Can't log in to windows or safe mode - SFC not working

Hi! I have an Asus laptop (X83VM-X1). It's a Vista Home Premium 64x. It is two years old and has never given me any problems. I came home and installed a Sims expansion (all the other Sims 3 worked fine) and Windows updates. I restarted my computer and I typed my password in when it asked, and my desktop appeared for a few seconds and then a blue screen appeared with a bunch of writing for a few seconds. After that it restarted. It never let me go to my desktop again, instead showing a pink screen after I entered my password. Sometimes it wouldn't even make it to the log in screen and would freeze on a black screen.

The first thing I tried was safe mode, but all three options froze the same way - on the screen where files were being listed, it froze after crcdisk.sys appeared.

I did some research and found I'd need a repair disk. I burned one onto a blank CD from a friend's computer, and changed the boot settings. It worked and loaded the repair disk perfectly. Unfortunately, the repair option does nothing and I've tried a ton of combinations in the command window.

SFC /scannow does not work - it tells me "Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service."

On another forum I saw that I could try sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows - and that worked once. It said nothing was wrong. I restarted to do it again and it tells me the same "WRP could not start the repair service."

I have tried fixes from many different forums, but none had problems quite like mine. I can't get to Windows or my desktop so I can't include any zip file. If someone could just help me get past crcdisk.sys in safe mode or even be able to get to my desktop, I think the computer can be saved. I backed up my documents a week ago but I saved some codes on a notepad and some files to print on my desktop the other day. I really need those so a complete system restore is my last last last option.

Thank you so much and just tell me what to do.

If it is not a hardware problem you can get all your stuff with this
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

You can then try to repair with this. Good luck

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.


Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

Thanks for replying! I will definitely try the Ubuntu Live thing if all else fails. I had made a recovery/repair CD before posting. Startup Repair has been run several times and does not fix the problem. System restore isn't available. I do have the command prompt but sfc/scannow will not work. I also can't even get into safe mode. When I attempt sfc/scannow, it tells me "Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service."

I was hoping there were some commands that could somehow get that to work or to tell me what is wrong.

I also cannot use chkdsk /f or /r; it tells me the type of file system is NTFS/cannot lock current drive/volume is write protected.

If there are any other possible ways, please let me know. Thanks for your help

Allow me to suggest that you back up your stuff first. I am thinking in terms of restoring from the restore partition. That procdeure will return your computer to the way it was when you first bought the computer. No stuff, no updates, etc. You will have to install the programs, again, too.

I'm burning the Ubunti disc right now. Hopefully it'll work, and I'm not 100% sure this isn't a hardware issue, so I will try to restore it and if not, I have an extra internal hard drive lying around. Do you know if I will have to buy Windows again? It came with the laptop and I have the reformat CD. Thanks!

If it is a hardware problem a CD will not help.

Well the Ubuntu thingy is working perfectly! I will restore it after this but just for future reference, if I do put in a new hard drive, will I have a problem getting Windows on there?

Do you have an install DVD and a key number?
Dont rush with the Hard Drive. If you can install Ubuntu and get your stuff, it is probably not the hard drive.

Alright. I do have the disc that came with it that resets the computer to factory settings, and there's a key on a sticker on my laptop. I think that's it. I won't rush the hard drive, though.

If we need to reset to factory setting, the key is not necessary.
I dont think its a hard drive problem.

Okay! Thanks so much, you beautiful lemur or similar animal. Have a great day

If you have any other questions or problems, just post.
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