Vista - Problems starting up after updates

Hi,

Not sure if i'm in the right spot but I hope someone can help anyway.

Earlier today my computer had updates to intall so i clicked to install updates and shut down. This evening when I went to turn on my computer it said that iy had to run disk chk as it did this it said that file after file was corrupt and repairing this took a few minutes. After this the normal log in screnn appeared. I clicked on my name typed in my password then the screen went black and the pop up went as follows

Windows Activation
Reinstall Windows
Windows must be reinstalled to activate. Insert the windows installation DVD or CD into your computerto begin the reinstallation process.

I placed the cd in and nothing happened.

I then started in safe mode and tried a system restore, but then I found I have no system restore points anymore.

I tried to start with last known good start up but the same message appeared.

I do not want to have to do a clean install as I have important work on my computer which isn't backed up.

Can anyone help me solve this prolem?

Many thanks in advance.

Hi Rubix,

Welcome to the forum

first off just to get some further background info about your problem. did Vista come with your system or did you upgrade from a previous OS?

if I understand correctly you did say that you can start in safe mode? I would start by booting into safe mode and running a spy ware scan with your favorite program.
I prefer Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware myself Malwarebytes.org

try running the scan then reboot your system and see what happens and we can go from there.

Thanks I will try that now. Vista came with my computer, I have a dell xps m1530 laptop which is about 7 months old. I'll let you know how I get on with the virus scan. Though when I turned on my computer this morn it said that the validation of my windows vista was invaled. Tried to validate it and it wouldn't work says that it may be counterfeit. I'll try the spyware scan.

Thanks.

Hey Rubix,

Just in case you have to do a new install/complete restore.

You can save your important work to an external drive after booting in safe mode.

If you have a proper install DVD. You also have the option to make another Partition while in safe mode and transfer your data to this partition

Remember during the new install do not format this partition

I hope this helps

Pooch

your welcome keep us posted.

and like said we should defiantly try backing up your files before doing any kind of reinstall/restore. if you can't get to your files through windows we may have other options

This is just an idea but have you contacted dell or MS directly to see about reactivating since windows came preintsalled on your system and your system is so new?

Thanks all. I backed up my stuff and reinstalled windows. Its been a bit of a ball ache but not to worry.

Thanks again for all your help.

Your welcome Rubix. now I would recommenced making a backup of your systwm when you get it setup the way you want