Windows Startup Repair query

[RedLad]

Hi there,

This morning when I turned on my laptop Windows would not boot, I had the options 'start Windows normally, and ,startup repair.'

I tried starting normally with no luck, it just came back to the same screen with the 2 options. I tried safe mode even, and that didn't launch either. This worried me. So I decided the best was to go with the startup repair.

But, the laptop has been in the same state now for quite a while, at the moment it is displaying a window saying 'Attempting repairs.' Would anyone know if this is usually successful? Or is my hard drive totally messed up?

The fact I couldn't start in safe mode has me worried, I have lots of data I need that is on my laptop too. Any help is hugely appreciated.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Gator]

How long has Startup Repair been working, exactly?

 

[Tookeri]

For worst case scenario: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

 

[RedLad]

Hi Gator,

It was on that same screen for about an hour. Then went back to the screen with the two options - to start Windows normally or do a repair. I selected repair again, then it got a bit further.

The screen I have now has 5 options-

Startup Repair
System Restore
System Image Recovery
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Command Prompt

Could anyone recommend which one to go with?

 

[Gator]

I would try to see if you can do a System Restore. Just make sure you use a date before the problem occurred.

 

[RedLad]

Cheers Gator, but it's now telling me 'No restore points have been created on your computer's system. To create a restore point open system protection.'

I definitely had created a system restore point a few months back prior to installing some software, so it's strange that it's telling me no restore points have been created.

This doesn't look good does it?

 

[RedLad]

For worst case scenario: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

Thanks Tookeri. Would this work even if safe modes don't startup? I'm thinking the hard drive is dead, is there a way to confirm that it is alive or dead?

 

[Tookeri]

For worst case scenario: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

Thanks Tookeri. Would this work even if safe modes don't startup? I'm thinking the hard drive is dead, is there a way to confirm that it is alive or dead?

Yes, but if the hard drive is dead you won't be able to save any files from it.

If you have the Windows installation DVD or a System Repair Disc, you can follow this tutorial to see if you can access and read your hard drive: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html

 

[gregrocker]

Boot into BIOS Setup to see if the HD is listed anywhere, normally under Storage or SATA devices, or BIOS Boot Priority order. If not try reseating the hard drive in its underside compartment to see if you can get it to register in BIOS.

If this is the Dell reboot and tap the F12 key repeatedly, choose Diagnostics to find the condition of the Hard Drive and other hardware. There may be a fuller suite of tools for this on the utility partition. If it won't boot then that's a sign the HD is failing.

If the HD is listed it is usually by a Serial number you can google to get the make, then boot the maker's Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure extended CD scan to determine for certain its condition.

If none of these help then continue with the steps for http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219533-troubleshooting-windows-7-failure-boot.html reporting back results as you go as other steps may be indicated.

 

[RedLad]

Thanks so much for the replies Tookerie and Greg. I will try what you have suggested.

If this helps - I started using a new wireless Logitech mouse on Tuesday night, seemed to work fine, then was fine all day on Wednesday, but when I went to turn on the laptop on Thursday, that's when it got messed up. Would the mouse drivers or anything related have corrupted the laptop somehow?

 

[RedLad]

Hi Greg,

I wanted to upload the pic of my BIOS but I think I have to have the image on a website in order to upload it, so here's basically what the BIOS says anyway, in relation to the hard drive:

Fixed HDD: WDW WD5000BEKT-75KA9T0-(S1)
HDD Size: 500GB

Does this mean the hard drive is not dead?

Cheers,

Paul

 

[gregrocker]

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

You have a Western Digital Hard drive. What were the results of the Dell Diagnostics I explained how to run?

Unplug the laptop and remove the battery. Hold the power button down for 30 seconds to drain residual power. Plug back in the A/C power and try the power button. What happens exactly?

Next reboot and tap the F8 key. Do you see Repair My Computer? See if it offers a repair and what happens from that. If not run Startup Repair. It should offer to System Restore, if not and it fails go back to the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html to run System Restore.

If these are accessible it means the HD is functioning since they reside on the HD.

So work through the other step for http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219533-troubleshooting-windows-7-failure-boot.html which tries everything possible leading up to if necessary rescuiing any files to run Dell Factory PC Restore or do the superior http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[RedLad]

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

You have a Western Digital Hard drive. What were the results of the Dell Diagnostics I explained how to run?

Unplug the laptop and remove the battery. Hold the power button down for 30 seconds to drain residual power. Plug back in the A/C power and try the power button. What happens exactly?

Next reboot and tap the F8 key. Do you see Repair My Computer? See if it offers a repair and what happens from that. If not run Startup Repair. It should offer to System Restore, if not and it fails go back to the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html to run System Restore.

If these are accessible it means the HD is functioning since they reside on the HD.

So work through the other step for http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219533-troubleshooting-windows-7-failure-boot.html which tries everything possible leading up to if necessary rescuiing any files to run Dell Factory PC Restore or do the superior http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

Hi Greg, here is what I got when I ran the diagnostics. I also did what you suggested by removing the battery and power and holding the power button for 30 secs. When I restarted it did the same thing - just showed the two options to start Windows normally or do a startup repair, neither of these work. I just end up at this same screen again.

When the diagnostic did its thing, there was alot of beeping sounds going on.

 

[Gator]

Unfortunately that means your Hard drive has failed or is about to fail. I would remove it from the system and try to recover your files by plugging it in with a Sata/USB adapter or by connecting it directly to the inside of another computer via the Sata cable.

 

[RedLad]

Unfortunately that means your Hard drive has failed or is about to fail. I would remove it from the system and try to recover your files by plugging it in with a Sata/USB adapter or by connecting it directly to the inside of another computer via the Sata cable.

Oh really, what a nightmare. Would it even be worth giving this a go before I go and get a Sata cable to plug it into another computer?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ate-live-cd-dvd-usb-use-emergency-backup.html

Thanks for the help

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, that would be useful to rescue any files, or using the Win7 disk you can http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html, or use Paragon Rescue Kit Free Edition Free Download - Softpedia CD. Copy files to a USB device.

Were you able to complete the test?

 

[RedLad]

Hi,

I just want to let you know that I got this mess sorted with the help of my cousin, he took my hard drive out and used it as an external drive in his laptop. It would not read at first, so he used the following in command prompt:

chdsk (my hard drive letter) :/f and it was then readable and I could then see all of my data. I'm in the process of copying it onto an external drive now, no way I am going to chance using this drive again.

I want to use 2 drives in my laptop moving forward, one ssd and then a normal one. I was wondering if anyone could recommend which combo to use and is this the correct/best way to go with getting my laptop going again? I hear it's a good idea to have the operating system and programs I use on the ssd then all my data on a separate drive?

Thanks so much to you all for the replies and help!

Paul

 

[gregrocker]

Install the OS to the SSD, the move the User folders to the HDD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html, alternatively create new User folders on the HDD which you then rightclick to add to the related http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/585-library-include-folder.html setting the data drive one as the default: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/595-library-set-save-folder.html.

If you stick with these steps, tools and methods for the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 then you'll have a perfect install for as long as you do.

 

[RedLad]

OK thanks for the info Greg

 

[RedLad]

Greg, is there any specific brands of hard drives you would recommend for the SSD and the regular one?