Please help very important

[Qwacktastick]

I'm sorry this is so long but please help, this is very important.

I was trying to intall Rage (video game) and i kept getting these messages about DPS. I didn't want to deal with it so I turned it off via command prompt, but it kept on giving me the messages saying that it was still on so I tried restarting my computer. My computer didn't restart, and the startup repair could not fix the problem or even find what the problem is. After trying this multiple times I went to the "System recovery Options" menu and decided to just restore it. BUT, for every restore point it gives me a message saying "system restore failed due to an unspecified error. The parameter is incorrect. (0x80070057)" so I tried using "windows complete PC Restore" but it tells me that "a valid backup location could not be found" so I choose "restore a different backup" and plugged in my old hard drive (which I know for a fact has at least one restore point). So then I chose to install a driver and went into my hard drive to
Recovery/ANDREW-PC/Backup Set 2012-05-09 142900/Backup Files 2012-05-09 142900 and then it says "no items match your search.

If you know how to help with any of this please tell me this is very important.

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Maybe this will help

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

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. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

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**.

 

[Qwacktastick]

Well none of that stuff worked for me. But I do have Linux, what if I moved all my stuff to my old hard drive, restored vista, and then put all my stuff back?

 

[richc46]

Excellent idea to save your stuff. I give this to members that have to save their stuff and have to reinstall due to problems
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

 

[Qwacktastick]

What if I was to just copy my windows user file onto my Linux desktop, and then restored vista? Would that work, or would the system restore get rid of everything in Linux also?

 

[richc46]

It should not affect Linux, but I would be reluctant to give you a definitive answer, since I am not certain. I do not want to be responsible if you lost your stuff.
Whenever System Restore is involved I tell people to back up their stuff. You documents are not suppose to be touched, but who knows.