HUGE Vista problem... HELP!

SPQR Spectre · Dec 8, 2008

Not sure how to start this thread, but here it goes. To start, I'm not super-pc savvy. I have learned enough to operate and function on the day to day, learning a large amount in the process through trial and error. The pc we have now is the first experience we have had with Vista. The pc runs Vista 32bit Home Premium. I have Panda AV and UNIBLUE Powersuite as the security and maintanance programs now. Recenty though I've run in to the problems of trying to switch users where the screen goes into a neverending cycle of the welcome/login screen and have to reboot the computer to stop it, much less get another user account to open. After reading a few posts I deducted that it wasn't the AV program and went into the event manager and looked to possible updates that coincided with the buggy issue. I found several "KBXXXXXX" updates that stated that they were not compatible with the system and started 'backpeddling' to find the issue. Herein lies the problem....After first uninstall windows now will not open at all. Not in safe mode and even with the original OS disk, I cannot even get to the point of reinstalling/repairing the OS because I blue screen with an error code. I know I'm reaching out on a limb here, but if anyone has any info please let me know. Thank you kindly in advance. I'll look periodically back on the site here or my e-mail for any replies.

sygnus21 · Dec 8, 2008

1- What brand of PC (maker)?
2- System Specs?
3- Can "they" help you with the problem?
4- Did you add any new hardware, including memory?
5- "How" are you trying to "reinstall" the OS?

I found several "KBXXXXXX" updates that stated that they were not compatible with the system and started 'backpeddling' to find the issue.

1a - Where did you get those updates from? - If you got them through Windows Update, then it's highly unlikely that they're "incompatible" If you got them somewhere else, you might have picked up a virus or worse.

2a - Where'd you find this info that said the updates were bad? - There's a lot of bad info passed around about windows updates, so...

3a - And who said they were incompatible? - Microsoft? Someone "reliable"?

I ask those questions because you can find some really bad info on the net like people telling you not to update your OS because "updates break your system" or "I wouldn't install SP1 because it's not good for games"

After first uninstall windows now will not open at all.

Sound like you removed a file(s) that wasn't meant to be removed.

If you have an actual Windows Vista disk, put it in your CD-ROM, reboot, and press any key when you see the screen ask to boot from the CD, there you should be able to reinstall the OS or if you're lucky you may be able to do a http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?ltr=R by following the instructions.

Or, if you've got the system started, then try this: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html?filter[11]=Backup%20Restore

Here's some info on user accounts
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/?filter[11]=User%20Accounts

Other then that there's not much I can do from the info I have. With your limited knowledge, you may have to take the PC to someone who can look it over and either do the repair or show you how to do it.

Good luck.

SPQR Spectre · Dec 8, 2008

Sygnus,

First I would like to thank you for your response. Any information at this point is most welcome. To answer your questions:

1. PC brand- Gateway, Model GT5404 (nothing special, does the job at home for the kids homework, etc.

2. System Specs- Dual Core 2.7

3. Have contacted them, but still awaiting a response.

4. As for hardware or memory, no. Everything is as it came out of the box.

5. I have the original OS disk that came with the pc. Have tried to boot from the disc, but after loading and I see the 'system32' files cascading down the screen, it stops and sends me to the blue screen with that error code. I can't even get to the point where it asks me to repair or reinstall the OS.

1a. I did receive the updates through auto update and even though they say 'not compatible' I believe you're correct in that they probably aren't harmful to system stability.

2a. Yes, bad info. Was perusing an IT site on the web, googling for some help to solve the user login issue. "Hindsight 20/20, never foresight. LOL"

3a. No, just a thread on a random site. I know, don't believe all you read and/or see. I honestly thought that if an issue were to arise, reinstalling from the OEM OS disk would always be an option, not thinking that I might not even get to that point of NOT being able to do so.

I probably did remove an important file. Whatever file it is, it is contained in KB936330. That is the only one I removed. Now to go from there. I truly appreciate your time in replying in this matter. Thank you.

AstaLaVista · Dec 8, 2008

Do you have more than 1 hard drive? reason why I ask this is because something similar happened to me the other day, I freaked of course and then a friend suggested something that I knew better to have tried on my own but I completely forgot. I have 2 internal hard drives though so, disregard this if you don't.

Anyways, do not try this if you don't feel comfortable around the computer or if others advice you against it... they know better, I just like to try to help but I am not that knowleagble either.

Go to the Bios and click on the DEFAULT settings, restart and go into the bios again, make sure the master hard drive is set as the bootable drive.

Retart again and hope for the best.

sygnus21 · Dec 8, 2008

1a. I did receive the updates through auto update and even though they say 'not compatible' I believe you're correct in that they probably aren't harmful to system stability.

This statement confuses me??? Windows Update only offers updates, drivers, and optional components based on "your" OS & system hardware. If the system isn't compatible, the file isn't offered.

I know things can get screwy in the computer world, but this is really strange if that happened. Where did it say that the update(s) was/were incompatible?

As to this...

I have the original OS disk that came with the pc. Have tried to boot from the disc, but after loading and I see the 'system32' files cascading down the screen, it stops and sends me to the blue screen with that error code. I can't even get to the point where it asks me to repair or reinstall the OS.

Is it an actual Windows Vista disk or system restore disk? The system restore disk usually has the OS + your system drivers, and is not necessarily a standalone Windows Disk.

As for your problem, you could have any number of issues, especially if you’ve deleted a system file, but the fact that you can’t get into the system or reinstall the OS could also indicate a hardware failure like a hard drive, motherboard, CPU, memory, or even a virus.

As to messing with the BIOS, that’s extremely tricky and usually best left to those experienced with BIOS settings and their meanings.

With that said, all I can really do at this point is suggest you contact gateway and see what they tell you, or you could take it to someone and have them look at it.

Sorry

Keep us informed though

HUGE Vista problem... HELP!

SPQR Spectre

New Member

My Computer

System One

sygnus21

Here to learn

My Computer

System One

SPQR Spectre

New Member

My Computer

System One

AstaLaVista

Lost in Cyberspace

My Computer

System One

sygnus21

Here to learn

My Computer

System One