Can't get into Safe Mode/Error loading Operating System

[Xian]

Whenever I start my computer, it will load and then suddenly, I'll get an
message saying "Error loading operating system". I'm pretty sure I need to go
into safe mode and pull a system restore. The real problem is, I can't get
into my Advanced Boot Options now. I was able to do it before but ever since
this problem arised, I've put hours into pressing F8 while its loading, but
it doesn't go into any options.

Anyone know what to do? I'd rather not have to reinstall my operating system
because I've been working on a project that's practically done, that isn't
backed up.

Well thanks for the time, effort, and help.

 

[Xian]

Oh thanks, I do have a Gateway, I'll try F5 right now, if that doesn't work
I'll try booting from the CD,

but if this helps:

When I pull a PXE Boot, it says: "Operating System Not Found"

Well, I gotta go try that right now. thanks.

 

[Xian]

After finding the F5 key didn't work, I all of the "F" keys. Nothing
happened. I booted from the disk, and let the files load. It then went to a
black screen that had the green loading bar, like it usually does. It now has
gone to a black screen and has been on this blank black screen for quite some
time now. I'm going to leave it there, but is it supposed to do that?

 

[Nonny]

After finding the F5 key didn't work, I all of the "F" keys.

Try F8 and nothing else. You have to do it on startup just as soon as
something appears on your monitor.

 

[Adam Albright]

After finding the F5 key didn't work, I all of the "F" keys. Nothing
happened. I booted from the disk, and let the files load. It then went to a
black screen that had the green loading bar, like it usually does. It now has
gone to a black screen and has been on this blank black screen for quite some
time now. I'm going to leave it there, but is it supposed to do that?

Leaving it there won't help. No it isn't suppose to do that. Windows
can hang up at a black screen from a host of causes. Most likely Vista
is stumbling on some driver, it ran into some file system corruption
or as goofy as it sounds it can't find or boot the OS if you get a
lock up very early right after you see the BIOS screens.

If you have a setup disk and you have multiple hard drives, especially
if one or more are SATA you could try disconnecting both the data and
power cables from those so you only have the root (C Drive) connected.
These are often known to cause no OS found errors. Ironically even if
this is the problem you may never see a no OS found error. Before
trying that try the following:

It could also be a Master Boot Record issue. Generally this is easy to
fix.

Type:

Bootrec.exe /fixMBR
Bootrec.exe /fixBoot

From a command prompt AFTER inserting the Vista DVD and following the
steps detailed here:

http://www.winvistatips.com/fix-mbr-a116.php

 

[Xian]

I've tried it many times, many many many times. and nothing ever comes up. I
have literally spent about 2-3 hours just doing that. I would try again, but
right now I'm repairing it with the start up disk.

 

[Xian]

Alright thanks, I'll be sure to try that later today.

 

[xblade13]

I have the exact same problem with my Area 51 Alienware computer. I tried
everything I could find and it did not work. Current Problem is that my user
profiles cannot be loaded.

 

[Xian]

Well, that didn't work at all, I let the files load and it eventually led me
to a black screen...nothing happened from there....The only way I can even
Get to safe boot is if I boot from disk, but any boot from disk eventually
leads me to a black screen.....So I have no idea what to do....