Windows Vista

[mcmarshon]

Hi, my laptop keeps blue screening shortly after getting to the logon screen, or shortly after logging on if I do it quickly enough. I think some of the data on the disk has become corrupt because it even does it after choosing safe mode on boot up.

Anyone have any idea as to what I can do ?

btw its my daughters laptop and of course she never created any recovery disks ! doh

 

[daozen]

Use the recovery partition to repair the install. It might be different but is usually accessed by pressing F11 as you boot up.

 

[mcmarshon]

Use the recovery partition to repair the install. It might be different but is usually accessed by pressing F11 as you boot up.

I do get a recovery screen but none of the options fix anything.

The startup repair option just says loading files, gets to logon screen then crashes.

Safe mode with command prompt just loads and then gives me a login screen, then crashes (i can logon if I'm quick enough)

Am I going to have to rebuild it ?

 

[daozen]

Ok a couple of questions:

How good are you with computers?
Did you back up the data on the computer?
You say that none of the options work, can you list the options available?

 

[mcmarshon]

Ok a couple of questions:

How good are you with computers?
Did you back up the data on the computer?
You say that none of the options work, can you list the options available?

not too bad ! I once did MCSE and qualified ! but that was before I started fixing boilers.

Data is not saved but that is her last concern at the mo.

I seem to get the repair options up intermittently but from memory I have had :-

Start normally
safe mode
safe mode with networking
safe mode with command prompt

Another time I got a screen with others - cant really remember what they said tho, there was quite a few and cant really remember how I got that screen up.

I just have to nip out now to fix an old ladies boiler ! Will have a look on here when I get back but it wont be until quite late.

Thanks for your help btw !

 

[mcmarshon]

just got some more up by hitting f10

enable boot logging
last known good - doesnt work
dir services restore mode
debug mode
and a couple that prob dont matter
disable driver signature enforcement

 

[daozen]

OK have you definitely tried F11? What options do you get?

 

[mcmarshon]

dont get anything with an F11

on boot up I am always getting :-

windows failed to start..blah
launch start up repair
start windows normally

The repair doesnt work, just says loading files then reboots...

 

[mcmarshon]

with f10 I get a message :-

edit windows boot options for ms windows vista
path\windows\system32\winload.exe
partition 2
hard disk 8fd00635
[ /noexecute=optin

 

[daozen]

OK what make and model of laptop is it?

It seems to be a software issue since you seem to be getting some sort of life out of it. It still could be a hardware issue but we'll leave that as a last resort.

I take it the laptop didn't come with any recovery discs? If it didn't it has a hidden partition on it somewhere that has the recovery software. Generally this is accessed by pressing F8, F10 or F11 depending on the make and model of the computer.

Its a bit hard doing this blind so to speak. What I need you to do is post the exact error message and all the options that you get with F8 and F10, leave nothing out.

 

[mcmarshon]

Ok here goes:-

Its a Toshiba Equium A200-1V0

on F8 I get the following:-

Choose advanced options for: Microsoft windows vista

Repair your computer

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable low-resolution video(640x480)
Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure
Disable Drier Signature Enforcement

Start Windows Normally

 

[mcmarshon]

Heres the stuff for F10:-

Edit windows boot options for:microsoft windows vista

path: \windows\system32\winload.exe

Partition: 2
Hard Disk: 8fd00635

[ /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN


ENTER=Submit

 

[mcmarshon]

At one point I got it to boot into safe mode last night. Ran the DIR command in win\system32 directory and it stopped saying something about corruption. Got it to run a chkdsk but this has not cured it as it still crashes

 

[mcmarshon]

Latest update is that I downloaded the vista recovery disk. Boot from this cd and I get the following (please excuse abbreviations and bits purposely missed out) :-

Windows failed to start.......to fix :-

1. insert install disk and restart
2. choose language........
3. Click repair your computer

If you do not have the disc contact your sys admin or computer manufacturer for assistance

File: \windows\system32\config\system
Status: 0xc0000001
Info: Windows failed to load because the system registry file is missing or corrupt.



So does this mean a full re-install ? Where does one get installation media from nowadays as I assume support is discontinued for this product - std MS !

 

[daozen]

Ok here goes:-

Its a Toshiba Equium A200-1V0

on F8 I get the following:-

Choose advanced options for: Microsoft windows vista

Repair your computer

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable low-resolution video(640x480)
Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure
Disable Drier Signature Enforcement

Start Windows Normally

You wont have the install disc because of the recovery partition.

I take it you have tried the "repair your computer" option mentioned above as thats what I'm talking about? I know you said the startup repair or something similar didn't work but if you click the "view advanced options for system recovery and support" option you'll go to the main Vista recovery environment menu. Like the below: