Windows XP frozen and safe mode freezes also-have unsaved files! H

[MsGiraffe]

I tried to also post this message in this group but I must have mistyped some
info so this what I have posted in basics and performance and maintenance
groups. I reall need some help, please!

Hello! I have Windows XP 2005 Media version and I use AVG for virus
protection. My computer is approx 18 months old and under warranty but I am
not getting any help over the phone and that is all they are offering at this
point.

I have files saved on my computer that I had not backed up and do need to
recover if I at all can. I have a flash drive ready to do that! Trust me
when I say I have learned my lesson and I don't plan to save anything
directly on my computer. I will use CDs and Flash Drives to maintain my
files for when I need them.

My computer was working fine until approx 1 week ago. When I turned
on my computer, it froze (locked) up. I was able at one point during the day
to get the computer to let me open up in safe mode. I performed Check Disk
and it told me that the volume in C was dirty. It proceeded on to check the
rest of the disk. However, when it completes and goes to the log in page and
I clik on my icon, the system freezes up. Now I cannot even open up in safe
mode as it freezes (locks) up in safe mode as well. Today,I called Dell as
my computer is still under warranty, and was told she could help me to do a
system retore and I would lose all of my files, etc. She advised that first
I contact a local repair person to get them to help me to back up my files
and then call her back to complete the system restore. I couln't get any
other info or help and ended the phone call more confused and stressed. I
have many files that I have not backed up on any other source and I know I
should have done so all along.

I have been able to do the F12 and all the tests pass. If I do F8 and go to
prev safe configuration it will bring up the sign in page, but freezes up
when I click on the icon and try to input my password.

What is causing this? Is my drive corrupted? How can I fix this without
losing all my files? I need my computer desparately and need your help even
more.
I opened the computer and cleaned it out. It still freezes up. I am at a
loss and desperately need help!

I am not very computer illiterate when it comes to the this type of technical
part of a computer. I follow directions well and am eager for some help to
get my computer fixed soon!

I hope I have given enough info for someone to be able to help me fix my
computer if at all possible!


MsGiraffe
Louisville, KY

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

It sounds like you will be able to go the "Safe Mode with Command Prompt"
This will let you run the command to start a System Restore. (Press F8 on
restart to go to the safe mode menu)

HOW TO Start System Restore Tool from Command Prompt (Q304449):
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q304/4/49.asp

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Mark L. Ferguson

..

 

[MsGiraffe]

Mark, Thanks so much for the helpful tools. I have some additional
questions after looking at your links: When I do the system restore, will I
lose any files I cannot access to back up? When I go into safe mode, would I
be able to back up those files before system restore if I go into the safe
mode with command prompts?

Thanks again in advance!

Ms Giraffe
Louisville, KY

 

[Homer S.]

Mark, Thanks so much for the helpful tools. I have some additional
questions after looking at your links: When I do the system restore, will I
lose any files I cannot access to back up? When I go into safe mode, would I
be able to back up those files before system restore if I go into the safe
mode with command prompts?

Thanks again in advance!

Ms Giraffe
Louisville, KY

System Restore does not affect any of your personal data. It's very safe.

 

[Homer S.]

I tried to also post this message in this group but I must have mistyped some
info so this what I have posted in basics and performance and maintenance
groups. I reall need some help, please!

Hello! I have Windows XP 2005 Media version and I use AVG for virus
protection. My computer is approx 18 months old and under warranty but I am
not getting any help over the phone and that is all they are offering at this
point.

I have files saved on my computer that I had not backed up and do need to
recover if I at all can. I have a flash drive ready to do that! Trust me
when I say I have learned my lesson and I don't plan to save anything
directly on my computer. I will use CDs and Flash Drives to maintain my
files for when I need them.

My computer was working fine until approx 1 week ago. When I turned
on my computer, it froze (locked) up. I was able at one point during the day
to get the computer to let me open up in safe mode. I performed Check Disk
and it told me that the volume in C was dirty. It proceeded on to check the
rest of the disk. However, when it completes and goes to the log in page and
I clik on my icon, the system freezes up. Now I cannot even open up in safe
mode as it freezes (locks) up in safe mode as well. Today,I called Dell as
my computer is still under warranty, and was told she could help me to do a
system retore and I would lose all of my files, etc. She advised that first
I contact a local repair person to get them to help me to back up my files
and then call her back to complete the system restore. I couln't get any
other info or help and ended the phone call more confused and stressed. I
have many files that I have not backed up on any other source and I know I
should have done so all along.

I have been able to do the F12 and all the tests pass. If I do F8 and go to
prev safe configuration it will bring up the sign in page, but freezes up
when I click on the icon and try to input my password.

What is causing this? Is my drive corrupted? How can I fix this without
losing all my files? I need my computer desparately and need your help even
more.
I opened the computer and cleaned it out. It still freezes up. I am at a
loss and desperately need help!

I am not very computer illiterate when it comes to the this type of technical
part of a computer. I follow directions well and am eager for some help to
get my computer fixed soon!

I hope I have given enough info for someone to be able to help me fix my
computer if at all possible!


MsGiraffe
Louisville, KY

If you really want to save your data and need your computer to run correctly, DO NOT
TALK TO DELL ANYMORE!!!! - at least until you're sure you have your data backed up.
They did give you some invaluable advice though - CONTACT A LOCAL REPAIR PERSON!

I am a 'local repair person' and I get a ton of business from Dell computer owners
with problems such as yours whose systems are still under the worthless Dell 'quasi'
warranty. The only thing Dell does for a person in your situation is instruct you in
the use of their system restore. The Dell person you speak with lacks the necessary
skills and expertise needed to actually SOLVE your problem. The Dell solution to 99%
of all problems, 'system restore', completely destroys any and all of your data and
takes your software back to the dark day when you first turned on your piece of Dell
crap. At least that woman you talked to warned that you would lose all your data if
you followed her instructions - you are one of the lucky ones. I get people all the
time who walk into my store with their Dell computers and ask if I can get their
family pictures back - after they had already listened to a Dell moron and
completely wiped out their data with a system restore. I even had a lady who told me
that Dell assured her that her data was not lost after they had her do a system
restore and all she had to do was take the computer to a 'local repair shop' to get
it back. She actually got pissed off and argued with me for 30 minutes when I told
her Dell was wrong and her data was gone for good. UNBELIEVABLE!!!

DO: find a local repair shop (NOT BEST BUY or CIRCUIT CITY!!) and ask them to
recover your data. That should cost between $95 - $145 - I charge $95 for a simple
recovery where I just burn your entire My Documents folder to a DVD or two. If you
have files scattered all over the place and don't know where anything is, the cost
goes up at a rate of $50 per hour. Also, if you have a large amount of data that
takes more than 2-3 DVD's the cost will be higher.

DO: yourself a favor, don't buy another Dell, but if you do, forget the extended
warranty - its worthless. Use the money you save to take it to a LOCAL REPAIR SHOP
when you have trouble. Better yet, buy your next computer from a reputable local
computer shop and avoid the frustration of having to call India and talk to someone
who knows less than you about computers.

Good Luck,
HJS

 

[Bill in Co.]

You should probably clarify which "system restore" you are talking about
below, as this post can be a bit misleading.

The (WinXP) System Restore obviously does NOT take you back to the day your
computer was shipped, but the DELL system restore or system recovery option
(only selected as a special bootup option, typically Ctrl-F11), does.

 

[MsGiraffe]

Homer,

While I appreciate that you may not like Dell computers, I do. I have owned
several and this is the first one I have had a problem with. I have taken my
computer to a local repair shop and they are retreiving my files. They
didn't belittle my purchase of a Dell nor imply it was not a smart purchase.

I was very offended by your comments and felt they were out of line!


MsGiraffe
Louisville, KY

 

[Unknown]

It is not the Dell computers, it is the support you get from Dell. Dell
support has a very poor reputation.
(Their sales department also in my opinion).
Your repair shop should not belittle your purchase of a Dell. You are
providing their livelihood.