Vista's boot-cycling on me

Recently there was a fire at my neighbor's house, and the fire department cut the power, and in the process my motherboard got fried. Replaced the mobo, but on boot Vista gives me the loading screen, and then almost immediately freezes, then reboots. I can't get into safe mode, and I have run Chkdsk /f multiple times, restored to earlier and earlier restore points, and have ATTEMPTED to use my backup disks, but it looks like the new mobo's got Windows fooled into thinking that I'm on a completely new computer. I can confirm that all my files are still intact, I've got the drive plugged into my other computer and I can see that everything's still there, but Windows thinks otherwise apparently. Any thoughts here?
 

My Computer

What is your computer make and modeL
Is it a problem if you lose some stuff; like pics and documents etc.?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
did you replace the old board with exactly the same one? if not, drivers may be the issue. if all fails, try to salvage what you can off the drive and format.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    AMD Phenom ii 940 - 3.60GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe
    Memory
    Kingston HyperX 2x2GB 1066MHz 4096MB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4870 1GB
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonix VX2240w
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200rpm
    PSU
    Corsair AX850
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 932
    Cooling
    Scythe Mugen 2 rev.b
    Keyboard
    Das Keyboard Silent Professional
    Mouse
    Logitech G500
    Internet Speed
    iunno.
It's an HP, no it's not the same board, I couldn't for the life of me find the same one. It would be bad if I lost documents, but like I said I can still access everything from my other computer by plugging in the drive. Any way to install the drivers without booting to THAT windows? (I'm on Vista x84 on machine B, the one that works, and machine A is the one that doesn't work (x64))
 

My Computer

I need the model too.
I want to gamble with a factory reset. If that does not work, there are other options. I am doubtful about the reset, since the same problem is likely to occur.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Ok this is what you do.
You will lose your stuff
Boot the computer, during boot hit F12, quickly and rapdily, if nothing happens try a few more times. You have to get it just right. Remember quickly and rapidly.
If that does not work try to repair.


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**.
Now my doubts are due to the fact that this could very well be a hardware problem (motherboard). Then whatever you do you will have this problem

In that situation use your Vista install DVD to install a new OS. Format the hard drive.
If you have no DVD you may either buy a Windows 7 DVD
or call the comany that preinstalled Vista on your computer; or if you installed yourself, Microsoft.
If you have a key you can get the DVD for cost, about $25.00.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
What kind of DVD
Upgrade or Full Retail
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Forums
For Vista and Seven


http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

I know its a pain to reinstall, but do it once and do it right

As soon as your activated and working the way you want make a back up and put it away
The second month make another backup and update once a month
Whatever happens you have a clean backup.

Free great software to backup
Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Yeah, I use Norton Ghost at work, and I'll probably just use that for my backup.

Would it be possible to backup my files from this drive, then put them back on the other one? I'm talking program files mostly, there's some important information in my programs that I can't loose.
 

My Computer

When you say programs do you mean you want to restore from a back up, programs that are installed with a DVD or downloaded from the net?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Now I think your scaring him richc46 dont be to power needy let him do up to were he gets stuck then help
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D dual 2.80Ghz
    Memory
    6 gigs OPS ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD5570
    Sound Card
    usb audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    samsung syncmaster 930b
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD5000AAKS
    Case
    custom
    Cooling
    fan based but not default
    Keyboard
    logitech 10$ pack
    Mouse
    logitech 10$ pack
    Internet Speed
    30mb down, 15 up
    Other Info
    my head set is the best out off all, a good set of G930 logitech surround sound head set, Wireless
Hes asking for help now. He want to know how to back up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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