System Restore

[rand1]

Look in Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Services. Is the Desktop Management... running?

I was able to boot in safe mode and login with my normal info.

As look in Control Panel>Administrative Tools: that folder is empty. I did not look in all the other folders, but most of them have content. I would bet that 'Administrative Tools' is the only one that is empty.

So, I do not know if the Desktop Management is running but I would guess not. I cannot even access the services folder.

BTW, my desktop has folders and files on it but no programs.

 

[wither 3]

Do you have more than one user account? If you can get to safe mode, you can remove the "other".

 

[rand1]

Do you have more than one user account? If you can get to safe mode, you can remove the "other".

I am not sure if I do or not...maybe I do now? I never used to.

I can get to safe mode and would be happy to try. Any hints on how to do that would be appreciated (though I can probably figure it out for myself).

I will try and remove the other but I do not see this restoring anything to my Admistrative Tools folder.

 

[rand1]

Do you have more than one user account? If you can get to safe mode, you can remove the "other".

I am not sure if I do or not...maybe I do now? I never used to.

I can get to safe mode and would be happy to try. Any hints on how to do that would be appreciated (though I can probably figure it out for myself).

I will try and remove the other but I do not see this restoring anything to my Admistrative Tools folder.

The "Other" account is not listed under any user accounts. But, it is the only login option I get when I try to login to the regular version of Windows.

I see my regular account and "Guest" account which is turned off.

 

[wither 3]

I think your best bet is to connect your hard drive to another system, scan it and then recover your files.

 

[rand1]

I think your best bet is to connect your hard drive to another system, scan it and then recover your files.

OK, how can I do that? Physically remove the hard disk, stick it in another computer and go from there?

 

[wither 3]

Most hard drives are SATA today so I'll assume that yours is also.

You need two connections. There should be a spare connector in the hard drive ribbon on the other computer. You would also need a SATA cable from your hard drive to plug into the motherboard. Those are readily available at most computer shops for about $10. Make sure you get one that's long enough.