win7 DVD Repair console to make sure Win7 is marked Active: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html

Now click through to DVD Recovery Tools list to Run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots. Ignore any distracting prompts and just run the Repair 3 times. It will run dozens of tests and fixes, one or more of which may work, before finally rewriting the MBR to Win7 partition if it is marked Active. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

If forced to reinstall, be sure to wipe your HD first to overcome any infectious code and create new partition table: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html