I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a year old.
Vista Basic was preinstalled.

I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there suggestions of
updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and scan the
disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair program. It
seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted and I
tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could not fix
the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that my
operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options I can get
into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore both do
not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the command
prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully, but
didn't seem to change my situation.
As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made. I do
still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it. I'm also
curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.

Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.

"Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a year old.
> Vista Basic was preinstalled.
>
> I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there suggestions of
> updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and scan
> the
> disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair program.
> It
> seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted and I
> tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could not
> fix
> the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that my
> operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options I can
> get
> into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore both
> do
> not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the command
> prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully, but
> didn't seem to change my situation.
> As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made. I do
> still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it. I'm
> also
> curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
>
> Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.[/color]

Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery partition.
Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to factory
defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
partition. So if you have any there back it up first.

--
Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
[url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
Undo the munge to reply by email

Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start when I turn
the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition as the
boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I would
obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm abroad and
would lose everything.

Thanks

"DarkSentinel" wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a year old.
> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
> >
> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there suggestions of
> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and scan
> > the
> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair program.
> > It
> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted and I
> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could not
> > fix
> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that my
> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options I can
> > get
> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore both
> > do
> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the command
> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully, but
> > didn't seem to change my situation.
> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made. I do
> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it. I'm
> > also
> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
> >
> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.[/color]
>
> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery partition.
> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to factory
> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
>
> --
> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> Undo the munge to reply by email
>
>[/color]

"Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start when I
> turn
> the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition as the
> boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I would
> obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm abroad
> and
> would lose everything.
>
> Thanks[/color]

Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery partition on
Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a second
partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the lappie has
a burner.

--
Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
[url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
Undo the munge to reply by email
[color=blue]
>
> "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>[color=green]
>> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...[color=darkred]
>> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a year
>> > old.
>> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
>> >
>> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there suggestions
>> > of
>> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and
>> > scan
>> > the
>> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair
>> > program.
>> > It
>> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted and
>> > I
>> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could
>> > not
>> > fix
>> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that my
>> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options I
>> > can
>> > get
>> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore
>> > both
>> > do
>> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the command
>> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully, but
>> > didn't seem to change my situation.
>> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made. I
>> > do
>> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it. I'm
>> > also
>> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
>> >
>> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.[/color]
>>
>> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
>> partition.
>> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to factory
>> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
>> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
>>
>> --
>> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> Undo the munge to reply by email
>>
>>[/color][/color]

Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use the hidden
partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would only lose
what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop also has
a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on the c
drive before I reset to the factory settings?

Thanks

"DarkSentinel" wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start when I
> > turn
> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition as the
> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I would
> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm abroad
> > and
> > would lose everything.
> >
> > Thanks[/color]
>
> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery partition on
> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a second
> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the lappie has
> a burner.
>
> --
> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> Undo the munge to reply by email
>[color=green]
> >
> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a year
> >> > old.
> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
> >> >
> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there suggestions
> >> > of
> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and
> >> > scan
> >> > the
> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair
> >> > program.
> >> > It
> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted and
> >> > I
> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could
> >> > not
> >> > fix
> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that my
> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options I
> >> > can
> >> > get
> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore
> >> > both
> >> > do
> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the command
> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully, but
> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made. I
> >> > do
> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it. I'm
> >> > also
> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
> >> >
> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
> >>
> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
> >> partition.
> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to factory
> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >>
> >>[/color][/color][/color]

"Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use the
> hidden
> partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would only
> lose
> what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop also
> has
> a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on the c
> drive before I reset to the factory settings?
>
> Thanks[/color]

Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be wiped and
restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into safe
mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have access to
another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something like
Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had the
occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can answer
that particular question. If neither of those options are workable, then no,
the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a separate
partition for just this eventuality.

--
Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
[url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
Undo the munge to reply by email
[color=blue]
> "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>[color=green]
>> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...[color=darkred]
>> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start when I
>> > turn
>> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition as
>> > the
>> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I would
>> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm
>> > abroad
>> > and
>> > would lose everything.
>> >
>> > Thanks[/color]
>>
>> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery partition on
>> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a second
>> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the lappie
>> has
>> a burner.
>>
>> --
>> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> Undo the munge to reply by email
>>[color=darkred]
>> >
>> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
>> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a
>> >> > year
>> >> > old.
>> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
>> >> >
>> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
>> >> > suggestions
>> >> > of
>> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and
>> >> > scan
>> >> > the
>> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair
>> >> > program.
>> >> > It
>> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted
>> >> > and
>> >> > I
>> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could
>> >> > not
>> >> > fix
>> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that
>> >> > my
>> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options
>> >> > I
>> >> > can
>> >> > get
>> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore
>> >> > both
>> >> > do
>> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
>> >> > command
>> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully,
>> >> > but
>> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
>> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made.
>> >> > I
>> >> > do
>> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it.
>> >> > I'm
>> >> > also
>> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
>> >> >
>> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
>> >>
>> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
>> >> partition.
>> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to factory
>> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
>> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >>
>> >>[/color][/color][/color]

I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess the
hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.

When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't end up
helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.

Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
Partition: 2
Hard disk: b6959135
[ /noexecute=optin

Enter=submit esc=cancel

When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen without any
change.

Thanks

"DarkSentinel" wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use the
> > hidden
> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would only
> > lose
> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop also
> > has
> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on the c
> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
> >
> > Thanks[/color]
>
> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be wiped and
> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into safe
> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have access to
> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something like
> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had the
> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can answer
> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable, then no,
> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a separate
> partition for just this eventuality.
>
> --
> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> Undo the munge to reply by email
>[color=green]
> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start when I
> >> > turn
> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition as
> >> > the
> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I would
> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm
> >> > abroad
> >> > and
> >> > would lose everything.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks
> >>
> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery partition on
> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a second
> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the lappie
> >> has
> >> a burner.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >>
> >> >
> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a
> >> >> > year
> >> >> > old.
> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
> >> >> > suggestions
> >> >> > of
> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode and
> >> >> > scan
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair
> >> >> > program.
> >> >> > It
> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it restarted
> >> >> > and
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and could
> >> >> > not
> >> >> > fix
> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested that
> >> >> > my
> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced options
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > can
> >> >> > get
> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC restore
> >> >> > both
> >> >> > do
> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
> >> >> > command
> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed successfully,
> >> >> > but
> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I made.
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > do
> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access it.
> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> > also
> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
> >> >>
> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
> >> >> partition.
> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to factory
> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >>
> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]

"Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1115686D-5B66-4371-AA4C-4476F55B2A03@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess the
> hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.
>
> When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't end up
> helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.
>
> Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
> Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
> Partition: 2
> Hard disk: b6959135
> [ /noexecute=optin
>
> Enter=submit esc=cancel
>
> When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen without
> any
> change.
>
> Thanks[/color]

Sorry to take so long to respond. Ok, if you have access to the drives you
should be able to move the files. As for the message you are receiving,
sounds like you are waiting too long in the boot cycle. That message is from
the Vista boot loader. So it's actually starting to load Vista. As soon as
you power it on, hit Alt-F10 and hold it, and see if that works. You might
also try Crtl-F10 as well. They MAY have changed the keystroke on later
models. My Acer uses Alt-F10, so that is what I am going by.

--
Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
[url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
Undo the munge to reply by email
[color=blue]
>
> "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>[color=green]
>> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...[color=darkred]
>> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use the
>> > hidden
>> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would
>> > only
>> > lose
>> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop
>> > also
>> > has
>> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on the
>> > c
>> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
>> >
>> > Thanks[/color]
>>
>> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be wiped
>> and
>> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into safe
>> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have access
>> to
>> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something
>> like
>> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had the
>> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can
>> answer
>> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable, then
>> no,
>> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a separate
>> partition for just this eventuality.
>>
>> --
>> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> Undo the munge to reply by email
>>[color=darkred]
>> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start
>> >> > when I
>> >> > turn
>> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition
>> >> > as
>> >> > the
>> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I
>> >> > would
>> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm
>> >> > abroad
>> >> > and
>> >> > would lose everything.
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks
>> >>
>> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery partition
>> >> on
>> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a second
>> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the
>> >> lappie
>> >> has
>> >> a burner.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >>
>> >> >
>> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a
>> >> >> > year
>> >> >> > old.
>> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
>> >> >> > suggestions
>> >> >> > of
>> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > scan
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair
>> >> >> > program.
>> >> >> > It
>> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it
>> >> >> > restarted
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and
>> >> >> > could
>> >> >> > not
>> >> >> > fix
>> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested
>> >> >> > that
>> >> >> > my
>> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced
>> >> >> > options
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > can
>> >> >> > get
>> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC
>> >> >> > restore
>> >> >> > both
>> >> >> > do
>> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
>> >> >> > command
>> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed
>> >> >> > successfully,
>> >> >> > but
>> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
>> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I
>> >> >> > made.
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > do
>> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access
>> >> >> > it.
>> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> > also
>> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
>> >> >> partition.
>> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to
>> >> >> factory
>> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
>> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >> >>
>> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]

Well my d: isn't empty enough to transfer all my data files from the c:. If
I could get my usb, or dvd burner to work I could transfer it easily.

I've tried alt, control, and shift F10 right after I hit the power button.
I get the Acer start screen, then the black screen, then the windows loading
bar. Actually I think on one, or two of those I get that text screen with
edit boot option thing that I posted previous with the noexecute=optin.

Thanks,

Styx

"DarkSentinel" wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1115686D-5B66-4371-AA4C-4476F55B2A03@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess the
> > hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.
> >
> > When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't end up
> > helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.
> >
> > Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
> > Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
> > Partition: 2
> > Hard disk: b6959135
> > [ /noexecute=optin
> >
> > Enter=submit esc=cancel
> >
> > When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen without
> > any
> > change.
> >
> > Thanks[/color]
>
> Sorry to take so long to respond. Ok, if you have access to the drives you
> should be able to move the files. As for the message you are receiving,
> sounds like you are waiting too long in the boot cycle. That message is from
> the Vista boot loader. So it's actually starting to load Vista. As soon as
> you power it on, hit Alt-F10 and hold it, and see if that works. You might
> also try Crtl-F10 as well. They MAY have changed the keystroke on later
> models. My Acer uses Alt-F10, so that is what I am going by.
>
> --
> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> Undo the munge to reply by email
>[color=green]
> >
> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...
> >> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use the
> >> > hidden
> >> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would
> >> > only
> >> > lose
> >> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop
> >> > also
> >> > has
> >> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on the
> >> > c
> >> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks
> >>
> >> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be wiped
> >> and
> >> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into safe
> >> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have access
> >> to
> >> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something
> >> like
> >> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had the
> >> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can
> >> answer
> >> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable, then
> >> no,
> >> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a separate
> >> partition for just this eventuality.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >>
> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start
> >> >> > when I
> >> >> > turn
> >> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden partition
> >> >> > as
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I
> >> >> > would
> >> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since I'm
> >> >> > abroad
> >> >> > and
> >> >> > would lose everything.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Thanks
> >> >>
> >> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery partition
> >> >> on
> >> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a second
> >> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the
> >> >> lappie
> >> >> has
> >> >> a burner.
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >>
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then a
> >> >> >> > year
> >> >> >> > old.
> >> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
> >> >> >> > suggestions
> >> >> >> > of
> >> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe mode
> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> > scan
> >> >> >> > the
> >> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup Repair
> >> >> >> > program.
> >> >> >> > It
> >> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it
> >> >> >> > restarted
> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and
> >> >> >> > could
> >> >> >> > not
> >> >> >> > fix
> >> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested
> >> >> >> > that
> >> >> >> > my
> >> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced
> >> >> >> > options
> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> > can
> >> >> >> > get
> >> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC
> >> >> >> > restore
> >> >> >> > both
> >> >> >> > do
> >> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
> >> >> >> > command
> >> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed
> >> >> >> > successfully,
> >> >> >> > but
> >> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
> >> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I
> >> >> >> > made.
> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> > do
> >> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to access
> >> >> >> > it.
> >> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> >> > also
> >> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the computer.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
> >> >> >> partition.
> >> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to
> >> >> >> factory
> >> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the system
> >> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]

"Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:3C20CE59-B92E-4CF0-A6C2-478D59FC4A68@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> Well my d: isn't empty enough to transfer all my data files from the c:.
> If
> I could get my usb, or dvd burner to work I could transfer it easily.
>
> I've tried alt, control, and shift F10 right after I hit the power button.
> I get the Acer start screen, then the black screen, then the windows
> loading
> bar. Actually I think on one, or two of those I get that text screen with
> edit boot option thing that I posted previous with the noexecute=optin.[/color]

Ok. Got a problem, but it's no insurmountable. You didn't mention what model
laptop you have. Give me the model, and I'll research a bit more, and see
what we can come up with.

--
Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
[url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
Undo the munge to reply by email


[color=blue]
> "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>[color=green]
>> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:1115686D-5B66-4371-AA4C-4476F55B2A03@microsoft.com...[color=darkred]
>> > I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess
>> > the
>> > hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.
>> >
>> > When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't end
>> > up
>> > helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.
>> >
>> > Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
>> > Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
>> > Partition: 2
>> > Hard disk: b6959135
>> > [ /noexecute=optin
>> >
>> > Enter=submit esc=cancel
>> >
>> > When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen
>> > without
>> > any
>> > change.
>> >
>> > Thanks[/color]
>>
>> Sorry to take so long to respond. Ok, if you have access to the drives
>> you
>> should be able to move the files. As for the message you are receiving,
>> sounds like you are waiting too long in the boot cycle. That message is
>> from
>> the Vista boot loader. So it's actually starting to load Vista. As soon
>> as
>> you power it on, hit Alt-F10 and hold it, and see if that works. You
>> might
>> also try Crtl-F10 as well. They MAY have changed the keystroke on later
>> models. My Acer uses Alt-F10, so that is what I am going by.
>>
>> --
>> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> Undo the munge to reply by email
>>[color=darkred]
>> >
>> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use
>> >> > the
>> >> > hidden
>> >> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would
>> >> > only
>> >> > lose
>> >> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop
>> >> > also
>> >> > has
>> >> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on
>> >> > the
>> >> > c
>> >> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks
>> >>
>> >> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be
>> >> wiped
>> >> and
>> >> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into
>> >> safe
>> >> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have
>> >> access
>> >> to
>> >> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something
>> >> like
>> >> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had
>> >> the
>> >> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can
>> >> answer
>> >> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable,
>> >> then
>> >> no,
>> >> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a
>> >> separate
>> >> partition for just this eventuality.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >>
>> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start
>> >> >> > when I
>> >> >> > turn
>> >> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden
>> >> >> > partition
>> >> >> > as
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I
>> >> >> > would
>> >> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since
>> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> > abroad
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > would lose everything.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Thanks
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery
>> >> >> partition
>> >> >> on
>> >> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a
>> >> >> second
>> >> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the
>> >> >> lappie
>> >> >> has
>> >> >> a burner.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >> >>
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then
>> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> > year
>> >> >> >> > old.
>> >> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
>> >> >> >> > suggestions
>> >> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe
>> >> >> >> > mode
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> > scan
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup
>> >> >> >> > Repair
>> >> >> >> > program.
>> >> >> >> > It
>> >> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it
>> >> >> >> > restarted
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and
>> >> >> >> > could
>> >> >> >> > not
>> >> >> >> > fix
>> >> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested
>> >> >> >> > that
>> >> >> >> > my
>> >> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced
>> >> >> >> > options
>> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> > can
>> >> >> >> > get
>> >> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC
>> >> >> >> > restore
>> >> >> >> > both
>> >> >> >> > do
>> >> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
>> >> >> >> > command
>> >> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed
>> >> >> >> > successfully,
>> >> >> >> > but
>> >> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
>> >> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I
>> >> >> >> > made.
>> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> > do
>> >> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to
>> >> >> >> > access
>> >> >> >> > it.
>> >> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> >> > also
>> >> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the
>> >> >> >> > computer.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
>> >> >> >> partition.
>> >> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to
>> >> >> >> factory
>> >> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the
>> >> >> >> system
>> >> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]

It's an Acer Aspire 5570-2792. That's what it says on the littler sticker by
the keyboard. By the monitor it says Aspire 5570Z. So I'm not sure if that'll
make a big difference.

Thanks

"DarkSentinel" wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:3C20CE59-B92E-4CF0-A6C2-478D59FC4A68@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > Well my d: isn't empty enough to transfer all my data files from the c:.
> > If
> > I could get my usb, or dvd burner to work I could transfer it easily.
> >
> > I've tried alt, control, and shift F10 right after I hit the power button.
> > I get the Acer start screen, then the black screen, then the windows
> > loading
> > bar. Actually I think on one, or two of those I get that text screen with
> > edit boot option thing that I posted previous with the noexecute=optin.[/color]
>
> Ok. Got a problem, but it's no insurmountable. You didn't mention what model
> laptop you have. Give me the model, and I'll research a bit more, and see
> what we can come up with.
>
> --
> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> Undo the munge to reply by email
>
>
>[color=green]
> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:1115686D-5B66-4371-AA4C-4476F55B2A03@microsoft.com...
> >> > I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess
> >> > the
> >> > hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.
> >> >
> >> > When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't end
> >> > up
> >> > helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.
> >> >
> >> > Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
> >> > Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
> >> > Partition: 2
> >> > Hard disk: b6959135
> >> > [ /noexecute=optin
> >> >
> >> > Enter=submit esc=cancel
> >> >
> >> > When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen
> >> > without
> >> > any
> >> > change.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks
> >>
> >> Sorry to take so long to respond. Ok, if you have access to the drives
> >> you
> >> should be able to move the files. As for the message you are receiving,
> >> sounds like you are waiting too long in the boot cycle. That message is
> >> from
> >> the Vista boot loader. So it's actually starting to load Vista. As soon
> >> as
> >> you power it on, hit Alt-F10 and hold it, and see if that works. You
> >> might
> >> also try Crtl-F10 as well. They MAY have changed the keystroke on later
> >> models. My Acer uses Alt-F10, so that is what I am going by.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >>
> >> >
> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > hidden
> >> >> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would
> >> >> > only
> >> >> > lose
> >> >> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop
> >> >> > also
> >> >> > has
> >> >> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > c
> >> >> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Thanks
> >> >>
> >> >> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be
> >> >> wiped
> >> >> and
> >> >> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into
> >> >> safe
> >> >> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have
> >> >> access
> >> >> to
> >> >> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something
> >> >> like
> >> >> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had
> >> >> the
> >> >> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can
> >> >> answer
> >> >> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable,
> >> >> then
> >> >> no,
> >> >> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a
> >> >> separate
> >> >> partition for just this eventuality.
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >>
> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start
> >> >> >> > when I
> >> >> >> > turn
> >> >> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden
> >> >> >> > partition
> >> >> >> > as
> >> >> >> > the
> >> >> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I
> >> >> >> > would
> >> >> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since
> >> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> >> > abroad
> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> > would lose everything.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Thanks
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery
> >> >> >> partition
> >> >> >> on
> >> >> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a
> >> >> >> second
> >> >> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the
> >> >> >> lappie
> >> >> >> has
> >> >> >> a burner.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then
> >> >> >> >> > a
> >> >> >> >> > year
> >> >> >> >> > old.
> >> >> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
> >> >> >> >> > suggestions
> >> >> >> >> > of
> >> >> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe
> >> >> >> >> > mode
> >> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> >> > scan
> >> >> >> >> > the
> >> >> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup
> >> >> >> >> > Repair
> >> >> >> >> > program.
> >> >> >> >> > It
> >> >> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it
> >> >> >> >> > restarted
> >> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and
> >> >> >> >> > could
> >> >> >> >> > not
> >> >> >> >> > fix
> >> >> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested
> >> >> >> >> > that
> >> >> >> >> > my
> >> >> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced
> >> >> >> >> > options
> >> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> >> > can
> >> >> >> >> > get
> >> >> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC
> >> >> >> >> > restore
> >> >> >> >> > both
> >> >> >> >> > do
> >> >> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
> >> >> >> >> > command
> >> >> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed
> >> >> >> >> > successfully,
> >> >> >> >> > but
> >> >> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
> >> >> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I
> >> >> >> >> > made.
> >> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> >> > do
> >> >> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to
> >> >> >> >> > access
> >> >> >> >> > it.
> >> >> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> >> >> > also
> >> >> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the
> >> >> >> >> > computer.
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
> >> >> >> >> partition.
> >> >> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to
> >> >> >> >> factory
> >> >> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the
> >> >> >> >> system
> >> >> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]

So Acer Support tells me that to get into the recovery section I do hit
Alt-F10 right when I see the Acer splash screen. Of course I'm having trouble
making that work. I think I may have to end up calling North America and Acer
for support. Any ideas on if/how I'd be able to transfer my files from the c:
drive?

Thanks

"DarkSentinel" wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:3C20CE59-B92E-4CF0-A6C2-478D59FC4A68@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > Well my d: isn't empty enough to transfer all my data files from the c:.
> > If
> > I could get my usb, or dvd burner to work I could transfer it easily.
> >
> > I've tried alt, control, and shift F10 right after I hit the power button.
> > I get the Acer start screen, then the black screen, then the windows
> > loading
> > bar. Actually I think on one, or two of those I get that text screen with
> > edit boot option thing that I posted previous with the noexecute=optin.[/color]
>
> Ok. Got a problem, but it's no insurmountable. You didn't mention what model
> laptop you have. Give me the model, and I'll research a bit more, and see
> what we can come up with.
>
> --
> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> Undo the munge to reply by email
>
>
>[color=green]
> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:1115686D-5B66-4371-AA4C-4476F55B2A03@microsoft.com...
> >> > I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess
> >> > the
> >> > hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.
> >> >
> >> > When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't end
> >> > up
> >> > helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.
> >> >
> >> > Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
> >> > Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
> >> > Partition: 2
> >> > Hard disk: b6959135
> >> > [ /noexecute=optin
> >> >
> >> > Enter=submit esc=cancel
> >> >
> >> > When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen
> >> > without
> >> > any
> >> > change.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks
> >>
> >> Sorry to take so long to respond. Ok, if you have access to the drives
> >> you
> >> should be able to move the files. As for the message you are receiving,
> >> sounds like you are waiting too long in the boot cycle. That message is
> >> from
> >> the Vista boot loader. So it's actually starting to load Vista. As soon
> >> as
> >> you power it on, hit Alt-F10 and hold it, and see if that works. You
> >> might
> >> also try Crtl-F10 as well. They MAY have changed the keystroke on later
> >> models. My Acer uses Alt-F10, so that is what I am going by.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >>
> >> >
> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > hidden
> >> >> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I would
> >> >> > only
> >> >> > lose
> >> >> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh laptop
> >> >> > also
> >> >> > has
> >> >> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information on
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > c
> >> >> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Thanks
> >> >>
> >> >> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be
> >> >> wiped
> >> >> and
> >> >> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into
> >> >> safe
> >> >> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have
> >> >> access
> >> >> to
> >> >> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from something
> >> >> like
> >> >> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never had
> >> >> the
> >> >> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that can
> >> >> answer
> >> >> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable,
> >> >> then
> >> >> no,
> >> >> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a
> >> >> separate
> >> >> partition for just this eventuality.
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >>
> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the start
> >> >> >> > when I
> >> >> >> > turn
> >> >> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden
> >> >> >> > partition
> >> >> >> > as
> >> >> >> > the
> >> >> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just that I
> >> >> >> > would
> >> >> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since
> >> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> >> > abroad
> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> > would lose everything.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Thanks
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery
> >> >> >> partition
> >> >> >> on
> >> >> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a
> >> >> >> second
> >> >> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if the
> >> >> >> lappie
> >> >> >> has
> >> >> >> a burner.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less then
> >> >> >> >> > a
> >> >> >> >> > year
> >> >> >> >> > old.
> >> >> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
> >> >> >> >> > suggestions
> >> >> >> >> > of
> >> >> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe
> >> >> >> >> > mode
> >> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> >> > scan
> >> >> >> >> > the
> >> >> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup
> >> >> >> >> > Repair
> >> >> >> >> > program.
> >> >> >> >> > It
> >> >> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it
> >> >> >> >> > restarted
> >> >> >> >> > and
> >> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again and
> >> >> >> >> > could
> >> >> >> >> > not
> >> >> >> >> > fix
> >> >> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support suggested
> >> >> >> >> > that
> >> >> >> >> > my
> >> >> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced
> >> >> >> >> > options
> >> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> >> > can
> >> >> >> >> > get
> >> >> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC
> >> >> >> >> > restore
> >> >> >> >> > both
> >> >> >> >> > do
> >> >> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in the
> >> >> >> >> > command
> >> >> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed
> >> >> >> >> > successfully,
> >> >> >> >> > but
> >> >> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
> >> >> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc I
> >> >> >> >> > made.
> >> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> >> > do
> >> >> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to
> >> >> >> >> > access
> >> >> >> >> > it.
> >> >> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> >> >> > also
> >> >> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the
> >> >> >> >> > computer.
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the recovery
> >> >> >> >> partition.
> >> >> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to
> >> >> >> >> factory
> >> >> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the
> >> >> >> >> system
> >> >> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
> >> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
> >> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]

"Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8A00F38C-F296-40DB-A816-84C1AF60BF3F@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> So Acer Support tells me that to get into the recovery section I do hit
> Alt-F10 right when I see the Acer splash screen. Of course I'm having
> trouble
> making that work. I think I may have to end up calling North America and
> Acer
> for support. Any ideas on if/how I'd be able to transfer my files from the
> c:
> drive?[/color]

Since you have spoken to Acer directly, I'll disregard the other post, since
they told you what the key sequence was. Since neither the DVD nor USB will
work in this instance, and there is insufficient space of the D: partition,
there is only one alternative that I can think of. There are adapters that
will allow you to attach your laptop's drive to a standard IDE controller. I
have used these in the past, and they are a real lifesaver. Here is where I
got mine...

[url]http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=906&sku=17705[/url]

As long as you have access to another machine, you can save it to an
external drive and/or burn it to DVD. There is also another adapter I have
that will allow you to attach your drive to any machine without having to
open the case of the one you are using to retrieve the data. If the data is
important, it is well worth the money...

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002[/url]

**** good price, and the ability to add it to any USB port. Hopefully one of
these will solve your problem.

--
Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
[url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
Undo the munge to reply by email

[color=blue]
> "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>[color=green]
>> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:3C20CE59-B92E-4CF0-A6C2-478D59FC4A68@microsoft.com...[color=darkred]
>> > Well my d: isn't empty enough to transfer all my data files from the
>> > c:.
>> > If
>> > I could get my usb, or dvd burner to work I could transfer it easily.
>> >
>> > I've tried alt, control, and shift F10 right after I hit the power
>> > button.
>> > I get the Acer start screen, then the black screen, then the windows
>> > loading
>> > bar. Actually I think on one, or two of those I get that text screen
>> > with
>> > edit boot option thing that I posted previous with the noexecute=optin.[/color]
>>
>> Ok. Got a problem, but it's no insurmountable. You didn't mention what
>> model
>> laptop you have. Give me the model, and I'll research a bit more, and see
>> what we can come up with.
>>
>> --
>> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> Undo the munge to reply by email
>>
>>
>>[color=darkred]
>> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:1115686D-5B66-4371-AA4C-4476F55B2A03@microsoft.com...
>> >> > I do seem to have access to the c: and d: drives, as well as I guess
>> >> > the
>> >> > hidden x: drive, through the dos option in the advanced options.
>> >> >
>> >> > When I boot after hitting Alt-F10, I come to a screen which doesn't
>> >> > end
>> >> > up
>> >> > helping me as is. Here is a break down of what it says.
>> >> >
>> >> > Edit Windows boot options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
>> >> > Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe
>> >> > Partition: 2
>> >> > Hard disk: b6959135
>> >> > [ /noexecute=optin
>> >> >
>> >> > Enter=submit esc=cancel
>> >> >
>> >> > When I hit enter I end up going back to the system repair screen
>> >> > without
>> >> > any
>> >> > change.
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks
>> >>
>> >> Sorry to take so long to respond. Ok, if you have access to the drives
>> >> you
>> >> should be able to move the files. As for the message you are
>> >> receiving,
>> >> sounds like you are waiting too long in the boot cycle. That message
>> >> is
>> >> from
>> >> the Vista boot loader. So it's actually starting to load Vista. As
>> >> soon
>> >> as
>> >> you power it on, hit Alt-F10 and hold it, and see if that works. You
>> >> might
>> >> also try Crtl-F10 as well. They MAY have changed the keystroke on
>> >> later
>> >> models. My Acer uses Alt-F10, so that is what I am going by.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >>
>> >> >
>> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:ACAE8403-D3D3-4EE1-A31C-FD36B6F47E06@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> > Yes my laptop has 2 partitions. Does that mean that if/when I use
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > hidden
>> >> >> > partition to reset everything back to the factory settings, I
>> >> >> > would
>> >> >> > only
>> >> >> > lose
>> >> >> > what I have on the c drive? The d drive would stay as is? Teh
>> >> >> > laptop
>> >> >> > also
>> >> >> > has
>> >> >> > a burner. You think that I would have access to the information
>> >> >> > on
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > c
>> >> >> > drive before I reset to the factory settings?
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Thanks
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Exactly. D: drive will stay intact, and only the C: drive will be
>> >> >> wiped
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> restored back to it's original state. IF you can actually get into
>> >> >> safe
>> >> >> mode, you should able to transfer the files. If not, and you have
>> >> >> access
>> >> >> to
>> >> >> another system you may be able to build a boot media CD from
>> >> >> something
>> >> >> like
>> >> >> Acronis Disk Director. Not sure if that will work as I have never
>> >> >> had
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> occasion to need it. Maybe someone with more experience with that
>> >> >> can
>> >> >> answer
>> >> >> that particular question. If neither of those options are workable,
>> >> >> then
>> >> >> no,
>> >> >> the data won't be recoverable. A lot of us keep data files on a
>> >> >> separate
>> >> >> partition for just this eventuality.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >> >>
>> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> >> news:04AA42E1-E034-4015-8903-DB4F9E3EF86D@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >> > Thanks for the reply. At which point is POST? Right at the
>> >> >> >> > start
>> >> >> >> > when I
>> >> >> >> > turn
>> >> >> >> > the computer on? So I would not be able to use the hidden
>> >> >> >> > partition
>> >> >> >> > as
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> > boot disk for vista to repair any damaged files? It's just
>> >> >> >> > that I
>> >> >> >> > would
>> >> >> >> > obviously want to try anything else before wiping the HD since
>> >> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> >> > abroad
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> > would lose everything.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > Thanks
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Yes, the POST is the "Power On Self Test". No, the recovery
>> >> >> >> partition
>> >> >> >> on
>> >> >> >> Acers only restore to factory default. Does the laptop have a
>> >> >> >> second
>> >> >> >> partition you can uses to back up data? Or you can use DVD if
>> >> >> >> the
>> >> >> >> lappie
>> >> >> >> has
>> >> >> >> a burner.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > "DarkSentinel" wrote:
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> "Styx" <Styx@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> >> >> news:2899932B-E82E-4E31-A2B7-E057C15D86EC@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >> >> > I'm in Scotland with my Canadian bought Acer laptop, less
>> >> >> >> >> > then
>> >> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> > year
>> >> >> >> >> > old.
>> >> >> >> >> > Vista Basic was preinstalled.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > I had problems with Norton AntiVirus. After following there
>> >> >> >> >> > suggestions
>> >> >> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> >> > updating and clearing the disc files, I was to boot in safe
>> >> >> >> >> > mode
>> >> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> > scan
>> >> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> > disc. On booting to safe mode, I encountered the Startup
>> >> >> >> >> > Repair
>> >> >> >> >> > program.
>> >> >> >> >> > It
>> >> >> >> >> > seemed to repair something the first time around. When it
>> >> >> >> >> > restarted
>> >> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> >> > tried to boot into safe mode, Startup Repair started again
>> >> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> > could
>> >> >> >> >> > not
>> >> >> >> >> > fix
>> >> >> >> >> > the problem. I've tried a few times. Norton Support
>> >> >> >> >> > suggested
>> >> >> >> >> > that
>> >> >> >> >> > my
>> >> >> >> >> > operating system files may be corrupted. Under the advanced
>> >> >> >> >> > options
>> >> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> >> > can
>> >> >> >> >> > get
>> >> >> >> >> > into the Recovery tool menu. System restore and Complete PC
>> >> >> >> >> > restore
>> >> >> >> >> > both
>> >> >> >> >> > do
>> >> >> >> >> > not work. Following some other support I found I tried, in
>> >> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> > command
>> >> >> >> >> > prompt, bootrec /fixboot and /fixbmr. Both completed
>> >> >> >> >> > successfully,
>> >> >> >> >> > but
>> >> >> >> >> > didn't seem to change my situation.
>> >> >> >> >> > As I am in Scotland I do not have access to the backup disc
>> >> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> >> > made.
>> >> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> >> > do
>> >> >> >> >> > still have the hidden partition, but I'm not sure how to
>> >> >> >> >> > access
>> >> >> >> >> > it.
>> >> >> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> >> >> > also
>> >> >> >> >> > curious if I will lose my information if/when I fix the
>> >> >> >> >> > computer.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > Sorry for the long post, Thanks for any help.
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> Press Alt-F10 during POST and it will take you into the
>> >> >> >> >> recovery
>> >> >> >> >> partition.
>> >> >> >> >> Follow the instructions and it will take your system back to
>> >> >> >> >> factory
>> >> >> >> >> defaults. This also means yes, you will lose all data on the
>> >> >> >> >> system
>> >> >> >> >> partition. So if you have any there back it up first.
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> >> Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.
>> >> >> >> >> [url]http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel[/url]
>> >> >> >> >> Undo the munge to reply by email
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >>[/color][/color][/color]