Vista - failure to boot

I installed Vista Basic Home x64 several weeks ago. It ran fine for a while. Now whenever I turn the computer on it gets to the "windows" screen where the little buttons go from left to right and that's all it does it never completes the boot process to the desktop. what's wrong and how do I fix it? I would assume it is a driver problem but where do I go from here?

thanks,
charles...

Hi,

You could try tapping F8 after starting up, as soon as you see the black screen with white writing on it - to get into Safe Mode, and see if you can use Last Known Good Configuration

Safe Mode

and see if you have any repair options from there

Advanced Boot Options

Alternatively, put your dvd in the drive and do a startup repair

Startup Repair

If that doesn't work,try a repair install

Repair Install For Vista

Hope this helps

SIW2

I tried a repair install and it locked up in the middle after the reboot. It never completed the installation. I am starting to think there is a bad spot on the hd where a system file is being placed. Trouble is there are programs on the machine that are impossible to get back if I do a wipe and a reinstall from scratch.

thanks,
charles.....

Hi Charles,

You may like to try these free tools :

( if you need .iso burning software you could get the free The Official ImgBurn Website or isorecorder ISO Recorder v 2)

Seatools for dos allows you to boot in from the cd you just made and check and fix disk errors

Seagate Technology - SeaTools

Paragon drive Backup Express allows you to make bootable cd - choose create recovery media, cd, and typical. Should be able to boot from the cd you just made and copy your data onto an external hd.

Free Drive Backup Express - Full Features & System Requirements

Hope this helps

SIW2