[katmurphy]

My computer said to install updates and I did. After they were installed and I shut down and restarted the following screen appeared:

Windows failed to start....
1. Insert your windows installation disc and restart your computer
2. Choose your language settings...
3. Click "repair your computer."

File: \windows\system32\winload.exe
Satus Oxc000000f
Info: the selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt.

I tried the "repair your computer." I chose "start uprepair", and it said "startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically."

I don't want to lose all of my pictures. I also have a lot of music on itunes, but I don't know if that's on my hard drive or if it will still be there when I sign into itunes.

Is there a way to get past this screen and uninstall everything that was installed?

Thanks, Katrina

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katmurphy
Try last known good configuration, see link http://windows.micro...d-Configuration steps two to four.

[phillpower2]

katmurphy
Try last known good configuration, see link http://windows.micro...d-Configuration steps two to four.

[rshaffer61]

You can use Puppy Linux to get access to the data and backup as long as the hard drive itself is mechanically working.



Use Puppy Linux Live CD to Recover Your Data:

===================
***Required Hardware***
CD Burner (CDRW) Drive,
Blank CD,
Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)
===================

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:

• Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-528.iso)
  Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software
  
  There are instructions on how to boot from flash drive with puppy here; http://www.pendrivel...e-from-windows/
  
  
• Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer
• Extract All files to a location you can remember
• Double Click BurnCDCC
• Click Browse and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded
• Open/Double Click that file
  IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x
• Click Start
• Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically
• Insert a blank CD and close the tray
• Click OK

Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created
2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second

• Start the computer/press the power button
• Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka "Setup"
  (Usually shown during the "Dell" screen, or "Gateway" Screen)
• Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to:
  CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd
• Open your ROM drive and insert the disk
• Press F10 to save and exit
• Agree with "Y" to continue
• Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD
  
  

3. Recover Your Data

• Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer's Memory (RAM). You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call "your computer". Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning. Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy. To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once. Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to. This is normal. Ready? Let's get started.
  
  3a. Mount Drives
• Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop.
• A Window will open. By default, the "drive" tab will be forward/highlighted. Click on Mount for your hard drive.
• Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount.
• USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the "usbdrv" tab and make sure it is mounted.
• If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the "drive" tab. Mount it now.

3b. Transfer Files.

• At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon.
• Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1
• Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1
• If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows)
• From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive's Window.

For The Novice: The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each idividual name of each user. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos.

Remember to only click once! No double clicking! Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy. Choose COPY each time you drag and drop.

YOU ARE DONE!!! Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer. Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations!





If you're doing this to recover from a virus or malware infection, (or even if you're not), DO NOT copy executable files (.exe, .scr. etc...) if any of these files are infected you could be copying the corruption over to any new device/computer. just copy documents, pictures, music, or videos.

[katmurphy]

I tried, but I just can't get past that window. I can't get to my main windows screen to properly shut down. I unplugged the computer and pressed f8 as it was restarting, but I keep coming back to the "windows failed to start" screen.

Thanks... I probably need professional help.

[phillpower2]

Ok, just in case this is a problem with the HDD or your operating system is damaged beyond repair please follow the guidance provided by colleague rshaffer61 first, meanwhile please provide information about your computer, this includes is it a notebook or desktop, is it a custom build or brand name such as Dell or HP, if it is provide the model name or series number (not serial) providing these details will enable us to research the system specs.

[katmurphy]

@rshaffer: Thanks, but clearly I am out of my realm of expertise. That seems like more than my brain could even process. I think it woudl explode. I think I'm just screwed, but thank you so much for trying.

[rshaffer61]

Follow the instructions step by step and you will be amazed what you can do.
We are very patient and understand your frustration and hesitation to try something that you may feel is beyond your capabilities but we are here to assist you along the way. We have helped people with a lot less knowledge then you claim you have to do these exact same steps. Follow the instructions and if there is something you don't understand don't hesitate to ask us and we will try to clarify the step.

[katmurphy]

It's a desktop, emachines. That's about all I know.

[katmurphy]

I don't have the hardware. I'll get what I need and attempt it. It will be much later today. Thanks again to you guys for your time.

Katrina

[rshaffer61]

No problem Katrina

[phillpower2]

Possible keys used to access an emachines BIOS if it is ok to try last known good configuration;
Tab + Del key
Del
F2
F10
F12
Alt+F2
ctrl + F buttons
ALT+ESC