Trouble finding desktop folder before Win 7 repair installation

[d2build]

I am going to do a Win 7 repair install but now can't find critical Desktop folders and files which must be backed up prior to install.

 

[gregrocker]

Do a search for some of the files using part of the known name from the Start Search box.

What exactly has led to the need for Startup Repair?

 

[d2build]

Can't boot. It loops and blue screens. Doing a Win 7 OS repair installation

 

[gregrocker]

If you can't boot, then you can't do a Repair Install anyway. You need Startup Repair to after cleaning up any possible infection which may have damaged system files.

Can you boot into Safe Mode with Networking to install, update and run Malwarebytes?

If not download, burn to CD or write to flash stick, boot, run a full scan with Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper

Have you booted the DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair a few times? What does it report?

It should automate System Restore and SFC, but run them manually anyway if not from the Recovery Tools list: SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot

 

[d2build]

1. Can't boot into safemode now. Used to be able to but not anymore.

2. Haven't done that. I will.

3. Regarding running repair cd, all I have is the original WIN 7 disc. Is this what you are referring to?

4. Don't understand.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Greg,
d2build has created the MSSS disc from his daughters Mac. Now the problem is we try to change the boot order to his optical drive and it shows we are successful but in yet it wont boot from it and moves past to his non boot drive spinner which used to have XP on it. Everything seems to lead to a loop and or blue screen.

 

[gregrocker]

After booting, the Repair console is on the second Screen of Win7 DVD.

Accept any offered Repair. If Win7 doesn't start, boot back in to Run Startup Repair repeatedly, post back results.

It should automate System Restore, but if not click through from the screen where it discovers installation to Recovery Tools list to run it manually from list. Then open a Command Line to run SFC manually as well from the link I provided.

Can you write MSSS to flash stick instead, boot under USB, Removable or HD's using one-time BIOS boot menu key, which I'd also try for the CD. You may need to burn another using a Windows machine.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Greg,
We will try start up repair instructions first but as I'm not at the machine it makes it tough to report. We will do our best and thanks.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

OK new plan of attack, OP is totally burned out and fears he might hit his system with a baseball bat. He'll be getting a bite to eat and rest and will pick this up in the AM. He's thinking this could a great time to purchase a SSD and just fresh install W7 to it and then deal with the data on the spinner later.

Cheers, Alan

 

[theog]

Greg,
d2build has created the MSSS disc from his daughters Mac. Now the problem is we try to change the boot order to his optical drive and it shows we are successful but in yet it wont boot from it and moves past to his non boot drive spinner which used to have XP on it. Everything seems to lead to a loop and or blue screen.

1) If you remove the HD Drive, will the PC still loop or blue screen? (when boot the MSSS disc)

2) If you can change the DVD Drive, for known good one.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Ray,
Thanks that's great advice and I was trying to give similar to the OP. I think I will see him with his PC today at some point and as Arnold says "I'll Be Back" !

 

[linnemeyerhere]

OK good news as OP has purchased a Corsair Performance 3 SSD with 128gbs and successfully loaded W7 with updates, Malwarebyte and his Anti-Virus with all updates so far! We were running into a similar issue loading the SSD when I had him pull his #2 slot DDR2 ram from it's slot and bingo we got a nice clean install in record time. We then removed the Sata III cable from the SSD and re-connected the Sata II original spinner C drive but no joy as it continues to BSOD and loop. Disconnected it and back to the SSD and that's all we got to as the OP had to run for an appt. he'd forgotten about. I was hoping that by pulling the ram that maybe the original spinner wasn't the issue but something is going on.

Any suggestions would be appreciated but we're dead in the water till OP returns and we continue. The big issue here is with the BSOP and looping issue we couldn't retrieve critical saved data sitting on his original desktop. I'm hoping once we get ready to jump into this again we will:

Connect his SSD and Original spinner C drive and configure boot to only boot from SSD

• Run a complete AV and Malwarebyets scan
  • Be able to see the important data on his original spinners desktop and back up to another drive.
    • Copy all settings for his CAD and other setting which I have zero ability to assist him with but worst case he has to reload all software and reconfigure all just the way he likes it.
      • Then once confirmed that all data and info has been moved/backed up or other then reformat this original spinner for use as a raid mirror set up.