Startup repair not working

  • Thread starter Thread starter Styx
  • Start date Start date
S

Styx

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 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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
 
Styx said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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
 
Styx said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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
 
Styx said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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 said:
Styx said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email
Click to expand...
 
Styx said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


DarkSentinel said:
Styx said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email
:

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
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

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


:

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.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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 said:
Styx said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


DarkSentinel said:
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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


:

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
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

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


:

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.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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 said:
Styx said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


DarkSentinel said:
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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


:

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
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

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


:

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.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Styx said:
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?
Click to expand...

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...

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

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...

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

Damn 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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email

DarkSentinel said:
Styx said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
Undo the munge to reply by email


:

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.
http://www.lockergnome.com/darksentinel
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:

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.
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:

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.
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:

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.
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