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Question

Restoring Vista - Red on Gray screen: Error C 1117

May 30, 2012 6:50PM PDT

Hi everyone, I'm at my wits end so hope someone can help...

I'm trying to do a recovery to Vista business on a new HD and always get the above error message at 61%. I had a HD failure (S.M.A.R.T. was tripped) on the previous HD and got a replacement from Seagate. Any ideas on how to fix this?

Machine is ASUS U6S laptop, 2.5 ghz, HD is Samsung M7 640GB 2.5 inch SATA II 8MB Cache 5400RPM

A few things lead to this error I think:

* Previous HD failed and got a replacement from Seagate
* First recovery was fine and I started uninstalling Norton bloatware not realising Windows hadn't finished recovery, it restarted Windows part way through
* Windows worked fine but I couldn't uninstall Norton anymore so decided to restore again
* That's when I got the error
* Obviously, can't boot to Windows anymore

I've tried formatting the new drive, writing 0's to each sector, recovering to 1 or 2 partitions all with the same error. Seagate tools shows HD is working fine and I can use it in an enclosure on a XP machine.

Can anyone help?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Tell us more please
May 30, 2012 7:06PM PDT

What recovery are you using? I mean what was the backup created with?

Are you using a Vista DVD to perform the reinstall or some CD/DVD created by that backup software?

What did you use to format the new drive?

Whatever you are using, does it allow you to simply delete the partition on the hard drive, (the one where the failed Vista install is), perform a quick format, then continue on with the install?

Does this backup include all drivers for this computer?

Mark

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Answer
More info
May 30, 2012 10:38PM PDT

Thanks!

I'll answer your questions as you ask them

* Recovery is ASUS branded, provided with laptop. Not one I made myself
* Formatted the drive in Windows XP machine, also used KillDiskSuiteFree-Setup.exe to write 0's. Although, the first install worked without formatting the HD, I only formatted to remove my first successful instal
* The Recovery disk allows me to install to a primary partition (with an existing 2nd partition), the whole drive, or create a primary and secondary partition. I've tried all 3 and have the same error
* After using the Recovery disk, I'm prompted to replace with a Drivers disk. So full recovery is a 2 disk approach.

The only thing left I can try is to try a different drive, but I can't afford one and don't have another one. That would rule out a HD problem or point to the laptop being the issue.

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I'm just thinking
May 31, 2012 5:14AM PDT

that formatting the drive elsewhere is where the problem is.

If that ASUS recovery disk allows you to "delete the existing partition" and "Quick format the drive", then continue on with that recovery disk to install Vista, and see how that works.

That is the normal method with installs, use the installation disk to delete any existing partition, format then install.

However I see problems with what you have done.

According to a couple of web sites I have been to, (example), the recovery disk does not do all the work itself. It accesses a hidden partition on the hard drive to reinstall Vista back to factory conditions.

But I see you have zeroed the hard drive and that has likely removed all partitions, including the hidden partition.

That is why the recovery disk is failing.

Back to ASUS I think to ask for a full installation disk. If they agree it may cost you, but they may not agree and that leaves you with limited options, such as purchasing Vista or Windows 7 yourself.

Mark

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Re: hidden partition
May 31, 2012 5:38AM PDT

He said it worked the first time on a new HD. Then it couldn't come from a hidden partition. So I suppose it's a complete reinstallation disk in this case. Not that it does solve the problem, of course.

Kees

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Ahh, but
May 31, 2012 5:40AM PDT

he did that before formatting it.

Mark

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Do you think ...
May 31, 2012 5:46AM PDT

that "the replacement disk" Seagate gave him (see his first post) contained the Asus software? Seems unlikely to me.

Kees

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Of course, you're right
May 31, 2012 5:53AM PDT

So my first step could work. I did search for "Red on Gray screen: Error C 1117" but couldn't find anything relevant, except this thread and another by the OP elsewhere. I didn't think of Asus 117.

But since the first attempt worked I would be surprised if the drive failed so early. Anything is possible of course.

Mark

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Re: asus 1117
May 31, 2012 5:44AM PDT

A little bit of googling points to a hardware issue (most likely with the hard drive). And that's the usual cause if an install from an original recovery disk fails.

Kees

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Thanks everyone
May 31, 2012 9:40AM PDT

Thanks for all your input everyone.

Just to clarify for some of you helpful folks

* There is no hidden partition - well not to my knowledge any way, this is my 3rd HD for this machine and each time I've had no issue with a restore from the provided recovery disk, and on formatted HD's. Even looking through the c:\ partition previously, I've never seen a hidden partition

Tried something new tonight as found my HD before the one I returned - the original OEM. I 0'ed that to hopefully get rid of any errors - and squeeze out any last use I could from the HD - and tried a recovery with this drive. Again, the error screen at 61%.

I'm thinking it's a hardware failure somewhere in the laptop. Not conclusive as the OEM HD was somewhat faulty anyway, but still enough to get me thinking it's not the HD's or even the physical recovery disk for that matter.

Also, when I tried to remove the HD cover the foam sealing on the plastic had slightly melted and stuck to the HD.

* Something in the laptop is preventing the complete recovery and resulting in the HD cylinders just going round and over heating? Maybe.
* Or it was just the old OEM drive conking out further
* That, and I found some darkness at the bottom of the HD bay in the laptop, looks like faint singeing

Either way, I don't want to try it again with the newer drive and I think my laptop has finally had it. After 3 HD's I think I could be perhaps right : )

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Re: 61%
May 31, 2012 5:48PM PDT

If with 2 different hard drives it stops at the same 61%, it's quite unlikely it's a drive issue, indeed.

It can be anything in the laptop, but it could be a damaged recovery disk also. All you can do (apart from ordering a new set, which I doubt you'll do) is to burn a copy of that disk and see if that works.

Kees

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Great idea!
May 31, 2012 6:50PM PDT

That's such a simple yet effective idea. I think i'll try that.

Will also try and get my hands on another install disk to rule the disk thing out for good.