Solved HELP!!! Windows will not start at all

[wintersoulstice]

I have a Dell desktop, running Vista Home Premium 32bit. I went to install SP2, and now Windows will not start at all. I have a recovery disk, and an external hard drive large enough to handle my files. My question is, when I click to install Vista, will I be able to backup my files before it begins installing? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[richc46]

Welcome
It sounds like your stuff is important to you.
Back up your stuff now
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek
Once that is done if you have a valid Product Key Number, we can get you up and running with not problem.
If you have a True recovery Disc, it does not install Vista, it gets you to the repair console, which should not remove your stuff, but back up now to be sure.

 

[wintersoulstice]

Thank you for your quick reply! I want to back up my files, but I need to know if after I click to install Vista I'll be given the option of backing up my files before it begins installing... otherwise, I have no idea of how to back them up. It's like Windows doesn't exist on my computer right now and the data is far too important.

:huh:

 

[richc46]

My above post tells you how to back up, before doing anything else.

 

[wintersoulstice]

I don't Ubuntu Live CD, Rich... I have a 1tb Passport

 

[richc46]

I dont understand Passport is an external hard drive. Your OS should be on your internal drive, Usually C drive.
All I am saying is if you install Ubuntu, you will be able to see and save your stuff. That is the only way that I know to be 100% certain that your stuff is not lost.
If you want to take a chance (there will be a small chance that your stuff will be lost) its up to you.

 

[wintersoulstice]

My computer doesn't recognize that I have Windows. I don't know how I would install ANYTHING outside of Windows. Let me explain. When I boot up my computer, I get the Dell logo and it goes to black and does NOTHING. I've tried System Restore - there's no restoration time listed. I've tried Startup Repair - it tells me the problem cannot be repaired, that I need to put in the recovery disk. The recovery disk has a repair feature which did not solve the problem. My option now is to reinstall Windows. All I'm asking is once I click to custom install, will I be given the option to back up my files to the external drive (the Passport)? I appreciate your help!

 

[richc46]

You burn the Ubuntu Cd and then boot your computer from the CD, not Windows.

 

[wintersoulstice]

Oh, okay, that's easy enough... so then once I do that, I can send my 500gb files to my Passport, and then reinstall Windows?

 

[richc46]

If you have a valid Product Key number and your stuff is saved, yes you can reinstall.

 

[wintersoulstice]

Okay - thanks, Rich... have a good one!