don't want to lose my files if i reinstall Vista - help please

Hello,

i am in panic because my Dell - Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit SP1 computer wants me to boot from CD.

it has been acting up lately so i decided to back up all my files today. unfortunately, it will not log me in; will not go into safe mode or last good configuration; it wants me to boot from the cd drive; when I placed the "reinstallation dvd - OS - Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit SP1", it is asking me about the language and if I agree to the license terms .....

I am now panicking because I realize that I might lose all my files. Quickly, I turned off my computer and now having a panic attack. At this point, I really do not care for the computer anymore. I just want to make sure that I still have my files safe and that I can recover it. Please, can anyone help me. Thanks.

You can back up with ubuntu if it become necessaary
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

But we need not go there yet lets see what we can do.

Dont worry.

Tell me what happened.

hello Rich,

I am really not sure. This computer has been giving me a lot of problems lately. I do not think it is a virus problem. But I know it has video problem. My son uses it for games (big mistake, he should have his own for games). I got this message one time - "failure while writing and reading video memory"??

For the last few days, I can only access it through safe mode. I have been so busy meeting my accountant's deadline that I was not able to back-up my other files. Now that I have decided to use this week-end for it, it would not even start up from safe mode where I can at least access my files, pictures and documents.

I tried to do a change the boot to the cd-drive. It wasn't doing anything so I placed Operating System - reinstallation DVD; Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit SP1

That is when I panicked because I realize that I might end up deleting my files, pcitures and documents. So when it came to the part where I have to agree about the license and terms and policy, I shut the computer down. Like I said, I panicked!!

I also have this CD from Dell: Dell - Drivers and utilities; for reinstalling Dell Vostro 420 Computer Software;

Do you think it's better to boot from there?

Thanks - still very much worried....

Lets not panic.
I already gave you the link to save your stuff if needed.

Try this to try to get up and running Do not reinstall until your stuff is safe.
If any step gives you concern about your stuff ask, before trying.


If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.



Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

Hello Rich,

Right now, my priority is to save my files, docs and pictures. Would you suggest that I try to do the Ubuntu first? Don't you think this is the safest way to save my files? I might end up with a clean installation (if I haven't already)...

I have never used Ubuntu myself, but have helped many as a last resort.
Dont know how it affects booting, again, with Windows.
But if your main concern is your stuff then lets get started.

Hello Rich,

Just finished downloading Ubuntu through the link you gave in my friend's laptop. When I double click it, it wants me to buy the WinZip 14.5. There is a "free update option", so I chose that.

Now it wants me to click "setup" to install WinZip 14.5. Just wondering if this is still part of Ubuntu download .....

This is my friends laptop so she is getting anxious with any changes. Is this necessary? Am I on the right track.

It is used to use compression to make the file smaller and save disc space when used.
Go for the free version.
Here is a link giving some information
Free Winzip For Ubuntu Downloads: ZipItFree - Most Recommended by MicroSmarts LLC, Accent ZIP Password Recovery by AccentSoft Team and More

Dont download anythign that has to be paid for, this should be free.
That link that I sent is rather thorough, it shows the entire process.

Make a system restore point on your friend's computer so you can go back, if necessary

Hello Rich,

I finally downloaded Ubuntu and run it from my CD drive. I came as far as places/ computer in the instructions. However, I cannot find my windows drive. All I see are 4 USB cards and a file system.

Help, I am getting nervous now. Please advise. Thanks.

I cant find where you are, can you copy and paste a small portion from the article that I sent you?

Once the system has started up, the first thing you want to do is choose Places \ Computer from the menu.

This should show you all the drives available in the system, including your Windows drive. In my case, that is the 52.4 GB volume.



Hello Rich,


While this author has his GB media, CD rom drive, floppy drive and file system.


I only have 4 USB card and file system. I do not see my Windows drive.

OH you are still at the beginning that is why I could not find it.
This should not be happening.
Did you follow the Ubuntu instructions exactly? You had no questions and you understood what had to be done?
Assuming that you did, because you did get this far.
Talk to me,
Tell me exactly what you did to lose ability to boot and what you did to try to correct it.
Im trying to discover if the files were deleted.
If they were we may still be able to recover. There is recovery software to recover deleted files.

Once the system has started up, the first thing you want to do is choose Places \ Computer from the menu.

This should show you all the drives available in the system, including your Windows drive. In my case, that is the 52.4 GB volume.



Here it is. My computer only gives 4 USB card and file system. That's all.

No, what I am asking is what did you do to lose the abilty to boot and what did you do to try to recover
I will assume that you followed the Ubuntu instructions correctly.

Sorry Rich, just getting confuse now.

The last time I could boot was Friday morning through safe mode. I could still access my documents and files. I shut computer down. Saturday, when I tried to turn it on, I cannot access it anymore. Not even through safe mode. So this is when I panicked. I suppose I did a little bit of DIY. I tried diagnostic ( I think), tried last good configuration, tried all the safe mode (with networking as well). Nothing.

All the time, I have been turning the computer on and off. I suppose to try to reset it.

And I think I did the stupid thing of going into config and change something so that it will boot from the CD drive. Then I put the Dell Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit SP1 Operating System. I booted from there (& I was happy for 2 seconds) until I got to the part that it wants me to agree to the "license agreement". This is where I realize that I might delete all my files so I quickly remove the CD and turn off the computer. So sorry, really stupid move ......

Does not sound like you did anything that would have deleted the drive.
It should be there. Follow the Ubuntu instructions carefully. Make sure that you do everything that it says. If you do, Windows should show.