Startup Repair - Windows cannot repair this computer automatically.

[tgsvensen]

Thanks guys. I'll have to finish this up tomorrow, as I'm in work again in less than 7 hours for a 14 hour shift. You've been very, very helpful. I'll post my progress later and give out rep once im done

 

[SIW2]

Good luck with it - and keep us posted.:D

 

[richc46]

Just take your time, and it will turn out the way that you want. Its really not that difficult.

 

[tgsvensen]

I'm so tired of work! Ack!

Had to download a vista installation iso, my internet is slow. :/ Will be attempting a reinstall when I get home tonight, (10.30pm GMT.. ish.. ) you've been very helpful! I'm gonna be keeping my ubuntu boot drive in a very, very safe place I think. What a lifesaver.

 

[richc46]

Wish you luck. Im glad that Ubuntu helped you as it has for so many other memebers, here.

 

[tgsvensen]

Well, I'm facing a little trouble with reinstalling. Sorry for the late reply, work really won't let up on me.

USB in, startup, f12 to boot menu, select USB, 'enter'. I get dropped into windows boot manager and and offered the choice to select an OS. Whichever I chose, I ultimately end up back at startup recovery.

I can only imaginet hat I'm being completely retarded at this point.

 

[richc46]

YOu have to set BIOS to boot from the USB.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/205005-boot-priority-change.html

 

[SIW2]

USB in, startup, f12 to boot menu, select USB, 'enter'.

It doesn't seem to be trying to boot from usb - should be if you are selecting it from the pop up boot menu.

Maybe the usb isn't bootable - it would then go to the next bootable device - e.g. your hard drive.

Had to download a vista installation iso

Where from ? Might be something wrong with that - or maybe you didn't burn it to usb properly.

 

[tgsvensen]

It's the same USB that I used to boot with ubuntu, following a format etc, so it should be bootable?
I've followed the instructions pretty much exactly - twice - so I don't think I'm doing it wrong. I'm beginning to suspect I don't have an installation copy, but just a repair .iso or something..

 

[tgsvensen]

Downloaded a new .iso, booted from USB, windows is loading files! Ahaha! Joy!

*crosses fingers*

Edit;

Got into the windows installer, and I'm now stuck in stage 1; collecting information, saying that a 'required CD/DVD drive' is missing, (which I suppose would explain why it wouldn't boot from CD..?), and has given me the option to browse for drivers, saying 'if you have a driver CD/USB, insert it now'..

...I now have no idea what I need to do. x_x

 

[richc46]

This is an ISO that you create and INSTALL CD
You must have a product key number
[Direct Download Links] Download Official Windows Vista RTM with SP1 Setup Files (32-bit and 64-bit) - Tweaking with Vishal

 

[SIW2]

The iso is probabaly fine.

Go into bios settings.

Find the disk controller and change it from AHCI to ATA or IDE

 

[tgsvensen]

Rich, that link only offers .exe and .wim files for vista? and I have no idea how to burn those as a bootable usb.. *feeling stupid* v_v

Thanks SIW, I'll try that..

 

[tgsvensen]

Well, I've raked through all the links, a made a boot CD, made a boot USB, computer consistently wants to tell me about missing drivers, so I'm throwing the towel in and I'm gonna stop frustrating everyone with my half-knowledgable computer fumbling by taking it to a repair place to get a clean install for £40.

Ultimately though, you've helped me recover my work and that was my ultimate goal, so thumbs up for that. I'll dish out rep and stuff when I get home rather than try from my phone. I'll probably take a few more tries at it, too..

X