Vista crashed, cannot repair

Hello, my son's pc crashed and will only boot to the black screen with green loading bar, then quits. Monitor keeps going to sleep.

I tried everything: system repair (which says it can't do - corrupt registry). Restore (can't - no restore point was set.) Go back to last known good config - won't work it crashes.

I ran a memory test and all was good.

So, I saw on this site where it was advised to do an upgrade/repair, but I can't because the option is grayed out and disabled. I tried starting with the disc in, and also by starting and then putting the disk in. If I wait until the machine starts and put the disk in, it will not work. It crashes. If I put the disk in and then start the machine is when I get to the install screen and eventually the 'update is disabled' screen.

I'm really trying to avoid a new install. I wonder if there is a way to get around the disabled thing in my case?

Any help, MUCH appreciated!

TIA
Janet

Hello cooncatz,

Welcome to the Forums!

As you have access to another computer, you may want to
take a look at this Tutorial at the link below.

Create a Recovery Disc

I hope you can find what you are looking for.
Keep us informed.


Later Ted

Hi, just so you know, I am not very computer savvy when it comes to this stuff.

I am assuming by creating this disc it will do what mine couldn't in terms of being disabled?

As for creating a disc, I am a bit lost on that... I would try but, I see the d/l is from Torrent and we are pretty sure that was what started my son's problems in the first place as it was the last thing he did! So, I am leery of having anything to do with that site.

Any other way to make this disc?

Hello cooncatz,

Did you look at any of the other links?

RELATED LINKS:
1. How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista

2. How to Do a Startup Repair in Vista

3. How to Do a System Restore in Vista

This may be your only option.
Maybe someone can help you with this on your end.

Create a Recovery Disc

Keep looking.

Later Ted

One thing I wonder about, when he was still up and running, I noticed his recovery file (not sure what this is as I have XP) was 7.68 GB with 897 free.

Could this have something to do with this crash?

Yes, I tried all of those things already, several times, that is why I came on here and saw I should do the upgrade.

(He has no back up disc either.)

Actually, your #1 request is what I am asking about! It will not let me upgrade as it is disabled.

I have been trying to resolve this for over a day now. I have tried everything I could.

I cannot get into safe mode either, FYI.

Hello cooncatz,

NeoSmart is really safe and easy.

You would want the x86 version.
I created a disc from there myself with this very Tutorial!


Later Ted

...

Hello cooncatz,

I was just looking at this again. No not the crash, maybe the recovery!
If this is a "Recovery Partition" you can restore the computer to its Factory Settings
with it. Is it an HP machine?

Let me know.


Later Ted