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Question

Windows cannot boot

Jun 10, 2017 1:27PM PDT

Hello there, i've had this one problem with windows 7 that doesn't let me get past of the black screen, the one telling me that a recent change in software or hardware may have caused the problem, or something of the sort. Anyway, from there it sends me to windows boot recovery, sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn't, and none of the options it gives me after it finishes attempting to fix the problem works either, this has happened to me three times before, and usually when that error occurs, it doesn't last long before it gets to the unrecoverable state i just mentioned, forcing me to send the computer for repairs.

My question is, can i do something to actually be prepared for something like this? Like, backup something in the computer, create an image with a disk, anything? I fear that the next time i shut down my computer, it might enter into that state, and obviously i could no longer access to internet for help. Because of that, i'll be waiting for an answer with my computer turned on.

If you did not understand what i said, i'll try to rephrase it in a manner that it would be understandable, because i'm not a native english speaker, and most of the time i use google translate things just get worse for others to actually understand.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Do you have a windows disc?
Jun 10, 2017 6:33PM PDT

If so, put in your CD/DVD drive and boot to it. Use the Repair section on it.

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I do not have a windows disc
Jun 11, 2017 1:46PM PDT

If i'm not mistaken, the repair section you're referring to is more or less the same as the startup repair mode that comes with some of the windows 7 versions?

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Answer
Boot
Jun 10, 2017 2:51PM PDT

What is this machine, laptop/desktop?
When you send the machine for repair what is the repair action?

You could make a system image or a clone but you need to do this often so that if you restore one of these it's not months old.

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Boot.
Jun 10, 2017 3:26PM PDT

This is a Desktop. A very old one. I don't know what they do with it, because i just leave it and come pick it up the day after. But i believe they first make a backup of all my files and then they reinstall windows 7 again.

How can i make a system image?

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Making a system image (after install.)
Jun 10, 2017 3:36PM PDT

Many folk here talk about Todo Backup. It can do that.

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RE: System Image
Jun 10, 2017 3:47PM PDT

Okay, then. I'll look that up. One more thing, it's this the only thing i need to be able to recover from that error? All of my files will still be intact after recovering windows from system image?

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Maybe I misunderstood the question.
Jun 10, 2017 3:55PM PDT

We make a system image after we have our PC working as we wish. That way we can restore that system image and we'll be right back to that day.

You asked "How can i make a system image?"

In your reply to mine about Todo you ask bout files so I worry you meant to ask something else. Such as how to do a factory image recovery (AKA factory reset) and keep your files. The answer is no, factory or image recovery overwrites everything.

We copy out what we want before using factory image or factory resets.

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Best way to fix it then?
Jun 10, 2017 5:13PM PDT

I get the point. But let's just say, i shut down (or restart) the computer right now and it enters in the startup recovery mode. Then let's say it fails to fix it. Afterwards, a set of choices appears to attempt to fix the boot problem. What would be the best way to fix the startup problem? I don't really care about my files, because i just made a backup of the important ones just in case, anyway.

Let me put in here the set of choices that i can remember:
-Startup Repair (this one fails)
-System Restore (this one also failed the times it had happened before, but it might be because i didn't do a system backup very often, if none at all. Just like Bob__B said
-System Image Recovery (never tried this one, i don't know how it works)
-Windows memory diagnostic (I've tried this one, but it doesn't do anything.)
-Command Prompt (I've looked online for command prompts on this one, but none of them actually helped)

Do have in mind that right now the computer is operational. But if i shut it down now and start it up tomorrow perhaps it may enter in the startup issue again, just like before.

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Remember it's Windows 7.
Jun 10, 2017 6:17PM PDT

So repair tools can be limited. Did you try SAFE MODE to see if it's something else?

You listed some of the boot options but not all. Remember how to boot to safe mode is widely documented but here's where the floor drops out. No where is it documented what to do with your damaged OS. Each damaged OS changes from machine to machine.

This is why many opt for a factory reset. I can't find where you wrote you have a Fujitsu, Dell or Packard Bell with model number so I can't see if the maker has a "System Image Recovery" system or how to use that.

I am encountering a lot of folk that never plan for this day or a failed HDD. It's not a sin, just makes recovery hard and sometimes expensive.

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It's impossible for me to get into Safe Mode
Jun 10, 2017 7:58PM PDT

I Cannot access that mode in any way that i know. It is because i have an USB Keyboard and it doesn't let me press any button at all until it gets either to the startup recovery menu or the normal mode of windows.

I also have tried connecting it to all of the ports, and nothing happens. it still doesn't let me do anything. Though, i remember that it *used* to let me do things, but i can't quite remember if that was after the keyboard replacement (non USB) with the one i am currently using (USB)

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Keyboard
Jun 10, 2017 10:03PM PDT

If your keyboard does not go active before windows loads that suggest you can't get into the bios.

Get a ps2 keyboard and use it or keep it as a spare for maintenance use.

You must have access to the bios.

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I'm missing a key detail.
Jun 11, 2017 6:57AM PDT

I run into Dells that DEMAND a PS/2 keyboard to get into the BIOS. This is not an optional thing when you run into that machine. I've seen folk burn up over that but it's a machine so you get your PS/2 keyboard out and work it.

I scanned this thread for PC make and model but missed it. Can you add that detail?

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I had one of those
Jun 11, 2017 8:14AM PDT

and a USB to PS/2 converter won't work with it either.

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PC Model
Jun 11, 2017 8:26AM PDT

I have neither of the models you mentioned in "remember it's windows 7". I'm using a VIT computer. I'm not sure if you've heard about it before.

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I googled that.
Jun 11, 2017 9:07AM PDT
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I knew that would happen
Jun 11, 2017 10:32AM PDT

try looking here: https://www.google.co.ve/

Type "computadora VIT" instead of VIT computer. I am from venezuela. That's why i said i'm not a native english speaker in my original post. They have Dell computers here, but it's more common to find VIT ones.

This is to show you that i'm not lying about it. And don't worry, i'm not upset or anything. I will give any information that can help to see how to workaround my problem.

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Made in Venezuela
Jun 12, 2017 9:51PM PDT

Venezolana de Industria Tecnológica, Compañía Anónima

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it can be fixed
Jun 12, 2017 9:49PM PDT

You probably reset the bios and cleared the setting. anyway you need to enable legacy usb devices in the bios and all should be well.

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Try the command prompt
Jun 12, 2017 9:43PM PDT

I take it you've exhausted the other options besides command prompt?
here is a command you can try "sfc /scannow"
There are options to that command so I'd suggest reading this page for more information

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Image
Jun 10, 2017 3:47PM PDT

There are many image programs some free some paid.

They come with different features so you need to play around with this to find something that fits your needs.

Here's one.
http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html
Give it a test drive.

Which ever program you chose make sure you test the restore function.

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Answer
Since Windows does not boot
Jun 11, 2017 10:37AM PDT

I can't ask for the usual Web Speccy from https://www.piriform.com/docs/speccy/using-speccy/publishing-a-speccy-profile-to-the-web

This means it's up to you to tell all you can. However the story so far seems to be that it demands a PS/2 keyboard, you have to get a Windows 7 DVD or factory recovery then drop the hammer and start over.

The OS looks pretty banged up at this point.

-> That is, I take it all those boot options fail including System Image Recovery.

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I think i failed to explain myself
Jun 11, 2017 10:53AM PDT

I am currently writing you with the same computer we're talking about in this thread. I just hadn't shut it down yet, because i fear that it will enter the state i've been mentioning here and i will have nothing to fix it.

I know it will happen because it's always like that, the startup recovery is successful the first time it happens, but the second time and onwards it always fails. Just two days ago it entered in the startup recovery, and it succeded, as expected. But it will fail the next time i shut down this computer.

Are you sure that System Image Recovery will also fail? In my post i stated that i've never tried it, and that i don't know how it works either.

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That changes what I would do next.
Jun 11, 2017 11:03AM PDT
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Which version should i install?
Jun 11, 2017 11:21AM PDT

The free or professional version?

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The free version.
Jun 11, 2017 12:05PM PDT

I have yet to hear of anyone using the pro one. No need for what I do here.

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Here are the results.
Jun 11, 2017 1:39PM PDT
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That's not exactly a VIT PC.
Jun 11, 2017 2:02PM PDT
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5GCVM/ shows the motherboard they used.

Anyhow, did the CHKDSK get done? That's first.

And unplug the USB drive or SD card for now to stop another issue. It could be trying to boot from that and you get boot failures.
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I thought you wanted to know the general brand
Jun 11, 2017 2:15PM PDT

My computer's screen says VIT, and also the case. that's why i told you it was from VIT, i'm sorry.

Anyway, i've just begun the chkdsk test, i'll be back when it's done.

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It's a clone machine.
Jun 11, 2017 2:34PM PDT

Made of various parts and a sticker on the display. The report did find a thing that could cause boot trouble. Be sure to unplug the SD card or stick and don't leave a CD/DVD in the optical disc drive.

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Curious
Jun 11, 2017 7:32PM PDT

Is there some reason you don't run an AV product?