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Question

Problems with windows after PC Restore

Mar 15, 2015 12:01AM PDT

After replacing the hard drive on a Dell Inspiron 560 desktop and running the system recovery discs, I am having problems with windows. I am not able to open windows live (says the calendar contains corrupt data and is preventing the program from opening). I attempted to run windows update and it says the service is not connected. I attempted to repair windows live essentials through the control panel which was unsuccessful. All other programs and functions seem to be running fine on this computer other than a slow internet connection which could quite possibly be on the phone company's end. It took forever to download and install McAfee. This computer had become very unstable after a power outage and diagnostics had given me error code 2000-0142 which is why I replaced the hard drive. Suggestions on what the issue could be and how to fix? After 7 hours of attempting I am stressing here!! Thanks!!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Please explain "system recovery discs"
Mar 15, 2015 12:58AM PDT

Are these system recovery discs the ones supplied by Dell to restore your computer to factory settings or are they discs which attempt some form of repair? Have you checked Device Manager to see if all your drivers are present? Which of the several components of "Windows Live" are you having trouble with? Are you aware that you can uninstall all or parts of it, download replacement(s) from Microsoft's web site, and reinstall just the component you're having trouble with? It sounds like you're having problems with your Internet connection too, so make sure your modem driver, modem, and ISP are all performing as they should.

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System recovery discs
Mar 15, 2015 2:18AM PDT

The recovery discs were not supplied with the computer, they had to be created through Dell Backup. Windows Live Mail will not open.When attempting to open a dialog box pops up stating that the calendar contains corrupted data. I attempted to download and reinstall/repair windows live mail without success. I will check all drivers. Would it be possible to download all updated drivers through Dell via another computer and burn onto disc and upload to this computer? Could this be an option? As I stated earlier the windows update feature is not working either, says the service will not connect.

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Re: Live Mail will not open
Mar 15, 2015 2:38AM PDT

I would delete the calendar that thas corrupted data. Then I don't expect that error message again.

Kees

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I have a Dell Inspiron 660 2 years old
Mar 15, 2015 5:21AM PDT

When I first got my Dell desktop, there were instructions for creating a set of DVDs to be used to restore the computer to factory settings. If that's what you used, it should've worked. If you used something else, I'm not following you. Yes you should be able to download your drivers from Dell. I still haven't seen you say what version of Windows you have, so the following link may or may or not be the right one for you. Here's a link for downloading Windows Essentials from MS.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/search/Results.aspx?q=windows%20essentials%202013&form=DLC
I always uninstall the old version before attempting to install the new one.

Good luck.

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Clarification Request
Which OS?
Mar 15, 2015 1:07AM PDT

Some of the stock restores an OS that required some manual updates. And again we can't guess if there is a setup where we don't install McAfee until the updates are in.

At least today folk admit that fresh restores are not a panacea but some detail is missing here so I'll pause here except that during the HDD replace it is very important to use the canned air (why and more is on the web.)
Bob

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Clarification Request
Advance Format Hard Disk Drive
Jun 19, 2015 11:18PM PDT

Possible Issue:

Assuming you have Windows 7 OS and the hard disk drive was upgraded to an Advanced Format 512e hard disk drive :

Re : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Format
Re : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/982018

you may need new drivers for your SATA AHCI in order for your Windows 7 OS to operate the new storage hard drive properly (e.g. appropriate Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver which will provide the firmware to run emulation 512-byte conversion) .

I inadvertently ran into this issue when replacing my laptop hard disk drive recently. The first noticeable issue is when Windows Update would not run with the following error:

"Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running. You may have to restart your computer."

Hope this info is helpful.

Cheers

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Advanced Format Hard Drives - Dell
Jun 20, 2015 6:03AM PDT
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How to Re-install Operating System on an Advanced Format HDD
Jun 20, 2015 7:17AM PDT
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Clarification Request
Much needed info is missing
Jun 20, 2015 12:56AM PDT

What operating system (not just "windows"!) I'm guessing w7 since you mention "windows live" and that's the original OS for this model. Windows Live was not part of W8.

What sort of internet connection? Dialup? You did mention phone company. DSL? Satellite? FIOS? Other?

Connect direct to modem, or use a combined modem/router?

These restore disc, were they made from a prompt to create "restore discs" when you first got the computer, or only a backup of your earlier system? If the latter, then what program was used to back up the system?

"All other programs and functions seem to be running fine on this computer other than a slow internet connection which could quite possibly be on the phone company's end."

So your main complaint is the internet connection? Give information that applies to that then.