[rshaffer61]

Have you tried to do a system restore back before the update?

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thats what I was trying to do. I'm using another laptop to post this. I was responding to your reply to another user tonight.

[shaftmanp]

thats what I was trying to do. I'm using another laptop to post this. I was responding to your reply to another user tonight.

[rshaffer61]

OK what I posted was how to erase everything and return the system to what it was when it was brand new. That is a factory restore. A system restore is different as it just reverts the system back to a point before the issue started.



If you have Windows XP CD...

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:



3. You'll find yourself at this screen:



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 1-6

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.

Thanks to Broni for the instructions

[shaftmanp]

thanks. Does that also work for vista ultimate?

[rshaffer61]

Vista and Win7 have a startup repair option but I believe the steps will be close for Vista.
You are dealing with XP right now though?

[shaftmanp]

The issue I have is with a vista ultimate running laptop (well not running anymore!!)

[shaftmanp]

so will the above instructions work with vista? don't mean to hurry you!!

[rshaffer61]

Complete instructions for Vista System Restore located HERE

[shaftmanp]

it was posts 27 to 30 I checked and followed. I tried your last instructions but still have the black screen with cursor at the top left. Is there a download I can burn to assist as this isnt working? I do appreciate your help.

[rshaffer61]

Post 39 is for Vista

[shaftmanp]

I've tried post 39 instructions and nothing happened.

[rshaffer61]

It doesn't boot to the cd?
What exactly doesn't happen?

[shaftmanp]

I'm trying to fix my friends laptop. its a packard bell so came with vista ultimate pre-installed. he has no disc. I followed the instructions but no boot screen appears now since I followed earlier instructions. after the packard bell screen I get the black screen. slowly tapping the f8 button makes no difference apart from a beeping noise.

[rshaffer61]

Do you have the Vista Installation disk or what disk are you using?

[AuntDar]

Hey. I have a Dell Inspiron 1520 that i need to factory restore(not system restore) I pressed crtlf11. now what? it's not readily apparent to me as to what to do. thanks.