Vista boot / startup issue.

Zap said:
chkdsk from the command line will work, it's no different from you putting the disk in another machine and running it :)
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Nope, it's not having any of it! After the initial scan, the drive/os installation disappears... And no commands to c: from cmd work.



I still haven't had a chance to try loading the mobo drivers when given the opportunity (not that I think that'll help) and my last resort is to swap out the drive into another machine and scan.

SW.
 
If you don't have easy access to another machine, use Linux Knoppix, recover the data from the HDD with a spare HDD, then format and reinstall Vista. Knoppix has sorted me out several times and imo everyone should have a Knoppix DVD at the side of their comp!

Linux Knoppix boots fromt he DVD straight to the OS (no HDD required) then allows you to view all the HDD data from its file explorer.
 
GRLDR = grub boot loader or am I mistaken?

Is there a dual boot environment? You need to restore the vista bootloader

Some illegal versions of vista use a grub bootloader for bios emulation to bypass activation.
 
Six6siX said:
GRLDR = grub boot loader or am I mistaken?

Is there a dual boot environment? You need to restore the vista bootloader

Some illegal versions of vista use a grub bootloader for bios emulation to bypass activation.
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I've read a few posts on other forums about a grub bootloader being present on dodgy copies of vista, but this installation is totally legit. I've got the disc and license in front of me with all the other systems disc in anticipation of the rebuild :rolleyes:

@Robbie G - I'm going to try the drive in another machine first, but I'll certainly consider knoppix if that doesn't work out. Downloading now...

SW.
 
Okay, just a quick update...

This morning I put a vista recovery cd that I found on the net, claiming to contain all the recovery tools but no os - I think it was about 130mb and possibly originated from ms? Interestingly, i could get into c: but couldn't perform any of the tasks including chkdsk? That came up with a raw disc error... whilst it was allowing me access I checked the dir and that was able to list the contents of the drive. In between attempting these tasks the drive suddenly became inaccessible :( Maybe it is the disc itself dying?

Anyway, I'm now onto the knoppix stage - apparently there is only about 3gb of data that actually needs recovering so I'm hopping to be able to lift it off in knoppix and get it onto a memory stick.

How long should knoppix take to load btw? I only had about 20mins this morning, but all i was left with was a black screen and a b/w mouse cursor?

I've also been recommended TRK 3.3 which I'm downloading now in case knoppix doesn't work out.

Cheers,

SW.
 
I think the lesson here is, don't offer to fix PC's for friends :p

Look at how much time you've spent on it so far!
 
PiKe said:
I think the lesson here is, don't offer to fix PC's for friends :p

Look at how much time you've spent on it so far!
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Ha. I know it's a bloody nightmare... :D

I'm sort of at the 'point of no return' now though and I want to bring it all to a conclusion and get paid! It hasn't all been in vain though? I've found out about knoppix and trk which i didn't even know existed.

I can see them proving very useful in the future ;)

SW.
 
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