Startup loop after reinstalling Windows 7

[wpo3428]

I am not sure where to put this question but here goes:

So I managed to go through the process of restore, receiving the message that it was 100% complete. This was done using 2 disks given at the store.

The current problem is that I am stuck in a loop comprised of the following messages and associated operations:

1. I am asked for a password (and the one that I supplied at the BIOS page works)
2. 'Setup is preparing the computer for the first time'
3. I get the blue screen and the 'Welcome' message
4. 'Factory Installation is in progress' and I am not to interrupt it
5. 'Configuring the system'
6. 'Logging off'
7. Computer shuts down
8. Computer restarts
9. 1 repeats, etc.

I might note that when I was given the choice towards the end of the use of the two recovery disks I choose to install not just on one partition but on two. I DID remove the recovery disk from the DVD player..

Any advice or guidance is appreciated. Thanks in advanc.e

 

[writhziden]

How long has this been happening? My computer goes through this about 10 times before it finishes, and it takes 2-3 hours when I do a factory restore.

 

[wpo3428]

It just started today right after the restore. I have not stayed with it to see how long it would continue.

Why should it happen even once?

 

[writhziden]

It may be some kind of loop it is stuck in, but it may also just be that the computer installs programs, has to reboot for the programs to function, and then installs more, etc. Typically, you are told this may be the case through a message during this installation process. I have an HP computer, for instance, and a message shows up telling me that Windows may restart multiple times during the setup process.

 

[writhziden]

Could you use a digital camera and take some pictures of each step of the process you describe so I can get an idea of whether it is normal behavior or not?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

It's odd that would get this AFTER you get a message saying restore was successful.

You said in another thread that you installed to 2 partitions.

You should post a screen shot of Disk Management.

Here is how to post a screen shot:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html?ltr=S

You can access Disk Management by typing those 2 words in the start box.

 

[wpo3428]

Sure, I will take some pictures and also see how long it continues

I should point out that this was not happening until I did the restore/recovery.

Thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

I would first run Recovery from its Partition which is the most stable method, then save the disks for backup use only as they are not always as stable.

What you should be looking for to determine if in a loop is if the process does anything different when it restarts. If it only repeats the same script then it's likely stuck. Start over and use the F11 Recovery from partition.

You can also find a Win7 retail installer to clean reinstall with the Product Key on the COA sticker attached to machine. Here's how: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[wpo3428]

This is an ASUS laptop and I purchased a Geek Squad 'PC Setup and Restore CD' which I was assuming did a clean install of Windows 7 as well as re-configuring the computer.

As I mentioned I did not choose the 'single partition' option during the restore but rather the option where a partition was used (two drives?). Obviously I am not terribly conversant with this stuff! So I do not know, for example, if there is recovery possible from a hard drive.

Thanks. Based on the comments already received here I will have to get some more information to all of you.

 

[theog]

I would say, the OP is using ASUS Recovery Disks.

 

[writhziden]

This is an ASUS laptop and I purchased a Geek Squad 'PC Setup and Restore CD' which I was assuming did a clean install of Windows 7 as well as re-configuring the computer.

As I mentioned I did not choose the 'single partition' option during the restore but rather the option where a partition was used (two drives?). Obviously I am not terribly conversant with this stuff! So I do not know, for example, if there is recovery possible from a hard drive.

Thanks. Based on the comments already received here I will have to get some more information to all of you.

If the recovery was successful screen showed up, I imagine the recovery partition was recreated successfully. If not, you may have to use the discs, but I would try the partition method first to find out.

 

[wpo3428]

I see what you are saying (I think) but the discs are no longer in the computer. Perhaps during the restore somehow that information was transferred to the computer and is being continually referenced. I will take a look.
Thanks.

 

[writhziden]

Are you sure disks provided by Geek Squat reinstall the OS or just set up the computer with their own bloatware?

Try running Asus Factory Recovery by tapping F8 at boot to enter Repair My Computer choice, then look for Asus Factory Recovery link, click on it to restore to Factory Condition. Is the choice there?

The discs from Geek squad are the same discs that the system asks the user to make when the computer first runs (and on subsequent runs if the user does not make the recovery discs). Geek squad offers these discs knowing that many users don't remember to create their own recovery discs. They did the same thing for my VAIO.

They aren't completely trustworthy, though, as my discs actually said they weren't supported by my model when I put them into my computer to do a recovery. Thankfully my recovery partition was still intact.

 

[gregrocker]

Try this first:

ASUS Recovery Partition

Using the Recovery Partition:
1. Press [F9] during bootup (requires a Recovery Partition)
2. Press [Enter] to select Windows Setup [EMS Enabled]
3. Read the “ASUS Preload Wizard” screen and click Next.
4. Select a partition option and click Next. Partition options:

Recover Windows to first partition only.
This option will delete only the first partition, allowing you to keep other partitions, and create a new system partition as drive “C”.

Recover Windows to entire HD.
This option will delete all partitions from your hard disk drive and create a new system partition as drive “C”.

Recover Windows to entire HD with 2 partition.
This option will delete all partitions from your hard drive and create two new partitions “C” (60%) and “D” (40%).
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process.

If this fails wipe the HD first to clear the boot sector, then run the disks again: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation.

I would also call the Geek Squat to ask them how to run the disks they made for you. It 's best to ask for the agent who helped you, or at least call the same store.

If these fail then I'd find a Win7 retail installation DVD of any version (you can unlock all versions as given in steps here) to get the superior clean reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[theog]

+1 writhziden, Doing a nice job.

 

[wpo3428]

The problem has now been (knock on wood) resolved. I tried the Recovery Partition suggestion but this made no apparent difference and the computer continued to install devices, apply system settings, etc. I could not implement the suggestion to use F8 and 'repair my computer.'

So I decided to use the two GS recovery disks one more time, and the same thing started to happen after the 'successful restore.' However, this time I allowed the process to continue until it stopped happening. So it appears that Writhziden was correct and device, etc were simply being installed.
Sorry for the drama. Thanks for the help.

I think I will go ahead and making some Windows disks when prompted again....

 

[writhziden]

The problem has now been (knock on wood) resolved. I tried the Recovery Partition suggestion but this made no apparent difference and the computer continued to install devices, apply system settings, etc. I could not implement the suggestion to use F8 and 'repair my computer.'

So I decided to use the two GS recovery disks one more time, and the same thing started to happen after the 'successful restore.' However, this time I allowed the process to continue until it stopped happening. So it appears that Writhziden was correct and device, etc were simply being installed.
Sorry for the drama. Thanks for the help.

I think I will go ahead and making some Windows disks when prompted again....

I am glad you were able to get your problem resolved to this point!

Let us know if you have any problems in the near future. If not, you can mark this thread as solved.

 

[LonelyRurouni]

I know this is an old post. I just did a factory reset and it's supposed to restart during the process. I lost count but my Asus laptop restarted about 20 times. It'll eventually stop when it's finished

 

[gregrocker]

If not then use the disks which should have been made during setup, or Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7