Huge Vista Problem - Tried Everything! - Help!

Hello all. I have an issue with Vista Home Premium 64bit edition that has had my working for the past 2 days.

It all started when some things were acting screwing in Windows itself, mostly with Steam and opening applications. I decided to restart the computer but noticed there were some updates that needed to be installed. So I chose the 'update and shutdown' option.

When I came back to the computer after it had finished, I clicked my user name to log in. It brought me to a very empty desktop with vista wallpaper. A message popped up stating, "Your user profile was not loaded correctly..." So I search online for a fix. I find the registry fix of replacing the user profile that Vista has turned into a backup, into the 'real' user profile. I make the changes, restart and hope for the best. Unfortunately, I am met with a different error: "User profile cannot be loaded"

So now I can't log into my name at all. However, my wife's account can be logged in to. Everything seems fine on her end. So I decide to start copying my account files onto her desktop in preparation to delete my account and start a new one. I come into a roadblock; I am unable to access some files from her account. It's an admin account, but I can't get into these folders!!

So I try opening the command prompt and typing the sfc /scannow. It always fails.
I also try different chkdsk options with no luck. So I give in and decide to use system restore back to before I installed these updates. Here's where things get bad.

System restore starts and seems to be working fine. It restarts my computer and comes up to the 'Startup Repair' screen. It does its thing and informs me that it didn't work. So I figure I'll try something else :sigh: But wait! Now I can't get back into Windows! That's right, my computer seems to be stuck in an infinite 'startup repair loop'. I can no longer use F8 to get into safe mode. It lets me start from a CD, but I can't do an upgrade install. System Restore from the system recovery options doesn't work. WTF!!

So basically, what I would like help with is getting back into Windows, even if just for a temporary fix. Obviously, I will most likely by reformatting, but I want my files. Can someone help me with a way to boot into windows?? If I am unable to, how would I go about ripping my hard drive out and backing up the files.

Thanks...

If you shut down the computer > wait for a few minutes > restart the computer> can you then tap F8 key and go to Safe Mode with Networking ?

If yes, what do you see in the logon screen ?
How many accounts do you see ?

t-4-2 said:

If you shut down the computer > wait for a few minutes > restart the computer> can you then tap F8 key and go to Safe Mode with Networking ?

If yes, what do you see in the logon screen ?
How many accounts do you see ?

Click to expand...

I tried doing that on several occasions. Nothing could get me into even the safe mode menu. Just the start up repair loop.

However, I ran some sort of scan in the recovery options, and when I was running it, it gave me an error code: error code 0F00:075d

Searching around the net, it seems as that is indicating hard drive failure.

So here is what I'm doing now: Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

Working so far; watching it transfer to my external drive right now.

But when its done, should I replace the hard drive, or do you think the drive is fine? The computer is only like 2.5 years old. Also, while in Ubuntu, I looked at the drive and it said there were some bad sectors.

Thanks.

I am not sure what to suggest.

Had you been able to logon, I would have suggested doing a disk check to repair bad sectors... chkdsk /f/r in elevated cmd. But you can't logon.

Perhaps, contact your computer manufacturer and ask for a set of Recovery dics. The charge is minimal.
At the same time, ask them if there is a Recovery partition set up in your computer. They know the answer.
If yes, ask them to teach you how to use it. It is their recovery partition. They know how to use it.
But that would be your last option.

I would suggest that you wait for advices from experts.

I have no other possible answer for you. Sorry.

You should be able to run check disc in Ubuntu

t-4-2 said:

I am not sure what to suggest.

Had you been able to logon, I would have suggested doing a disk check to repair bad sectors... chkdsk /f/r in elevated cmd. But you can't logon.

Perhaps, contact your computer manufacturer and ask for a set of Recovery dics. The charge is minimal.
At the same time, ask them if there is a Recovery partition set up in your computer. They know the answer.
If yes, ask them to teach you how to use it. It is their recovery partition. They know how to use it.
But that would be your last option.

I would suggest that you wait for advices from experts.

I have no other possible answer for you. Sorry.

Click to expand...

I did the chkdsk and it didn't get me anywhere. I can't remember exactly what the error was, but I don't remember it actually scanning anything.

I do have a recovery partition. Are they pretty universal in how they work? I know the computer is no longer under warranty, so I would most likely incur some sort of charge. I'll look around and see if I can find anything on that. Isn't it a lot like reformatting? Losing data and everything?

Either way, I've got another couple hours of copying and then I'll decide what to do.

You can get to repair partition using the F11 key.

Jimmy

jp07764 said:

You can get to repair partition using the F11 key.

Jimmy

Click to expand...

Thanks for that.

So its basically just a quick way to reformat? I've formatted many computers so I'm familiar with the process, but if this is quicker and simplified, I'm all for it!

It sounds like your 'user profile' has become corrupted in some way.
Your 'identy' may have been stolen. Did you install Steam Guard (offered in March)?

Steam Guard
Steam Guard functionality was added in March 2011 to the Steam client. Steam Guard takes advantage of the identity protection provided with Intel's second generation Core processors and compatible motherboard hardware to allow the user to lock their account to a specific computer. Once locked, activity by that account on other computers must first be approved of by the user on the locked computer. This feature is aimed to prevent Steam accounts from being hijacked by malicious users. Support APIs for Steam Guard are available to third-party developers through Steamworks.
An alternative option available to users interested in using Steam Guard is two-factor authentication through the use of a one-time verification code sent to a verified email address associated with the Steam account. Many of Steam Guard's features will work the same with the only real difference being the method of authentication

Click to expand...

When I came back to the computer after it had finished, I clicked my user name to log in. It brought me to a very empty desktop with vista wallpaper. A message popped up stating, "Your user profile was not loaded correctly..." So I search online for a fix. I find the registry fix of replacing the user profile that Vista has turned into a backup, into the 'real' user profile. I make the changes, restart and hope for the best. Unfortunately, I am met with a different error: "User profile cannot be loaded"

Click to expand...

Let us know how it works out.

Jimmy

hey i have got a major problem. my computer does not let me update. i seems as if the green bar never moves on. what shall i do?

2011-04-08 16:20:24:922 1180 1750 PT + ServiceId = {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}, Server URL = https://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/ClientWebService/client.asmx
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._62aa0754ba906f4bedaec821e3d82dbe7ae8688b.cab for file YqoHVLqQb0vtrsgh49gtvnroaIs= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._0d1456a1e8a5e1201f653eba858980fd02bab06e.cab for file DRRWoeil4SAfZT66hYmA/QK6sG4= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._eef8477c076fb5f1238fc4387558fce3618bc4b8.cab for file 7vhHfAdvtfEjj8Q4dVj842GLxLg= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._4b19358b87629e894cf67689d916f773be5e70dd.cab for file Sxk1i4dinolM9naJ2Rb3c75ecN0= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._64f2f90b362dda43add2436408da7418e360d0de.cab for file ZPL5CzYt2kOt0kNkCNp0GONg0N4= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._ecde1cd11c9689db6c387728e0246ad79c221b46.cab for file 7N4c0RyWidtsOHco4CRq15wiG0Y= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._74102466cb94df4ef83a7ceb649568df84f3d112.cab for file dBAkZsuU3074OnzrZJVo34Tz0RI= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._616187f87cadc2a61778e054d3eafd361883967b.cab for file YWGH+HytwqYXeOBU0+r9NhiDlns= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._efa6014e198d00dad6ff02bcd1ca8b56674e4d5f.cab for file 76YBThmNANrW/wK80cqLVmdOTV8= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._a96a130ff5556eaf3e2a49f5a8a793ce50739aa9.cab for file qWoTD/VVbq8+Kkn1qKeTzlBzmqk= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._e8a1799ad8bf31cb9160cb15b7ab1f65e46e414d.cab for file 6KF5mti/McuRYMsVt6sfZeRuQU0= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._acd4fd9cdcfe4efe305d1a9ce7328d2ecc4121d6.cab for file rNT9nNz+Tv4wXRqc5zKNLsxBIdY= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._fcaba4d368d88253f2f9ef5de0b4c4d0a2d634f3.cab for file /Kuk02jYglPy+e9d4LTE0KLWNPM= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:46:480 1180 1750 Agent Update {0D9F9D74-6C5F-4457-ACB2-FD457886FE5C}.100 is pruned out

2011-04-08 16:20:24:922 1180 1750 PT + ServiceId = {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}, Server URL = https://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/ClientWebService/client.asmx
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._62aa0754ba906f4bedaec821e3d82dbe7ae8688b.cab for file YqoHVLqQb0vtrsgh49gtvnroaIs= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._0d1456a1e8a5e1201f653eba858980fd02bab06e.cab for file DRRWoeil4SAfZT66hYmA/QK6sG4= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._eef8477c076fb5f1238fc4387558fce3618bc4b8.cab for file 7vhHfAdvtfEjj8Q4dVj842GLxLg= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._4b19358b87629e894cf67689d916f773be5e70dd.cab for file Sxk1i4dinolM9naJ2Rb3c75ecN0= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:774 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._64f2f90b362dda43add2436408da7418e360d0de.cab for file ZPL5CzYt2kOt0kNkCNp0GONg0N4= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._ecde1cd11c9689db6c387728e0246ad79c221b46.cab for file 7N4c0RyWidtsOHco4CRq15wiG0Y= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._74102466cb94df4ef83a7ceb649568df84f3d112.cab for file dBAkZsuU3074OnzrZJVo34Tz0RI= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._616187f87cadc2a61778e054d3eafd361883967b.cab for file YWGH+HytwqYXeOBU0+r9NhiDlns= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:777 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._efa6014e198d00dad6ff02bcd1ca8b56674e4d5f.cab for file 76YBThmNANrW/wK80cqLVmdOTV8= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._a96a130ff5556eaf3e2a49f5a8a793ce50739aa9.cab for file qWoTD/VVbq8+Kkn1qKeTzlBzmqk= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._e8a1799ad8bf31cb9160cb15b7ab1f65e46e414d.cab for file 6KF5mti/McuRYMsVt6sfZeRuQU0= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._acd4fd9cdcfe4efe305d1a9ce7328d2ecc4121d6.cab for file rNT9nNz+Tv4wXRqc5zKNLsxBIdY= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:25:783 1180 1750 DtaStor WARNING: Attempted to add URL http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._fcaba4d368d88253f2f9ef5de0b4c4d0a2d634f3.cab for file /Kuk02jYglPy+e9d4LTE0KLWNPM= when file has not been previously added to the datastore
2011-04-08 16:20:46:480 1180 1750 Agent Update {0D9F9D74-6C5F-4457-ACB2-FD457886FE5C}.100 is pruned out

fightmania1 said:

hey i have got a major problem. my computer does not let me update. i seems as if the green bar never moves on. what shall i do?

Click to expand...

I have not participated in this forum for over 2 years.
I am not certain what are the " unwritten rules " here.
In other forums it is called " hijacking " a thread with your problem that is totally unrelated to the original poster's issue.

Please, I would suggest that you post you issue to Windows Update forum :
Windows Updates - Vista Forums

Thank you.

Okay, so I got Vista up and running again, but I'm still worried about those bad sectors. Under the Ubuntu SMART data, it says I have 5 bad sectors. I ran the disk fix utility in windows while I was sleeping. I came back and it didn't report anything. Should I replace the drive or do you think its still good for a while?

I just don't want to start loading everything back on it if it should be replaced.

Well you have a little time. Save your your money and on a rainy day replace the drive.
Also be a good time to invest in an external drive for pix and stuff you do not want to lose.

Jimmy

If Vista is now running I would run MalwareBytes, SuperAnti-Spyware,

sfc /scannow, and the disc check in Vista.
Also a link for disc checking software

SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

Malwarebytes

Hard Drive Testing Tools - Top 7 Free Hard Drive Testing Tools - Hard Drive Diagnostics

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html

Tutorial for SFC thanks to Brink

pansenbaer said:

Okay, so I got Vista up and running again, but I'm still worried about those bad sectors. Under the Ubuntu SMART data, it says I have 5 bad sectors. I ran the disk fix utility in windows while I was sleeping. I came back and it didn't report anything. Should I replace the drive or do you think its still good for a while?

I just don't want to start loading everything back on it if it should be replaced.

Click to expand...

How to view the disk check report :

Start button > Control panel > classic View > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer > left column, expand Windows Logs > right click Application > click Find > enter chkdsk in the Find box > click Find Next > wait > middle column, click Wininit 1001 ( see screenshot #1 below ) > right column, under Event 1001, Wininit, click Event Properties > Event Properties window appears with your disk check log ( see screenshot #2 below )

Screenshot #1.....




screenshot #2 ......

I ran the sfc command and some files were unable to be repaired. From what I can tell by the CBS log, the files were tcpmon.ini of MS Windows Printing and settings.ini of MS Windows Sidebar. Are these files essential?

Thanks for that walkthrough. Here is my report. How does that look?

Checking file system on C:
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is OS.

A disk check has been scheduled.
Windows will now check the disk.
88832 file records processed. 22 large file records processed. 0 bad file records processed. 0 EA records processed. 50 reparse records processed. 118148 index entries processed. 0 unindexed files processed. 88832 security descriptors processed. Cleaning up 89 unused index entries from index $SII of file 0x9.
Cleaning up 89 unused index entries from index $SDH of file 0x9.
Cleaning up 89 unused security descriptors.
14659 data files processed. CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal...
16833976 USN bytes processed. Usn Journal verification completed.
CHKDSK is verifying file data (stage 4 of 5)...
88816 files processed. File data verification completed.
CHKDSK is verifying free space (stage 5 of 5)...
148350648 free clusters processed. Free space verification is complete.
Windows has checked the file system and found no problems.

614588415 KB total disk space.
20954244 KB in 60445 files.
41020 KB in 14660 indexes.
0 KB in bad sectors.
190555 KB in use by the system.
65536 KB occupied by the log file.
593402596 KB available on disk.

4096 bytes in each allocation unit.
153647103 total allocation units on disk.
148350649 allocation units available on disk.

Internal Info:
00 5b 01 00 6d 25 01 00 d3 23 02 00 00 00 00 00 .[..m%...#......
11 00 00 00 32 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ....2...........
e0 64 f3 76 00 00 00 00 50 23 fe ff 00 00 00 00 .d.v....P#......

Windows has finished checking your disk.
Please wait while your computer restarts.

Click to expand...