Vista Tutorial - Boot Failure (with mouse cursor visible) after System Restore

I allowed an update to Messenger yesterday and it started having problems. It
would connect then fail and close. I decided to roll back to the last system
restore point. When the machine came back up, it came up to a black screen
with the mouse cursor visible and the Vista build information in the bottom
right of the screen but no key combination will work. If I leave it on long
enough, the screen saver will even come on.

I have to do a full power-down to turn off the machine, which is a Dell
Latitude D820.

I have tried booting in all 3 different safe modes and they all come up to
the screen with "Safe Mode" in the corners and the Build information at the
top. The only thing I can do at this point in the boot is move the mouse
cursor around or power off.

I then tried booting from my disk and using the repair functions. the boot
repair reports that there is not a problem, the memory test is fine. if I
select the system restore it shows all my restore points and lets me do a
restore. I've tried virtually all of them with the same results.... after
quite some time of restoring I get the "finished" message then an error
saying the restore failed because it couldn't access a file.

I am totally stumped on what to do next, and would greatly appreciate any
help anyone can give.

The system restore error details say

System Restore failed due to an unspecified error.
The system cannot find the file specified. (0x80070002)

Michael--

I assume you tried all possible access to system restore @ F8 Windows
Advanced Options. You named 3 and there are 4 including Safe Mode VGA.
Also you could try LKG (Last Known Good Configuration @ F8--it's one of the
Windows Adv Options.

Did you try startup repair by clicking on the recovery link after the
language choice in setup inserting the DVD? It seems like you might have.
I'd try it once more. Sometimes it takes more than once.

Did you try safe mode with command? You need to know the command for system
restore to try when you run it and if you are able to run SF try every
possible restore point before giving up.

The command to use at the safe mode command prompt is:

c:\windows\system\restore\rstrui.exe

You run the startup repair tool this way:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
the Lock button, and then click Restart.

This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
(sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order.

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.
3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.

Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.
4. Click Repair your computer.
5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
that you want to repair, and then click Next.
6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
repair process.
7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.

Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:

How to Use Startup Repair:

***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***

1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)

2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***

Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx

Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

3) Select your OS for repair.

4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
theWin RE feature:


Good luck,

CH



"MichaelMcGaha" <MichaelMcGaha@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B79702D8-99B2-401D-BC80-85830FA5DD1A@microsoft.com...
> The system restore error details say
>
> System Restore failed due to an unspecified error.
> The system cannot find the file specified. (0x80070002)

"Chad Harris" wrote:

> Michael--
>
> I assume you tried all possible access to system restore @ F8 Windows
> Advanced Options. You named 3 and there are 4 including Safe Mode VGA.
> Also you could try LKG (Last Known Good Configuration @ F8--it's one of the
> Windows Adv Options.

Yes. I tried Safe Mode alone, with Networking, and with Command Prompt. I
also enabled boot logging, low-res, LKG, debugging and driver sig
enforcement. All acted the same way.

> Did you try startup repair by clicking on the recovery link after the
> language choice in setup inserting the DVD? It seems like you might have.
> I'd try it once more. Sometimes it takes more than once.

I've tried it many times over the last few days. going to try it again.

> Did you try safe mode with command? You need to know the command for system
> restore to try when you run it and if you are able to run SF try every
> possible restore point before giving up.

Safe with command just came up to the safemode screen with mouse access...
nothing else ever happened. The only way I can get to the command prompt is
with the CD in and getting the repair tools. I'll try this with that command
prompt.

> The command to use at the safe mode command prompt is:
>
> c:\windows\system\restore\rstrui.exe

there is no C:\windows\system\restore directory.
there is a C:\windows\system32\restore directory but it is empty.
I found the rstrui.exe in C:\windows\system32 by booting from the disk and
selecting the command prompt option at the bottom. it just brings up the same
restore window that the system restore option brings up.

> You run the startup repair tool this way:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
> Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
> information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
> DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
> 2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
> the Lock button, and then click Restart.
>
> This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
> (sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
> pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order.
>
> See for ref:
> Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
>
> Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
> button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.
> 3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.
>
> Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
> do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.
> 4. Click Repair your computer.
> 5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
> that you want to repair, and then click Next.
> 6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
> repair process.
> 7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.
>
> Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:
>
> How to Use Startup Repair:
>
> ***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***
>
> 1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)
>
> 2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
> lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***
>
> Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
> http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx
>
> Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
> http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
> 3) Select your OS for repair.
>
> 4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
> theWin RE feature:

Every time I've ran the startup repair it says "Startup Repair could not
detect a problem"


> Good luck,
>
> CH

Still stumped. and I went through all these options again to make sure.
Thank you for your response. I'm afraid I'm going to have to just lose
everything :/ I've got a backup from last Friday, but a LOT of work since
then I'd like to save.

I have successfully pulled up the command prompt and connected my external
drive and I'm copying all my user data over. The only thing I'm not sure
about is my outlook files. Does anyone know where I would find my files
containing my emails? I've not messed with the files on Vista. I assume that
it will still be in a .pst file? I'm using Outlook 2003.

Should still be a .pst file. Try Users\(your
username)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

"MichaelMcGaha" <MichaelMcGaha@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B2DE1995-1970-4170-8278-2ACE8A5631C4@microsoft.com...
>I have successfully pulled up the command prompt and connected my external
> drive and I'm copying all my user data over. The only thing I'm not sure
> about is my outlook files. Does anyone know where I would find my files
> containing my emails? I've not messed with the files on Vista. I assume
> that
> it will still be in a .pst file? I'm using Outlook 2003.

That command can be typed at any prompt you get that is for the drive that
the problem OS is on. That command has everything I typed in it--it
doesn't mean necessarily that you will be in C:\ . I've made that command
work for other drives.

Whatever the prompt and there has to be a prompt, type that full command in
or copy paste it. It will bring up system restore from the command prompt.

Again whatever the prompt, at the prompt type in:

c:\windows\system\restore\rstrui.exe

You can certainly type it in at a C:\Windows\System32 prompt.

To find the .pst folder(s) make sure you show all hidden Windows Folders by
typing control folders in the run box>view>check mark out of "hide protected
operating system files"

As to the location of your Outlook .pst folders the file path is always
listed in Outlook at Tools>Options> and by default in OL 2003 Outlook
places each Offline Folders (.ost) file and Personal Folders (.pst) file
that it creates in the C:\[whatever drive Vista is on] Users\Your
Profile\\Application Data\Local\Microsoft\Outlook . This differs slightly
from the location in XP which is usually default

C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Microsoft\Outlook\outlook.pst

The first file path is where my Outlook 2007 .pst folder is on Vista and I
noticed that they have for whtever reason switched the order of Local in the
file path.

So look there.

Since you are trying to back up Outlook, I have included several easy ways
to do this. MSFT has a free download for a Backup tool I suggest you use
for OL 2003. I haven't found one yet for OL 2007.

Using the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup tool
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ou...875321033.aspx

How to manage .pst files in Outlook 2002 and in Outlook 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/287070

Win One Care has a checkbox that easily backs up OE if you were on an OS for
OE (I supppose in the future it will have one for Win Mail, and one for
Outlook.

Good luck,

CH


"MichaelMcGaha" <MichaelMcGaha@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:44D04136-7B8D-4328-9093-7737A95DF996@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Chad Harris" wrote:
>
>> Michael--
>>
>> I assume you tried all possible access to system restore @ F8 Windows
>> Advanced Options. You named 3 and there are 4 including Safe Mode VGA.
>> Also you could try LKG (Last Known Good Configuration @ F8--it's one of
>> the
>> Windows Adv Options.
>
> Yes. I tried Safe Mode alone, with Networking, and with Command Prompt. I
> also enabled boot logging, low-res, LKG, debugging and driver sig
> enforcement. All acted the same way.
>
>> Did you try startup repair by clicking on the recovery link after the
>> language choice in setup inserting the DVD? It seems like you might
>> have.
>> I'd try it once more. Sometimes it takes more than once.
>
> I've tried it many times over the last few days. going to try it again.
>
>> Did you try safe mode with command? You need to know the command for
>> system
>> restore to try when you run it and if you are able to run SF try every
>> possible restore point before giving up.
>
> Safe with command just came up to the safemode screen with mouse access...
> nothing else ever happened. The only way I can get to the command prompt
> is
> with the CD in and getting the repair tools. I'll try this with that
> command
> prompt.
>
>> The command to use at the safe mode command prompt is:
>>
>> c:\windows\system\restore\rstrui.exe
>
> there is no C:\windows\system\restore directory.
> there is a C:\windows\system32\restore directory but it is empty.
> I found the rstrui.exe in C:\windows\system32 by booting from the disk and
> selecting the command prompt option at the bottom. it just brings up the
> same
> restore window that the system restore option brings up.
>
>> You run the startup repair tool this way:
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
>>
>> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
>> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>>
>> Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD.
>> For
>> information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or
>> from a
>> DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
>> 2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
>> the Lock button, and then click Restart.
>>
>> This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
>> (sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go
>> to
>> pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order.
>>
>> See for ref:
>> Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
>> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
>>
>> Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the
>> power
>> button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.
>> 3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.
>>
>> Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and
>> you
>> do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.
>> 4. Click Repair your computer.
>> 5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
>> that you want to repair, and then click Next.
>> 6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
>> repair process.
>> 7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.
>>
>> Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:
>>
>> How to Use Startup Repair:
>>
>> ***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***
>>
>> 1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)
>>
>> 2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in
>> the
>> lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***
>>
>> Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
>> http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx
>>
>> Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
>> http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp
>>
>> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
>> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>>
>> 3) Select your OS for repair.
>>
>> 4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
>> theWin RE feature:
>
> Every time I've ran the startup repair it says "Startup Repair could not
> detect a problem"
>
>
>> Good luck,
>>
>> CH
>
> Still stumped. and I went through all these options again to make sure.
> Thank you for your response. I'm afraid I'm going to have to just lose
> everything :/ I've got a backup from last Friday, but a LOT of work since
> then I'd like to save.

Michael --

I should have said that Outlook 2003's .pst location differs slightly from
Outlook 2007's location in that Local is in a different place in the file
path. I had typed

"This differs slightly rom the location in XP and I meant that OL 2003's
..pst folder's location differs slight ly from the its location in Outlook
2007.

Sorry for the typo. It's exactly as John and I typed for 2007. What's
different as to the OS of course is Documents and Settings change to User
from XP to Vista.

CH


"MichaelMcGaha" <MichaelMcGaha@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B2DE1995-1970-4170-8278-2ACE8A5631C4@microsoft.com...
>I have successfully pulled up the command prompt and connected my external
> drive and I'm copying all my user data over. The only thing I'm not sure
> about is my outlook files. Does anyone know where I would find my files
> containing my emails? I've not messed with the files on Vista. I assume
> that
> it will still be in a .pst file? I'm using Outlook 2003.

I should add that I have had to reinstall Vista 3-4 times due to software
installations that went awry. Hope RTM has that fixed since that will be a
huge number of angry customers, most of whom will have to start from the
system recovery disk and may have to reupgrade from XP to Vista again.


"MichaelMcGaha" <MichaelMcGaha@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B2DE1995-1970-4170-8278-2ACE8A5631C4@microsoft.com...
>I have successfully pulled up the command prompt and connected my external
> drive and I'm copying all my user data over. The only thing I'm not sure
> about is my outlook files. Does anyone know where I would find my files
> containing my emails? I've not messed with the files on Vista. I assume
> that
> it will still be in a .pst file? I'm using Outlook 2003.

John--

There will be a huge number of angry customers come RTM to public because
(I've been using RTM since it was available Nov 7):

1) Many bugs aren't fixed.
2) Recovery discs won't fix Vista 99% of the time. They also don't allow
people to reach Win RE' s startup repair from setup. Startup repair is
misnamed, because it can repair situations that don't block startup.
3) Vista DVDs with Startup Repair can be helpful, but it's not near as
reliable as a Repair Install was percentage wise in XP.
4) A significant number of people lose the control panel, but there is an
easy workaround. You can just use Help and Support to bring up one of its
components, then expand control panel to show the rest or use search in a
similar way--then copy those files and put them in a folder calling it CP.
5) A significant number of people have shell problems keeping Windows
Explorer working or IE working in Vista RTM.
6) There are 200 plus MSKBs that are not tweak or how to KBs but are rather
fix broken and buggy compnonets type KBs already based on Vista RTM.

CH


"John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
news:OaZPwfrJHHA.1912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>I should add that I have had to reinstall Vista 3-4 times due to software
>installations that went awry. Hope RTM has that fixed since that will be a
>huge number of angry customers, most of whom will have to start from the
>system recovery disk and may have to reupgrade from XP to Vista again.
>
>
> "MichaelMcGaha" <MichaelMcGaha@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:B2DE1995-1970-4170-8278-2ACE8A5631C4@microsoft.com...
>>I have successfully pulled up the command prompt and connected my external
>> drive and I'm copying all my user data over. The only thing I'm not sure
>> about is my outlook files. Does anyone know where I would find my files
>> containing my emails? I've not messed with the files on Vista. I assume
>> that
>> it will still be in a .pst file? I'm using Outlook 2003.
>