Solved Want to recover files from broken Vista install

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lurgus

New Member
My son has managed to break Vista by trying to change the SID and rendering all the user accounts except a guest account account unusable. After many hours of searching i seem to find that the only solution is to reinstall Vista. I cannot log into any administrator account to gain access to or take possession of the files from the inaccessible accounts that are still on the hard drive but i don't want to lose them as a result of reinstalling.

I have come up with a plan but have now idea if it will work. If i re-size and move the partition with the busted OS on and reinstall vista on the new partition i will create, will i be able to access the moved partition, take ownership of the files on it from my shiny new administrators account and copy them to the new partition. If anyone has a clue whether this will work please tell me or if there is another solution, i really don't want to lose the photos i hadn't yet managed to back up. if nothing will work does anyone want a new son?
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron E 1405
    CPU
    [email protected]
    Memory
    4 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    integrated intel 945
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    300 gig internal
    Internet Speed
    10 down 1.5 up
Hello, thanks for reply.

I've already tried the hidden admin account and couldn't elevate the command prompt from the guest account, can't input password as the text box to input it in is missing. I used command prompt from the repair options on the install disk to activate it and the message said it was successful but when i tried to log into it i got a message saying it was disabled. I tried logging into the Administrators account in safe mode and that seemed to work but when i went to users in control panel it said it was still a guest account.
 

My Computer

System One

lurgus

Shoot the son take the canolies

Your solution would work but before that there are a couple of things we can try. first and least dangerous, is to run a system file checker (from cmd type sfc /scannow) that might repair the system files. second is a repair install (if you have the dvd) third is your idea.

the sfc can be run from guest, the repair and re-install from the dvd

If it were mine, I would the easiest way and thats re-install.

hope this helps

Ken
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron E 1405
    CPU
    [email protected]
    Memory
    4 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    integrated intel 945
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    300 gig internal
    Internet Speed
    10 down 1.5 up
Theres one thing that i heard people did that you could try.
Boot up the PC and press F7 at the boot screen...from there on you would follow the instructions.

But from what you said cant you just boot back to the last good configuration?

Hope this helps
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP pavilion entertainment pc DV4-1220us
    CPU
    amd 2.1
    Memory
    4 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ati radeon HD 3200
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SATA 250gb 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    15mbp
The shooting has crossed my mind a couple of times.

i tried sfc and it said i need to be an administrator to run it. I have been looking at how to do a repair install in the tutorials and i will have to create a SP2 slipstream disk. Will this work and be easier than my idea?

Ade
 

My Computer

System One

7vis said:
Theres one thing that i heard people did that you could try.
Boot up the PC and press F7 at the boot screen...from there on you would follow the instructions.

But from what you said cant you just boot back to the last good configuration?

Hope this helps
Click to expand...

Tried last good configuration and it made no difference. What will pressing F7 do?
 

My Computer

System One

No backup?

repair install?

Bite the bullet and install into different partiton?

One of the reamifications of clean install is that you may need to take ownership of the files in the new OS, itsw not brain surgery.

Ken
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron E 1405
    CPU
    [email protected]
    Memory
    4 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    integrated intel 945
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    300 gig internal
    Internet Speed
    10 down 1.5 up
well it helps in recovering lost sytem passwords...such as the power on or bios password. My bro did this on his HP desktop and got back into his account.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP pavilion entertainment pc DV4-1220us
    CPU
    amd 2.1
    Memory
    4 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ati radeon HD 3200
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SATA 250gb 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    15mbp
I have managed to solve my problem with a clean install to another hard drive i forgot i had and have managed to get back all the files from the accounts i was locked out of on the original drive including saved cell phone messages that were extremely important. it was relatively painless in the end.

i don't know if this has to be marked as solved or indeed how to do that, i'm new to all this posting on forums thing.

Thank you to the people that replied to my post. :D
 

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System One

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