Vista will not boot

[YoVincenzo]

I ran chkdsk /r from a command prompt, it said it marked a bunch of sectors as bad.

But now the computer refuses to boot. It gets to the screen that says Microsoft Corporation with the little green scroll bar moving left to right, it sits there for about 5 minutes, then the screen goes black and then it remains black.

I am wondering if chkdsk /r messed up the boot sector?

I am able to boot from a memtest86 disk, which finds no errors.

When I try to boot from a Norton Ghost disk, it does the same thing as it does when it tries to load Windows and fails.

Any ideas what I might try?

I don't have a Vista install disk, thought I believe I do have a Vista repair disk.
Or I think I can find out where to download the iso.

Thanks

 

[richc46]

Sounds like a bad hard drive, If I get you to boot then check that drive.

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**.

Test Hard Drive HD Diagnostic or this test Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Couple of things you might try...
1. Reboot with the Vista Install disk in and install it again
2. Go to Control Panel, uninstall and click on Vista where it will give you uninstall(you don't want that) or clean and repair....which is what you want to try.

I would do #2 first and see if that resolves your problem.
post back if more help is needed.

Rich types faster than I do...

 

[YoVincenzo]

When I try to boot from the Vista repair disk, it does the same thing as before: It gets to the screen that says Microsoft Corporation with the little green scroll bar moving left to right, it sits there for about 5 minutes, then the screen goes black and then it remains black.

Does the repair disk use files that are on the hard drive in order to boot? Why else would it not be able to boot from this disk, but it can boot from the memtest86 disk?

Thanks

 

[richc46]

Do you have a Vista DVD?
If not buy one for about $25.00 (cost price) from company that sold you the computer and then either reinstall or do a repair install. Start with repair install.

but first
Did you boot from the reapair DVD or the OS?
You are suppose to boot from the DVD

 

[YoVincenzo]

I tried to boot from a Vista repair disk that I had previously downloaded from NeoSmart.

 

[richc46]

If booting from the DVD does not work, you may need to get a Vista DVD, see my above post.

 

[YoVincenzo]

I don't have a vista install disc, but I do have a Win 7 install disk. It is 64 bit version, like the Vista install is.

Can I use it to try a startup rejpair? or can I try a repair install from it, then if it is able to do that, then I can possibly run my Ghost boot disk to restore the computer?
If so, can you tell me how to do a repair install? I've never done one.

Thanks

 

[richc46]

Just realized there is other options a factory reset. What is the make and model of your computer and you can use Ubuntu to get to recovery options.
Be aware you may lose your stuff
Do you want to save your stuff.

 

[YoVincenzo]

All the user files are directed to the D: partition, and they are backed up daily. So ok to lose them if necessary, though I'd rather not since if D; drive is wiped out, I have to set up Windows all over again to a degree and this computer is used for my wife's business, trying to get it up rapidly if possible. I've never used Linux so there will be a learning curve there for me.

You don't think the Win 7 disk idea will work to restore the disk to the point where Ghost boot disk will run?
If not, then please detail your idea. .

Thanks

 

[YoVincenzo]

And how can I test to see if the hard drive is toast? Don't want to waste time if I just need to replace it or the computer.

By the way, to answer your question, it is a Toshiba Satellite L305-S5937 Vista 64 bit

 

[richc46]

Here are the Hard Drive Tests that I recommend.
Test Hard Drive HD Diagnostic or this test Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

May be difficult is you cant boot.

Getting information, now, based upon your computer make.

 

[richc46]

How to Restore a Toshiba Satellite Laptop to Factory Without a Disc | eHow.com

You will lose your stuff. Want to try and save, first?

 

[YoVincenzo]

I think I'll sleep on it.

Let's talk in the morning.

Thanks for the help.

 

[richc46]

Your welcome
I or someone else will be here when you post. You will be helped, night.

 

[YoVincenzo]

the Hitachi DFT gets halfway through the loading process and then stops at Loading DFT.

Since the drive is Fujitsu I will try that diagnostic. It requires that it be copied to a boot disc. I have Nero on one computer but I can't seem to find an option to create a boot disc. What is the easiest way, to find an ISO file for this? Can't seem to find one.

Thanks

 

[richc46]

How to Create a Start-Up Floppy Disk | eHow.com

 

[YoVincenzo]

no floppy drive on this computer

 

[richc46]

Maybe with a finger drive?

 

[YoVincenzo]

OK I can try that. Do you have any recommendations for directions how to make a bootable flash drive?

Thanks