Laptop help needed!

In_for_a_Bargain

My sons laptop wont boot up and keeps coming up with a message saying amongst other things "Start Windows Normally". When you click on this it seems to be booting up normally and the Windows logo comes on but then it reverts to the "Start Windows" message again. There are other options on the screen but they all do the same thing. It has beeen running rather slowly for a while and is just over 12 months old. Can anyone give me any suggestions please. The only suggestion I have had so far is to reboot from F11 (they think) but this resulted in her son losing everything from his computer. I am hoping to avoid my son losing all stuff if poss. Any suggestions welcome or even advice that it needs looking at profressionally or abandon all help it's goosed!

thomas01155

Boot in safe mode you can do this by taping F8 as the computer is booting up or you may need to hold down F8 if taping doesn't work. Then go to Safe Mode and use system restore to revert it back a few days to when it was working.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

In_for_a_Bargain

If it comes back on by doing this will it be ok then or will we have to do what you have suggested each time?

In_for_a_Bargain

Have tried what the OP suggested, but it didn;t work, anybody else have any ideas. PLEASE? Son very desperate to get laptop back!!!!!

coolagarry

These seem to have a similar problem

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/forums/index.cfm?action=showthread&threadid=238171&forumid=1

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=395140

http://www.geek.com/forums/topic/computer-starts-in-safemodestart-windows-normally-screen

fwor

If it won't run in Safe Mode then generally either the hard disk has failed or a critical system file has been corrupted (there are other possibilities, but these two are the most likely).

Do you have (or can you borrow) an installation CD for the version of Windows that's on the laptop?

If so, you need to boot the laptop from the CD, check the file system for errors and then try a "repair installation" which ~should~ leave all of your son's data intact (don't choose a normal installation, as that will format the hard disk and lose his data).

In_for_a_Bargain

Thanks for advice, not sure if we have a disc as it came pre-loaded with the laptop. He is on Windows Media Center edition. Did think of trying mine but I am on Windows home and after reading another persons post on here it wouldn't be any good.

fwor

Depending on the make and model, the laptop may have a (probably hidden) recovery partition, which you may be able to use to get it working again.

I've never used one like that, so can't give any guidance there, but others on this forum should be able to.

What make and model is it, and did it come with a recovery CD?

In_for_a_Bargain

It's an Advent 7108 and my Son doesn't seem to think that it came with any discs but will get him to double check.

thomas01155

Using the HDD Recovery System

Your Advent computer uses the latest recovery system that doesn't require any CDs or DVDs to restore your PC to it's original factory condition.

• There are two ways to start the recovery -
  • Restart your computer. Then Press F10 repeatedly until the message "Starting System Recovery" is displayed.
  • In Windows by clicking: Start / All Programs / System Recovery / System Recovery.
• The recovery will load and display a box with one option:
  • Non-destructive recovery: this option will restore Windows, supplied applications, and drivers. This option will not destroy your documents or programs. These will be backed up along with the registry. These are restored at the end of the recovery process.
  To access the recovery options below that erase all data from the computer, click the Advanced button.
  • System Recovery - No format: this will reinstall Windows, supplied applications and drivers. It will move your files to a folder called "My old disk structure". Any applications (except those supplied) will need to be reinstalled.
  • System Recovery - Quick format: this option will erase your hard drive including your personal files. Windows, supplied applications and drivers will be reinstalled.
• Select the Non-destructive recovery option and press Next.
• You will be informed about System Restore in Windows, click Yes.
• The recovery will begin. Once this is complete click Restart

In_for_a_Bargain

Thanks for that pal, will give it a try tomorrow.