"The extended attributes are inconsistent"

shanna

Member
Hi! I recently replaced the hard drive in my laptop, I used the factory disc to reload the operating system (windows vista) spent forever downloading all the updates and forgot to put my Spy-Ware Doctor back on, when I remembered and installed it, said a few viruses were found and removed, I restarted and now everything I do I get this message
"The extended attributes are inconsistent"
I cant do anything besides get on the internet, I can't pull up any programs, system restore, I can't even wipe the drive and start over, can someone please help me!

Thanks!
 

My Computer

Welcome

Try in safe mode
First try a sfc. An SFC may not work properly in Safe Mode, but lets try.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.htm
lf that does not work a
repair install may be required.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?filter[11]=Performance Maintenance


If that does not work, try this
If 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**.
As a last resort use the Factory CDs.
The virus may have caused changes which are hard to correct
 

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
Does not work there either, I cant run anything, in safe mode or otherwise, it wont even read the disc just gives me that same error, lol this is my first major computer issue so needless to say Im no pro, thank you so much for helping me
 

My Computer

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/205005-boot-priority-change.html

Taken from my first post, above. This should work.

f 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**.
As a last resort use the Factory CDs.
The virus may have caused changes which are hard to correct
 

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, so this is my first major computer issue so please be patient, I tried step 1 torrent, cant open my bit torrent to download the file, step 2 cant open or extract the .rar
 

My Computer

Make the cd on another computer. Yours has problems
Dont worry about anything except the computer. Im here to help.
 

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
One fast question what the heck could be the problem? I wont be able to get to another computer until later tonight to burn it, but those steps should repair the problem(s) right?
 

My Computer

Shanna,
Ill tell you what the problem is, you had a virus. These little critters can cause all kinds of problems and cause all kinds of changes to the computer.

The advice that I am giving you, in my opinion will help. If it does not, I will get our security (virus help) people to help.

If they cant solve the problem, the worst thing that will happen is that with my help, you have to install the OS, again. You may have to format the drive to make sure all the virus are gone, but your computer will be awesome like it was on the day you took it home.
 

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 great! I did all my research on Google and finally found this forum, I was so worried that I messed it up beyond repair, but I'm so hopeful again! Thank you so much for taking time to help me! Im going to try this tonight and I will post and let you know how it goes! Again thank you!
 

My Computer

Your very welcome. The only thing that we cannot fix is a hardware problem. Your posts give no evidence that is the case. It is software and we can and will fix that for you
Dont worry;enjoy the day. This will be fixed.
 

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
Hi Richard,
I burnt the ISO to disc and I am still unable to get it to load the start up repair, I'm probably doing this wrong, as I stated before this is my first time ever fixing a computer so apologies ahead of time:(
 

My Computer

So you put the CD in the drive; now what?
 

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
Hi Richard,
I'm not sure if what I did is the right thing or if it is even going to work, I burnt the ISO to disc, started in safemode and ran the disc, it went to a system restore screen and let me pick a date to restore to so I went back to the date I put the new hard drive in, does it sound like I'm headed down the right path for a working computer again?
 

My Computer

The screen flashed black with white writing for like 5 seconds now its initializing the system restore, about how long should this take?
 

My Computer

Give it a few minutes, sounds like you are doing ok.
 

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
Im a self taught graphics and web designer so my computer is EVERYTHING, lol thanks so much for helping me! When this is over how can I prevent it from EVER happening again?
 

My Computer

Ill be glad to help you with that, but lets make sure its fixed.
 

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 It's up, but all of my programs are gone, I think I wanna make sure everything is good before I take the time to set all of that back up. So what from here?
 

My Computer

Ok so the computer is up and running again, thats great news :D
But what do you do from here? You said that the computer is important to you so you must give it some care and time.
First download macrium reflex.
Macrium Reflect Backup and Hard Disk Imaging for Windows 7, Vista, XP and Server 2003/2008
After your programs are installed again, make an image of the HD with Macrium and put it away. Every several months, if you are sure that the computer is working properly, update. If anything does go wrong, you can use Macruim to put the image back on your hard drive. It will be like an install.
Then follow these rules for maintenance.
Suggestions for Proper Maintenance - Windows 7 Forums
Lastly, make sure that you do not forget to use your anti virus, download and use malwarebytes to scan once a week and your firewall.
I think thats it.
Good Luck
 

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 great! Im not going to rush in this one, thank you so much for walking me through this, I was sure I was about to have to buy a whole new machine. You Rock! Thanks a million Richard!
 

My Computer

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