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WIndows Vista not booting


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#1
bountyhunter

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Hi,

An HP desktop of mine with windows vista 64-bit boots straight to the "HP recovery console" without me touching the computer whatsoever after i press the power button. the worst part of it is that even going to safe mode goes straight to the recovery console as well. And even more so, after i click on cancel, it just restarts and repeats the whole process. I've tried clicking yes, "restore my computer to factory settings" and it gives me an error every single time.

I've downloaded, and burned an image of windows vista 64-bit recovery disc from neosmart.net which also was ineffective in repairing the computer's problems (if any) that were detected. I also tried making hp recovery discs from a laptop and tried to recover the problem HP desktop.

I'm pretty much out of all ideas now. Does anyone else know what I can/should do?

Thanks in advance =)
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#2
Dark Player

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Is there any disks in the CD drive, if so, take it out and boot again.
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#3
bountyhunter

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no discs in the disc drive.

on another note, i was wondering if it's possible to just reformat the hard drive and reinstall windows vista. Can this be done?
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#4
SpywareDr

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Microsoft.com > Installing and reinstalling Windows Vista
http://windows.micro...g-Windows-Vista
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#5
bountyhunter

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I do not have a windows vista installation disc. Can I still re-install windows vista (take into consideration that I basically can not do anything on the problem computer)?

I am not computer tech savvy so may i please have a step by step instruction of what i can/could do?

thanks
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#6
Dark Player

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You might have to get a new Vista CD/ or just get Windows 7 ;)

The disk will guide you through the steps. :D
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#7
SpywareDr

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If you have your Windows Vista Product Key, (usually on a sticker on the computer somewhere), you could try borrowing a Vista CD. If not, you'll need to purchase another copy.

Then follow these instructions:

Microsoft.com > Installing and reinstalling Windows Vista
http://windows.micro...g-Windows-Vista


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#8
phillpower2

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Hopefully one of the below will help you out;
http://vistasupport....air_options.htm or
http://www.vistax64....tall-vista.html
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#9
bountyhunter

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There's no way that I can download an image or something of Vista and enter the product key i already have to reinstall Vista on the computer?

lol i have no friends to borrow a vista cd!
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#10
wannabe1

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Hello bountyhunter...

You might try contacting HP and order the Recovery Disk Set for your machine. Using the HP disks will put things back to factory fresh...including the recovery partition. They may send them to you at no cost or at a minimal cost...usually $30 to $50.

wannabe1
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#11
bountyhunter

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I followed the instructions to try to order a new set of recovery discs and to my dismay, HP does not provide the discs for my computer anymore.

So, the next option is to order a set of HP recovery discs from a source outside of HP. Where can I go to find a legitimate source? Do windows vista boot discs from ebay work or are they just junk?

thanks
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#12
phillpower2

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Do windows vista boot discs from ebay work or are they just junk?

I wouldn`t say that they are all junk but calling them boot disks is misleading
the disk you burned was a recovery disk and they are only intended to be used to
get you into the recovery console where you can attempt to repair the issue yourself
as you have done this the disk you burned served its intended purpose.
Unfortunately if the OS is corrupt or has files missing you will need a Vista disk to
either repair or format and install a fresh OS.
If you can get into safe mode try running checkdisk f see method two at the attached link;
http://www.vistax64....isk-chkdsk.html
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#13
bountyhunter

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calling them boot discs is misleading


I didn't know any better so I just took it from the title of the auction/sale: http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item3a5f24adf6

Anywho, how do I open the "elevated command prompt" according to http://www.vistax64....and-prompt.html if I can not even get into vista?

Edited by bountyhunter, 09 October 2010 - 11:35 PM.

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#14
phillpower2

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Follow the guide here http://www.vistax64....pt-startup.html
And use Method 2 number 3 here http://www.vistax64....isk-chkdsk.html (if possible)
If this doesn`t work I am out of ideas Im afraid, and I can only see obtaining a genuine Windows disk as the
solution, also just in case you have not thought about this possibility it may be the HDD itself.
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#15
bountyhunter

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yea... i think the only possible solution left now is to obtain a copy of a vista installation disc because when i tried to boot into safe mode, i am still taken straight to the windows recovery console and when i try to cancel the recovery console, my computer just restarts and the process begins all over again

thanks for the help anyway though! =)
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