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Computer Failure


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#1
AFAS

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Hi, wonder if you can advise me?
I installed free AVG software last night and shut the computer down instead of rebooting as instructed.
I have tried to start my computer again and after the 'windows' page the computer shuts down, then opens up as before then shuts down. This goes on for as long as I let it.
I have tried to start in safe mode (I think) but the same thing happens.
I am assuming AVG has something to do with it but maybe not.
The machine in driving me daft.
I am using my sons computer just now and he is driving me daft!
Is there anything you can advise to help?
Kind regards
Alan
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#2
Broni

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Try system restore from recovery console....

If you have Windows XP CD... (if you don't have Windows CD, scroll down)

1. Boot from the CD.
2. When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts. Select the repair or recover option by pressing R:

Posted Image

3. You'll find yourself at this screen:

Posted Image

4. Once you are at the Recovery Console you will be given at least one choice of Windows installations. Normally the choice you want is the number 1 choice. Click the number 1 key at the "top" of the keyboard and click enter.

NOTE: at this point your numbers to the right of your keyboard are turned off. If you insist on using these keys for your numbers remember to hit the Numbers Lock key before clicking a number over there or your computer will automatically reboot and you will have to wait through the previous steps to get back to the console.

5. You will be given a message asking for the administrator password. Unless someone or something has messed with your computer there is no password so you just click the Enter key.

6. This will bring you to a prompt that says:

C:\WINDOWS>

7. Type:

cd \

Press Enter

Note: between "cd" and "\" there should be a "blank space" otherwise the command won't work

8. The prompt should now say:

C:\>

9. Type:

cd system~1\_resto~1

Press Enter.

===============================================================================

Note: If it gives an error "Access Denied" while accessing the folder, follow the method below

Type: cd \

Press Enter

Type: cd windows\system32\config

Press Enter

Type: ren system system.bak

Press Enter

(note the spaces between ren and system, and then between system and system.bak)

Type: exit

Press Enter

now the computer should restart, then follow steps 1-9


===============================================================================

10. Type:

dir

Press Enter

NOTE: When you hit enter it will list all the restore points folders like "rp1", "rp2" we have to see the last restore point to copy the file from a recent backup. If the restore points have more than one page then you have keep on hitting the key to view the last restore point folder.

NOTE: It is a good rule of thumb to choose the files from the restore point folder which the second to the last one.

11. Type:

cd rp{with the second to the last restore point number }

Press Enter

Example: cd rp9. if rp10 is the last restore point

12. Type:

cd snapshot

Press Enter.

NOTICE: Now the command prompt will look like this:

c:\system~1\resto~1\rp9\snapshot

Note : restore point 9 assumed for clarity of the content.


13. Type:

copy _registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system

Press Enter

14. Type:

Exit

Press Enter.

Final note : If the above procedure won't solve the problem, repeat all steps, but in step 13 type:

copy _registry_machine_software c:\windows\system32\config\software

Alternatively, select different restore point.



If you don't have Windows CD...

Download Windows Recovery Console: http://www.thecomput...om/files/rc.iso
Download, and install free Imgburn: http://www.imgburn.c...hp?act=download
Using Imgburn, burn rc.iso to a CD.
Boot to the CD...let it finish loading.
When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.

Follow steps 3 - 14.
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#3
AFAS

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Hi, thanks for replying.
I have burned the rc.iso to two different cds and tried a couple of time to load onto my own computer.
The boot device menu is giving me a variety of choices and I am selecting
IDE CD-ROM devices
This keeps taking me back to "strike F1 to retry boot"
I assume I'm not doing something write as nothing else is happening?
What else could I try?
regards
Alan
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#4
Broni

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Did you use ImgBurn to burn iso file?
Did you check boot order in BIOS to make sure CD drive is listed 1st?
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#5
123Runner

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You need to burn the RC.iso as a iso file and not as a data file.

You can also try Burncdcc in my signature below.
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#6
AFAS

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Hi Broni, thanks for this but still having problems.
I have tried to burn the RC.iso file from both systems - I couldn't see anything that specified it was being burnt as an ISO file only that I was copying the ISO file.
I have managed to get to the recovery window without going through the blue one above therefore no 'R' to press.
I have been able to work through the instructions although I do not have a '~' to press, it comes up as : in the recovery programme - I don't know if this makes a difference?
I have managed to get down to the list of repair points and have followed instructions.
I get the file can't be found, but if i still type 'exit' then enter this the computer does restart and then the message
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

I seem to be going around in circles with this.
I am downloading and burnng the discs on my sons computer (Vista) and running them on my bust computer (Windows XP) - not sure if this could also be a problem?
Still looking for helop - sorry!
Alan
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#7
Broni

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Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

This is not good....

Do you have Windows CD?
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#8
AFAS

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Hi, I have two things
1- the DELL disc that came with the computer - Reinstallation CD or
2- my sons windowsXP home edition disc
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#9
Broni

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2- my sons windowsXP home edition disc


And your Windows version is?

Also, you said, you installed AVG. Did you have any AV program installed before?
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#10
AFAS

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I have windows XP Home edition.
I have had AVG a year or so ago but had uninstalled it. In trying to install it again it noted that there was still the Shield 2007 on my system but I couldn't find it and the soft ware the company had sent to remove 2007 didn't seem to have it listed - so I carried on!
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#11
Broni

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Does it mean, you didn't have any antivirus protection for a year?
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#12
AFAS

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No there were a variety of things including Adaware, PC Tools subscription had just finished, I had tried MacAfee but it turned the screen a bit funny so came across AVG which appeared to have a good write up
Alan
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#13
Broni

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I suspect, your computer may be infected.

I suggest that you start a new topic in the Malware Removal and Spyware Removal area.

State up front, your computer is not bootable.
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#14
AFAS

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Thank you for this and for your help. I have posted a note as suggested.
Regards
Alan
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#15
Broni

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Sure thing :)
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