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Question

Need advice on how to format my laptop...

Jul 5, 2011 2:54AM PDT

I have a Toshiba Satellite L355-Vista OS that crashed awhile back. When I turn it on, it goes to a "Failed to start" page. It says to repair my computer with the disc - that did not work, it just hung at the Loading files screen. The error message is "File: \Windows\system32\config\system Status: 0x0000225 Info: Windows failed to load because the system registry file is missing, or corrupt."

I have tried installing Windows 7, but again it hangs on Loading files. I was able to use Ubuntu to retrieve my files, and I thought maybe I could copy in the files for the directory mentioned above when I have the file system open with Ubuntu, but I don't know where I could get those specific files (or if they are computer specific).

Could the harddrive be fried, and if so, why am I still able to access it with Ubuntu?

Any HELP is appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
While I think format is the wrong word.
Jul 5, 2011 3:15AM PDT

We can format a drive using many tools (you noted Ubuntu) such as GPARTED you might mean that a format would end with a working Windows install. I can only guess you didn't mean what you wrote.

When I want to start a fresh install I try the Microsoft way by deleting all the partitions and letting the windows CD/DVD deal with the drive but is this laptop good with 7?

You gave the series but didn't supply the full number.

Format = No problem.
Installing Windows 7 = Can't tell yet.
Bob

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"Loading Files" is as far as it gets.
Jul 7, 2011 3:10AM PDT

You see, I've tried every path open to me from the Setup Manager: Repair your computer, Last known good config, Safe Mode (all options). All these options end at the same "Loading Files" screen or the screen that lists the error from my original post above.

W7 is supposed to be compatible. In layman's terms: my OS will not boot up (says it needs repair, but repair disc does nothing) and I have tried installing W7 without luck. I guess I will keep trying to install an OS (W7 or Ubuntu), and see if I can get more info. I will post the model number later this evening, but I doubt that will infuence any answers.

***I should amend the Ubuntu thing. It's been over a year since the PC crashed. Rather than Ubuntu, I think I used Knoppix to recover the data. Ubuntu would not install either.***

To anyone who knows: does that mean the HDD is fried? Would that mean it has a bad sector?

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Remember the L355 is a series. I can't check if it runs 7.
Jul 7, 2011 5:26AM PDT