Solved Trouble Booting

[FCUSA]

Good morning, Fine Folks of Vista!

Well, I wish I was just in the Chillout Room saying 'Hi'; but here I am.

Read through some of the threads, but not understanding and thought it best to start a new one.

Dell Studio XPS, Vista 64

During the initial Start Up (before it reaches the screen to choose User), I have the Screen Saver in the background, but computer blinks like it is 'stuck'! I have tried to shut down and reboot, but same. Did not want to go further as I do not know what the proper steps would be at this point.

I have not had any recent new software. Windows updates loaded without issue last week. About two days ago (I think) Adobe did an update, cannot say I have noticed any issues. Secunia has been updating everything and running at 100%

Help...I sure hope this is going to be 'painless'!

Thanks,
Sally

 

[richc46]

Sorry, too that this is not the chillout room Sally, but you may want to 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. 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

 

[ilikefree]

I would also think about a restore point from yesterday. In safe mode you may have to start explorer.exe in task manager to find the restore point. Task manager can be launched by pressing Shift CTRL and Delete together.
Safe mode can be accessed by tapping F8 before Windows starts to load.

 

[FCUSA]

(I lost my response Post!)

Well, basically - thank you both so much for the quick response.

Rich, Hope you have been well and thanks for the links. I will go through the info and post if I need assistance understanding anything. Maybe not until this evening or tomorrow - husband had appointment and why not let him have some of the FUN this time!

ILikeFree - At what point are you suggesting the Restore Point - that is, before System Recovery or if that does not work?

Thank you again,
Sally

 

[richc46]

You can try to go to System Restore before trying anything or you can access using my method. Use the way that is best for you. If SR does not work, you will have to continue with the method that I have given.

 

[FCUSA]

Thanks! As mentioned, may wait to work on it later - keep your fingers crossed, I hope this goes smoothly!

 

[richc46]

So do we. Hope it goes without problem, Sally.

 

[FCUSA]

Hooray...disaster diverted! You must have been sending 'good vibes'!

In short, the computer booted in 'safe mode' because it was not shut down properly yesterday (although, I tried booting several times yesterday, it never booted in 'safe mode' then). It was looking for a response, I guess we waited too long and it just booted by itself!

I did not fully understand creating the Recovery CD, but will investigate that further now that the computer is up and running.

Do you suggest any tests, checks etc I should be doing now that it is up and running? Any clue as to what happened to cause the issue?

Also maybe I should consider changing 'start up programs'; not quite sure how to do that either?

Thank you all so much for your quick response and information,

Sally

 

[richc46]

Sally
First, I am truly glad that we solved your problem
I will be glad to give you as much time and help as you need. To avoid confusion. If you would post one question at a time and we will work on that. When you are satisifed we will move on.

The recovery CD is easy to make. If you have problems, most School Kids can do it for you.It will be good to have in the event you have this situation again.

As far as tests, no, just normal maintenance.
Make your recovery disc.

Now enjoy the internet.

To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Optimize-Windows-Vista-for-better-performance

 

[FCUSA]

Sally
First, I am truly glad that we solved your problem
I will be glad to give you as much time and help as you need. To avoid confusion. If you would post one question at a time and we will work on that. When you are satisifed we will move on.

The recovery CD is easy to make. If you have problems, most School Kids can do it for you.It will be good to have in the event you have this situation again.

As far as tests, no, just normal maintenance.
Make your recovery disc.

Now enjoy the internet.

To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html
Optimize Windows Vista for better performance

Thank you for this, Richard (you must have added this info after I had seen the original post). Well, I have a new external hard drive - Western Digital 1TB USB 3.0/2.0

I have done a full initial Backup - still do not understand how to create the 'system image'.

Thanks,
Sally

 

[richc46]

First download macrium reflect. Hurry rumours are that it will not be free much longer. Then post for step 2
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
If the back up you refer to was with macrium, just post and inform.

If you do have an image on macrium, keep it updated and no reinstall will ever be necessary.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7608493_reinstall-macrium-reflect.html

 

[FCUSA]

First download macrium reflect. Hurry rumours are that it will not be free much longer. Then post for step 2
Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
If the back up you refer to was with macrium, just post and inform.

If you do have an image on macrium, keep it updated and no reinstall will ever be necessary.
How to Reinstall With Macrium Reflect | eHow.com

OK - I downloaded Macrium - thank you! I have never used this software; the back up is simply 'the full back up' through Vista

 

[richc46]

Your present back up will not help if you have to reinstall. Macrium will avoid any need to reinstall. Keep it up to date.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4837235_backup-whole-computer.html

 

[FCUSA]

Your present back up will not help if you have to reinstall. Macrium will avoid any need to reinstall. Keep it up to date.
How to Backup a Whole Computer | eHow.com

Yaaay!

Thank you so much! I had no trouble downloading and installing Macrium and your info links were perfect. Macrium was a pleasure to work with (their documents...excellent). The Image Backup only took 32 minutes (I was planning on hours). I also created the Recovery Disk through their software and tested it as per their instructions...everything worked well.

Thank you again! I feel much better having this accomplished.

 

[richc46]

Now, update it once a month and every every major change, such as new software etc., and you will be all set.

 

[FCUSA]

Now, update it once a month and every every major change, such as new software etc., and you will be all set.

Thank you again!

 

[richc46]

To close this thread, I want to thank you for the rep, and even more important your very nice words.