Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows Vista and 7 => Topic started by: Andrea4 on August 22, 2011, 11:12:07 PM
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I can turn my computer on and the BIOS loads but then I just get what I think is called the command prompt window. Just a black screen with a blinking line. Pressing F8 to get to the windows startup menu doesn't work. I think basically my only option is to try system repair with my Windows Vista O/S Installation DVD but the instructions for that are to restart my computer from the start menu with the DVD in the drive. How am I supposed to restart it when Windows doesn't start in the first place??
Windows Vista
Dell Inspiron 1525
160 GB Hard Drive
2GB RAM
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Hi and welcome to Computer Hope!
but the instructions for that are to restart my computer from the start menu with the DVD in the drive. How am I supposed to restart it when Windows doesn't start in the first place?
You don't need to start Windows in order to boot from a DVD.
Check first the settings of your BIOS if it is configured properly. The 1st boot device should be CDROM or DVDROM drive. If yes, just insert the DVD and restart your computer.
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How do I get to the BIOS setup? And when you say restart, all I can do is press the power button on and off. Is that what you mean?
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What is new or different since the last time everything worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, virus, error, etc)?
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What is new or different since the last time everything worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, virus, error, etc)?
I don't think anything is different. I guess I could have a virus. Last week my computer just stopped working and I got the blue screen. It could have something to do with, on another forum they told me I have 2 sticks of RAM running at the same time. I still haven't done anything about that.. But otherwise I don't get any other errors.
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Ok I figured out how to get in to the BIOS setup. Still not real sure of what I'm doing though.
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So after I exited the BIOS Setup, it restarted by itself. Then it came to a screen that says Press any key to boot from CD or DVD.... I did and it has been on that screen for 20 minutes. Is that normal?
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No. Do you have a bootable dvd in the drive?
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I'm not sure..I have my Vista install DVD in the drive.
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Is it an original Vista retail dvd or a copy?
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It's the one I got from Dell when I got my computer. It says Operating System Already Installed on Your Computer Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Home Premium 32BIT.
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on another forum they told me I have 2 sticks of RAM running at the same time. I still haven't done anything about that..
There's nothing unusual about having 2 sticks of RAM. In fact, it's very common. So, I suspect you don't understand what RAM is.
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There's nothing unusual about having 2 sticks of RAM. In fact, it's very common. So, I suspect you don't understand what RAM is.
Ok maybe the issue isn't that they are running at the same time. But there is an issue and they suggested running one at a time to figure out what the issue is. And since I didn't want to open my computer to do this, a memory test was suggested. And when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been working, I think it did do the memory test and everything seemed fine.
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It's the one I got from Dell when I got my computer. It says Operating System Already Installed on Your Computer Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Home Premium 32BIT.
Well, that disc should be bootable and the fact that the system sees it at boot would confirm that. Try again - reboot with the cd in the drive and when you get that message tap one or two keys on the keyboard and see if you can't get the system to boot to the disc.
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And when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been working, I think it did do the memory test and everything seemed fine.
You're not painting a clear picture here. Your wording is a bit convoluted. Perhaps you should further explain what lead to the discussion of memory, why running memtest (or whatever it was you used) was recommended, and how you concluded that your system's memory is OK.
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You're not painting a clear picture here. Your wording is a bit convoluted. Perhaps you should further explain what lead to the discussion of memory, why running memtest (or whatever it was you used) was recommended, and how you concluded that your system's memory is OK.
She already explained that someone on another forum suggested she check the ram - and it passed.
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You're not painting a clear picture here. Your wording is a bit convoluted. Perhaps you should further explain what lead to the discussion of memory, why running memtest (or whatever it was you used) was recommended, and how you concluded that your system's memory is OK.
Ok.. If you want to read this forum its all here...http://www.d-a-l.com/help/spyware-adware-viruses-malware-removal/69408-thinkpoint-ugh-8.html
The topic was originally for a virus. The memory stuff starts on page 8.
Sorry I don't know a lot about computers. I just want mine to work! I'm not sure what test I was running but it seemed to be testing the memory and I didn't get any errors.
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Well, that disc should be bootable and the fact that the system sees it at boot would confirm that. Try again - reboot with the cd in the drive and when you get that message tap one or two keys on the keyboard and see if you can't get the system to boot to the disc.
Still not working..would going to the Boot menu help?
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I don't think so. It appears the cd drive is at the top of the boot order and the system sees the cd at boot. And the system sees your keyboard since you're able to get into the bios. I'm not sure why you can't get to it. Let's see if anyone else has an idea.
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I don't think so. It appears the cd drive is at the top of the boot order and the system sees the cd at boot. And the system sees your keyboard since you're able to get into the bios. I'm not sure why you can't get to it. Let's see if anyone else has an idea.
Ok. Ugh. Is all of this rebooting ok to do? I was told that if the problem is the hard drive, it's not a good idea to spin it a lot. I won't mind if I have to reinstall Vista and basically start over with this computer but I still want to be able to get files off of it.
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Rebooting doesn't hurt anything.
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She already explained that someone on another forum suggested she check the ram - and it passed.
Yes, I read what she said and I'm saying her explanation leaves some doubt about the whole situation regarding RAM. She simply has not explained all in a clear manner. Look again at the sentence I previously quoted:
And when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been working, I think it did do the memory test and everything seemed fine.
"when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been working" doesn't make sense. Does she mean "when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been wasn't working"? And, then she goes on to say "I think it did do the memory test and everything seemed fine." That's not worded in a way which instills much confidence in what she's saying. That's why I asked for some elaboration from her.
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Yes, I read what she said and I'm saying her explanation leaves some doubt about the whole situation regarding RAM. She simply has not explained all in a clear manner. Look again at the sentence I previously quoted:"when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been working" doesn't make sense. Does she mean "when I was doing diagnostics since it hasn't been wasn't working"? And, then she goes on to say "I think it did do the memory test and everything seemed fine." That's not worded in a way which instills much confidence in what she's saying. That's why I asked for some elaboration from her.
Ok so I know what I said makes sense to me but I can understand why it doesn't make sense to someone else. I am not always good at explaining things. To try and explain better: the memtest was something that was suggested to me about a year ago. I never did the test the way it was suggested. Someone else on that forum also said that a memtest wasn't necessarily a good thing to do so that scared me. I didn't get a blue screen error for a while so I didn't think it was a big issue. But maybe 10 times since then I have gotten a blue screen error.
Now since I am having a problem with Windows not starting, I believe the test I was running yesterday was called diagnostics. It was saying things about memory so I thought maybe that was the same as memtest. I was gone while it was running but when I got home it didnt say anything about errors.
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Go here: http://support.dell.com/support/DPP/Index.aspx?c=us&cs=2684&l=en&s=pub&SystemID=INS_PNT_PM_1525
Enter your Service Tag & you will see your laptop.
Your Dell should have a PC Restore (CNTL-F11) available at startup, but you'll lose everything & you will have to download & reinstall all Windows Updates since the computer was shipped. It's all in the Manual p.40. I wouldn't do it until all other options are exhausted.
I should know the 1525 by now, lots come here with questions on that model.
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Go here: http://support.dell.com/support/DPP/Index.aspx?c=us&cs=2684&l=en&s=pub&SystemID=INS_PNT_PM_1525
Enter your Service Tag & you will see your laptop.
Your Dell should have a PC Restore (CNTL-F11) available at startup, but you'll lose everything & you will have to download & reinstall all Windows Updates since the computer was shipped. It's all in the Manual p.40. I wouldn't do it until all other options are exhausted.
I should know the 1525 by now, lots come here with questions on that model.
So I would do this from a different computer? Like my sister's netbook that I have been using? Is this really my option? Is it possible that a different Vista repair DVD would work?
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So I would do this from a different computer? Like my sister's netbook that I have been using? Is this really my option? Is it possible that a different Vista repair DVD would work?
We're not trying to fix your sister's computer. You can read all the instructions on her netbook. I'm reading them on my computer, can't you read them on the netbook?
I understand the 1525 won't boot. Let's just see if the System Restore is available, if you don't want to proceed, you click Reboot instead of Confirm.
I'm suspecting the hard drive is bad. I think Dell has a hard drive diagnostic available from the startup menu.
Yes, it's F12. Manual p.36
Give us the Service Tag & I'll look up the specs as delivered.
I can turn my computer on and the BIOS loads but then I just get what I think is called the command prompt window. Just a black screen with a blinking line. Pressing F8 to get to the windows startup menu doesn't work....
When you see that, you already missed your chance; you gotta start tapping that F8 right away. BTW, that's not the command prompt window.
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We're not trying to fix your sister's computer. You can read all the instructions on her netbook. I'm reading them on my computer, can't you read them on the netbook?
I understand the 1525 won't boot. Let's just see if the System Restore is available, if you don't want to proceed, you click Reboot instead of Confirm.
I'm suspecting the hard drive is bad. I think Dell has a hard drive diagnostic available from the startup menu.
Yes, it's F12. Manual p.36
Give us the Service Tag & I'll look up the specs as delivered.
When you see that, you already missed your chance; you gotta start tapping that F8 right away. BTW, that's not the command prompt window.
Sorry for some reason I thought you meant to do the actual restore from a different computer. I do know how to enter my service tag and look up the specs and instructions for my computer. It is 8JMJLF1 by the way. And I have pressed F8 as soon as I turn on my computer. Still don't get the startup menu.
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Try tapping F8 repeatedly...instead of pressing it....do it before the boot menu Windows splash screen shows up...
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Try tapping F8 repeatedly...instead of pressing it....do it before the boot menu Windows splash screen shows up...
I will try again but I have done that multiple times.
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I will try again but I have done that multiple times.
Ok so I am not sure why but maybe now since I have it set to boot from the CD/DVD drive, I was able to get to the startup menu. I selected Safe Mode with Networking. But I was expecting to be able to still see my desktop. But it says Install Windows and it wants me to select options like the language. Is this the repair setup? Or is this to reinstall Windows and that would wipe my hard drive?
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That's Windows Vista Repair -> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html)
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Ok so F8 was the key I needed to be pressing and not just any key like it said. Now that I can get to the startup repair, I will do that tomorrow. Too tired tonight.
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Your still confused ??? I understand your tired. Get some rest first. You'll be cleared up tomorrow. ;D
The Repair option is from the CD you inserted or prior...
The Safemode with networking is from tapping F8. I think you are doing both and Vista CD gave you repair option.
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Your still confused ??? I understand your tired. Get some rest first. You'll be cleared up tomorrow. ;D
The Repair option is from the CD you inserted or prior...
The Safemode with networking is from tapping F8. I think you are doing both and Vista CD gave you repair option.
I understand what you're saying. Tapping F8 repeatedly didn't work on its own before I changed the boot options. And when I tried to boot from the DVD and it said to press any key, enter for example, that didn't work either. So maybe I'm wrong but it makes sense to me that the two needed to be done together.
When I am going to do the startup repair, do I have to do it in safe mode or should I select start windows normally?
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If you were able to make it to the Startup Repair Option by the Vista CD, this link will be your guide http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html) follow the instruction from there.
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Sorry for some reason I thought you meant to do the actual restore from a different computer. I do know how to enter my service tag and look up the specs and instructions for my computer. It is 8JMJLF1 by the way. And I have pressed F8 as soon as I turn on my computer. Still don't get the startup menu.
Your laptop: http://support.dell.com/support/DPP/Index.aspx?c=us&cs=RC1084719&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=INS_PNT_PM_1525
It's a Toshiba hard drive
RM066 Hard Drive, 160G, S2, 9.5, 5.4K, TSHBA-LEO
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Toshiba does not provide diagnostic tools for hard drives, currently. Try the Seagate SeaTools. You will have to burn a CD from an ISO image. Your sister's netbook probably doesn't have a CD drive?
F8 isn't going to do anything.
Remove CD, CNTRL-F11 as soon as it starts up.
You have to keep tapping it, not holding or depressing it. Hold down CTRL, keep tapping F11.
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Your laptop: http://support.dell.com/support/DPP/Index.aspx?c=us&cs=RC1084719&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=INS_PNT_PM_1525
It's a Toshiba hard drive
RM066 Hard Drive, 160G, S2, 9.5, 5.4K, TSHBA-LEO
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Toshiba does not provide diagnostic tools for hard drives, currently. Try the Seagate SeaTools. You will have to burn a CD from an ISO image. Your sister's netbook probably doesn't have a CD drive?
F8 isn't going to do anything.
Remove CD, CNTRL-F11 as soon as it starts up.
You have to keep tapping it, not holding or depressing it. Hold down CTRL, keep tapping F11.
Um..no..it's a Dell Inspiron 1525. http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?smh=sup&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&k=8JMJLF1&cat=sup
Maybe you got the service tag wrong.
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Dell "cookies", haven't found a way to delete them all. Also, I'm on different computers. I thought the link looked weird, but I tested it 3 times. Notice, only the end of the link is different. This should do it:
http://support.dell.com/support/DPP/Index.aspx?c=us&cs=RC1084719&l=en&s=dhs&ServiceTag=8JMJLF1
...SystemID=INS_PNT_PM_1525 vs ...ServiceTag=8JMJLF1
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So trying to do startup repair. When I get to the System Recovery Options window, it doesn't find my O/S. It says I need to load the drivers. I put my Drivers CD in and I am trying to open it and there doesn't seem to be any files on it. How am I supposed to load the drivers?
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I'm looking at p.42 of the Manual for Vista. It shouldn't be asking you to load drivers. The drivers are part of the image. The image is located on the hard drive.
See Setup Guide: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/index.htm
Dell Factory Image Restore
1. Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.
2. Select Repair Your Computer.
3. The System Recovery Options window appears.
4. Select a keyboard layout and click Next.
5. To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the User name field, then click OK.
6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore. The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.
7. Click Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
8. Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory
condition, then click Next.
The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete. A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition.
9. Click Finish to reboot the system.
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I'm looking at p.42 of the Manual for Vista. It shouldn't be asking you to load drivers. The drivers are part of the image.
Dell Factory Image Restore
1. Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.
2. Select Repair Your Computer.
3. The System Recovery Options window appears.
4. Select a keyboard layout and click Next.
5. To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the User name field, then click OK.
6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore. The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.
7. Click Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
8. Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory
condition, then click Next.
The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete. A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition.
9. Click Finish to reboot the system.
This is all to get it back to factory settings and that will wipe my hard drive? I am still tying to avoid that and just want to do a repair.
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Yes, that will "wipe" your hard drive.
If it's not booting to Windows, I don't know how to do a Vista Repair on your Dell laptop.
Right now, it's not doing anything. Do you want a working computer or a dead computer?
Next time, back up all your stuff on flash drives and external USB drives. Lesson learned?
Image Restore may not work either, if the HD is bad. It may be bad anyway, & the restore will only last a few hrs.
I told you to test the hard drive.
Another option is to get a new hard drive & start from scratch. Then hope you can get your stuff from the old drive at a later date.
320GB hard drives are about $50, USB case for the old drive about $20.
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Yes I want a working computer. I do have most of my pictures on an external hard drive, which is good, but not everything and no other files. If it's possible that I could get the stuff from my drive at a later date, why can't I get it now??
How do I test the hard drive? F12 and diagnostics? Right now it is doing a memory test.
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It's a Toshiba hard drive
RM066 Hard Drive, 160G, S2, 9.5, 5.4K, TSHBA-LEO
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Toshiba does not provide diagnostic tools for hard drives, currently. Try the Seagate SeaTools. You will have to burn a CD from an ISO image. Your sister's netbook probably doesn't have a CD drive?
...
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools/seatooldreg
Legacy Versions; SeaTools for DOS Version; ISO CD-ROM Image
...If it's possible that I could get the stuff from my drive at a later date, why can't I get it now??
How do I test the hard drive? F12 and diagnostics? Right now it is doing a memory test...
Because the hard drive won't boot Windows.
I thought you did memory test before?
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Again, it's not a Toshiba. After my Dell Inspiron 1525 did the memory test I saw an option to do a diagnostics test. I did an express test and it said all tests passed. I'm not sure if this is the same as going into F12 and doing it that wasy but it said it was testing the hard drive. Does this mean my hard drive is ok?
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if you're primary concern is to get the data off the hard drive, you could burn a Linux Live CD, such as Linux Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=83) or Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download). If the hard drive is indeed in working order, you should be able to access it once the CD boots up. (selecting the appropriate option, "try Linux Mint/Ubuntu without installing" or something to that effect). Then you can navigate the drive and copy the files you want to your external.
Once you have everything, you could proceed with the wipe-reinstall instructions.
I'd say something with regards to the Vista Repair, but things are confusing enough already.
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I've just been reading through your thread on the other website. Broni is a senior member here, as well, and is respected by all. You refused to follow his instruction there & you're doing the same to me here. I suggest you take the laptop to a shop, I don't think you're ready to fix this yourself. I can offer you no more assistance.
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Its not that I refused to do it. I never wanted to take the time. And in another thread on that forum, I'm not exactly sure what someone said but they made it seem like the memtest could do harm to my computer. What have I refused to do that you said? Multiple people have told me different things in here and sometimes what you said didn't seem to apply to me.
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MemTest cannot harm a computer...period.
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I've just been reading through your thread on the other website. Broni is a senior member here, as well, and is respected by all. You refused to follow his instruction there & you're doing the same to me here. I suggest you take the laptop to a shop, I don't think you're ready to fix this yourself. I can offer you no more assistance.
Did you mean that I refused to open my computer? Well sorry I am not a computer expert and I didn't want to mess with something I know nothing about. I shouldn't have even brought up the memory issue here. I would like to still try and avoid taking it somewhere and pay for something that I think I can do myself.
And if you mean that I have refused to just reinstall Windows without trying to still get to my files, again I am sorry that I dont't want to do that. I just want to be certain there is no way to get to the files before I do that. That is why I came here for advice from people that know more about computers then I do.
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if you're primary concern is to get the data off the hard drive, you could burn a Linux Live CD, such as Linux Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=83) or Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download). If the hard drive is indeed in working order, you should be able to access it once the CD boots up. (selecting the appropriate option, "try Linux Mint/Ubuntu without installing" or something to that effect). Then you can navigate the drive and copy the files you want to your external.
Once you have everything, you could proceed with the wipe-reinstall instructions.
I'd say something with regards to the Vista Repair, but things are confusing enough already.
I would like to try and do this. But how do I download them? I went to the Linux site and do I download the 32bit cd version with codecs? Do I click on ftp or htpp under protocol. Or md5 under sum?
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I would like to try and do this. But how do I download them? I went to the Linux site and do I download the 32bit cd version with codecs? Do I click on ftp or htpp under protocol. Or md5 under sum?
For your purposes, Linux Mint's CD No Codec should do it. To get the download itself, scroll down on the download page and choose a mirror.
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Ok I downloaded the ISO file. I can't figure out how to check it with the md5sum to make sure that it is a good file. Help please? And then I am going to need help burning it to a CD.
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OK the md5sums are good.
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Nevermind. I got the Linux ISO burned to a CD.
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So I have Linux running. But how do I get to my old files?
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Nevermind! I found them. Yay!
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So I have copied all of my pictures, videos, music, and documents to my external hard drive. Is there maybe anything else I should be copying too? The fact that I was able to do this is a good sign that the hard drive is ok right?
If there is nothing else I should do, I think I am ready to reinstall Windows. Just to be clear, what is the best way to do this? Do a PC Restore or something else? If it was already said in this thread, maybe someone could tell me what reply # it is.
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Okay, let's not worry about all of this. The advice above to follow the instructions from Broni was the best possible advice. Broni is a very knowledgeable individual and I recommend that you go back to the forum where he was helping you and do as he says.
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Okay, let's not worry about all of this. The advice above to follow the instructions from Broni was the best possible advice. Broni is a very knowledgeable individual and I recommend that you go back to the forum where he was helping you and do as he says.
What?? Shouldn't I get Windows working before I do anything else? And I have been doing memory tests now. They passed. I'm not sure if there is even a problem with the memory. What else do you want me to do?
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Ugh! Why is everyone so mad at me? :( What do you want me to do? When bronni was helping me, my main concern was the virus. When that was gone, I was just happy to have my computer working again. I'll admit I was lazy and thought if the memory issue wasn't really giving me problems, why should I waste time testing it when I didn't want to open my computer? Someone else on that forum did tell me that if I wasn't getting the blue error screen, I didn't need to do the memtest. But it's not the end of the world that I didn't do it!!
Now how did I not follow Computer_Commando's instructions on here? Maybe I didn't read through everything clearly but it seemed like the only option he was giving me was to restore my computer without a way to get my files. Like I said, I wanted to be sure that was my only option before I just erase everything. I ran diagnostics and memory tests. They didn't find any errors. What else should I do?
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Actually it was broni himself that told me not to touch anything. "If you didn't have any more BSODs, i wouldn't touch anything."
Can't I just reinstall Windows and wait and see if I have any other issues? If this is really not a good thing to do will someone please just tell me?
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And I did already post on DAL about Windows not starting before I posted here. But no one was answering me so I came here. Broni told me a few times to not post in that virus topic again about other things so I don't think it's a good idea to ask him again.
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Ugh! Why is everyone so mad at me? :(
I'm not. I'm quite honestly just as confused by the aura of antagonism that has resulted from you not following irrelevant instructions.
I'll admit I was lazy and thought if the memory issue wasn't really giving me problems
What memory issue? (is this from the other thread on the other forum, or the suspicion of a memory issue for the non-booting issue you are having now?)
To the best of what I can understand here, there is another thread, somewhere on the internet that is not linked here at all (and thus I cannot refer to it) that you started about an issue you were having- this one, or at least a issue from before "this" one. Given the symptoms it appeared that somebody felt that a Memory Test would be helpful in diagnosing the problem. From the sounds of things, you've run the built-in Windows memory diagnostic, which, IMO, ought to be good enough for these purposes. If you want to shut everybody up you could burn memtest86 (http://www.memtest86.com/) to a disc, boot to it, and let it run for a number of hours. If there are any errors at all, then you have a problem, and we can work from there to diagnose your memory issues (which in and of themselves could be caused by PSU, motherboard, etc and other issues).
An educated guess on my part? You have no memory issues at all. For one thing, I just don't see how a memory issue would prevent windows from starting from the HD but still allow you to boot into a Linux distro and move files. The only common element for problems here seems to be the hard drive. Several Posts here recommend the usage of a Utility to check if this is the problem.
it's important to realize that for the most part none of the suggested tools are magical fix-it tools; they are merely diagnostic tools that help you- and in turn us- determine if there are problems with certain components, and advise appropriately.
why should I waste time testing it when I didn't want to open my computer?
Well, if there is a problem, not wanting to open your computer isn't going to make it go away! :P
I ran diagnostics and memory tests. They didn't find any errors. What else should I do?
No idea. a quick glance and all I can see is a recommendation to use "seatools" but as you noted yourself, that suggestion was based on the wrong machine. After that it was merely quoted and you repeated your concern about it not being a Toshiba, a specific concern which was never addressed.
suffice it to say that I, at least, am as concerned about this as you are.
As to your problem, though, What exactly have you copied? I would recommend at least copying the entire My documents folder, if nothing else.
Once you are sure you've got everything, you'll want to try a factory restore of the drive.
You can initiate the "Dell Recovery Restore Utility." by pressing Control and F11 at the same time during boot. (I would recommend just holding Control and tapping F11 during boot). Others have noted that they had to press and hold the "0" (zero) key during boot to get to the restore utility.
If you can't get anything to appear, you might need to get the recovery discs for the system. if you don't have those, you can fill out the forms On the Dell website (https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form%20) and have them mailed to you.
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PS...no one is mad at you...
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I'm not. I'm quite honestly just as confused by the aura of antagonism that has resulted from you not following irrelevant instructions.
Thank you. I am confused as well.
What memory issue? (is this from the other thread on the other forum, or the suspicion of a memory issue for the non-booting issue you are having now?)
To the best of what I can understand here, there is another thread, somewhere on the internet that is not linked here at all (and thus I cannot refer to it) that you started about an issue you were having- this one, or at least a issue from before "this" one. Given the symptoms it appeared that somebody felt that a Memory Test would be helpful in diagnosing the problem. From the sounds of things, you've run the built-in Windows memory diagnostic, which, IMO, ought to be good enough for these purposes. If you want to shut everybody up you could burn memtest86 to a disc, boot to it, and let it run for a number of hours. If there are any errors at all, then you have a problem, and we can work from there to diagnose your memory issues (which in and of themselves could be caused by PSU, motherboard, etc and other issues).
Here is the link again to a virus topic on another forum. After I got the virus cleared, I did get the BSOD. And from the log Broni thought it was a possible RAM issue. So I went back to that thread and the RAM/memory issues start on page 8. http://www.d-a-l.com/help/spyware-adware-viruses-malware-removal/69408-thinkpoint-ugh-8.html
An educated guess on my part? You have no memory issues at all. For one thing, I just don't see how a memory issue would prevent windows from starting from the HD but still allow you to boot into a Linux distro and move files. The only common element for problems here seems to be the hard drive. Several Posts here recommend the usage of a Utility to check if this is the problem.
I am sorry if I missed those posts recommending the usage of a Utility to check the hard drive. What exactly do you mean? How should I check my hard drive?
No idea. a quick glance and all I can see is a recommendation to use "seatools" but as you noted yourself, that suggestion was based on the wrong machine. After that it was merely quoted and you repeated your concern about it not being a Toshiba, a specific concern which was never addressed.
suffice it to say that I, at least, am as concerned about this as you are.
As to your problem, though, What exactly have you copied? I would recommend at least copying the entire My documents folder, if nothing else.
Yes I was very confused by the Toshiba and "seatools" comments.
I have copied all my pictures, videos, music and documents.
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I guess I am still deciding what to do. I am going to take my computer to school tomorrow and ask my teacher what he thinks. I told him last week that Windows wasn't loading but I didn't have my computer with me.
But I am an idiot and just realized that a few days before my computer crashed I did download new software. It was Yahoo Messenger. Could that have caused the O/S to not load?
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So my teacher told me to restore my computer. And then I should use some anti-virus software to make sure that it is totally clear of that virus I had last November. My McAfee subscription is expired and I'm not sure if I even want to install it again. He recommended bit defender. But now I see it's not as cheap as he said. Is there any free AV software that's just as good?
And then he recommended that I make a CD with the disc image of my hard drive. How would I do that?
After I do all of this I will burn memtest6 to a disc and let it run.
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Go to Dell website and download the Manual and read on how to boot and use system recovery. Most members here would recommend free Avast, Microsoft Essential, Avira, AVG, or Kaspersky. I was attaching a manual on your Dell model but was having some problem.
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I do have my manual. First of all, I need to have it set to boot from CD/DVD drive first in order to get to the Advanced Boot Options window. Why is this? And when I get to that window, I don't see Repair Your Computer. Should I just use my Vista Install DVD (from Dell) to restore my computer? Ctrl and F11 doesn't work either.
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So I don't think my PC has the Dell Data Safe Local Backup 2.0. I believe that is what gives the option Repair Your Computer under the Advanced Boot Options window. They have been putting Dell Data Safe on their computers since April of 2009. I got my computer in February of 2009.
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Can anyone answer my questions? I am really frustrated and upset with all of this. I just want to fix it myself! If I really can't then I will take it somewhere. But if I call somewhere, they are obviously going to tell me that I can't because they want me to pay them to do it. I keep calling Dell but they don't tell me much because my warranty is expired and they want me to pay $59 to have a technician do it or I assume tell me what to do. Which to me means then why can't I do it? Is it true that I can't restore my computer with my Vista Install DVD?
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So I started to use my Vista Install DVD and when I got to Where do you want to install Windows? There is a drive that says RECOVERY. Does this mean that I should have the recovery option but I can't seem to get to it?
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What I meant before was that I went to Install. But is that just going to install it again and not "recover" or restore my system back to factory settings? Is there a way that I could uninstall the O/S that is on there now and then reinstall everything?
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Repair Install of Vista... (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCEQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vistax64.com%2Fvista-installation-setup%2F96680-repair-windows-installer-service-vista-all-versions.html&ei=XpJaTtrUNMPqgQemquSIDA&usg=AFQjCNGXIslt8vLIIN3sjycKpYD3UQ8Pwg&sig2=OxrAwlRSSLqjfZ1KHznf4Q)
Done properly all data will be intact...
1 mistake and all data will be gone...but you will have a fresh install of Vista...
I suggest reading it thru thoroughly and printing out a reference copy before starting...
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Ok..what if I don't know anyone that has Vista? And that link to a clean reg key didn't work. Is there a way that I could get it online from my sister's computer? She is 2 hours away from me.
And this step is very confusing to me. 4. Run sfc /scannow on the damaged Vista computer - you won't need the install disk as it goes to backup files on your HD. Do not reboot when complete
Heck all of it is confusing to me.
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Well now I see that step was later changed. But still..how would I "import registry settings into damaged Vista computer"? And this Windows Installer Service is to repair Vista right? It seems like it is for adding and removing programs. Or am I wrong?
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You stated earlier you had a Vista CD...now you don't...which is it ? ?
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I do! But that says to go to a computer with Vista?? I don't see anything about a CD.
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1. Go to a Windows Vista (Any Version) computer that has the Windows
Installer service running correctly and run regedit(Start-Run-Regedit)
That means use a different computer that has Vista working on it right? Or can I get the registry key from my install DVD somehow?
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I'm not sure about that registry key thing. But if anyone could provide some more direction for that I would appreciate it.
Or will doing this http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=RC1084719&l=en&s=k12&docid=DSN_339949&isLegacy=true with my Vista Reinstallation DVD be the same as requesting a recovery CD from Dell? If I do this "reinstall" will it get rid of what is on there now? And I mean the O/S and everything. Since I was able to use Linux to get my files, I am not worried about wiping the hard drive anymore. I actually really just want to START OVER with this computer.
Just to be clear, under the F8 menu Repair Your Computer is not an option for me. Ctrl+F11 or 0 didn't work. And I guess there aren't any restore points so system restore doesn't work. Diagnostics didn't find any errors and the memory tests passed.
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Do you have a Vista CD ...or not ? ?
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Yes I do! From reply #10 in this topic:
It's the one I got from Dell when I got my computer. It says Operating System Already Installed on Your Computer Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Home Premium 32BIT.
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If you're asking if I used my DVD to attempt to repair my computer. Yes, I did. Startup Repair didn't find any problems. From bleepingcomputer: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial142.html "If the repair process does not detect any problems starting Vista, it will display a list of available recovery tools." And that is exactly what it did. So I tried System Restore...for some reason there's not a restore point available. Windows Complete PC Restore doesn't allow me to do anything either. Can't remember exactly what it says. I ran the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Again no errors.
Sorry if I did not make it clear before. But it seems like using my Vista DVD to reinstall is my only option. I just want to know if that will do what I need it to do. Essentially restore my computer to factory settings.
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I'm not sure if anyone is going to reply anyways. But just so you all know, I reinstalled my O/S so no need to answer any of my other questions. I got help from some IT people at school. They said the hard drive looks ok and they were just as confused as I was about how Vista just wasn't there. I will probably be installing updates for a while but that is what I'm doing now.
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Wow..so just after posting that I got a BSOD. It restarted after an update and then I got it. If I post the log here can anyone help? Should I continue updating?
==================================================
Dump File : Mini082911-01.dmp
Crash Time : 8/29/2011 7:28:04 PM
Bug Check String : KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000008e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x81ce89b7
Parameter 3 : 0xa2f4f894
Parameter 4 : 0x00000000
Caused By Driver : ntkrnlpa.exe
Caused By Address : ntkrnlpa.exe+e89b7
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 6.0.6000.17021 (vista_gdr.100218-0019)
Processor : 32-bit
Crash Address : ntkrnlpa.exe+e89b7
Stack Address 1 : ntkrnlpa.exe+e8322
Stack Address 2 : ntkrnlpa.exe+2356cd
Stack Address 3 : ntkrnlpa.exe+1f4f49
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini082911-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 6000
Dump File Size : 139,224
==================================================