Solved Laptop Will Not Start

Koukol · Jan 22, 2015

OK, now I'm in big trouble.

My mouse/cursor was going nuts again today picking up and dragging everything in it's path and highlighting everything blue (copying) so I tried a system restore...It was unsuccessful.
When it tried to restart I got a blue screen saying partly" BAD POOL HEADER" among other things like "restart the PC" again.
I did and now it won't restart without attempting "system repair" which can't fix the problem.
It only gives me the option of sending this information to windows.

God, I hope something can be done without losing all my files.

richc46 · Jan 22, 2015

It seems that you are more concerned about your stuff than the computer. Too late now, but back up in the future. That being said. Try this using Ubuntu. You will need another computer to make the CD, but the rest is easy
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer

Koukol · Jan 22, 2015

richc46 said:
It seems that you are more concerned about your stuff than the computer. Too late now, but back up in the future. That being said. Try this using Ubuntu. You will need another computer to make the CD, but the rest is easy
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer

Of course I'm concerned for my computer...it's my go to PC.

Are you saying I cannot save it?
Can a repair shop get it working again?
What about putting a repair program on a stick from THIS PC and use it?

richc46 · Jan 22, 2015

I said nothing about saving it. I thought that you were mostly concerned about your stuff. If you do not have a hardware problem we can get the computer to work, in the process you may lose your stuff. Anything is possible
If the problem is not hardware (I think it may be the hard drive) you probably can boot using this method

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

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**.

Koukol · Jan 22, 2015

Thanks, Richard.
I've got a lot of reading to do.

In the mean-time I tried to burn the Ubuntu CD but the iso file is too big for a 700mb CD-r
Do they make CD-r's bigger?

Edit~OK...I just googled and I can try a usb stick.

Koukol · Jan 22, 2015

I've got this Ubuntu iso on the stick but my broken PC is caught in a "start-up repair" loop.
How do I access the BIOS to boot up with the USB stick?

Since my PC is locked in a Start up Repair loop I googled that and came across this...
https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/
Is this necessary?
I'm handicapped so therefor poor.

Sorry for being so green.

richc46 · Jan 22, 2015

Do you actually get to the start up repair screen?
Then you try to boot again and you just get to the screen again?

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

richc46 said:
Do you actually get to the start up repair screen?
Then you try to boot again and you just get to the screen again?

Yes, Richard.
When it starts it goes right into "Start Up Repair" then tells me it cannot repair and to click finish to shut down the PC.

I realized accessing the BIOS was an HP question so I found out how to get access on the HP forum. Under "system Configuration" it says...

CD ROM BOOT ~Enabled
FLOPPY BOOT ~Disabled
INTERNAL NETWORK ADAPTER BOOT ~Disabled

I didn't change those but I did the following...

I clicked on "Boot Order" and changed it to choose "Diskette On Key/USB Hard Disk"
Yet I'm still stuck in the "Start Up Repair" hell despite my USB stick connected with the Ubuntu iso on it.

I haven't tried everything listed above because I don't have a backup DVD.
My laptop is about 6 years old and was given to me by my brother about two years ago after he replaced the hard drive and DVD drive for me.
He didn't give me any back up DVDs.

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

OK,

I tried following these instructions...

.Startup Repair Infinite Loop Recovery - Windows 7 Help Forums.. for windows 7 but I wasn't given the option of "Command Prompt"
So I tried each system restore and undo option with no results.

richc46 · Jan 23, 2015

We are affiliated with the Seven Forum, I was going to give you that tutorial next. You may have to reinstall, but you lose your stuff and it takes a lot of time with all the updates. How important is your stuff?

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

richc46 said:
We are affiliated with the Seven Forum, I was going to give you that tutorial next. You may have to reinstall, but you lose your stuff and it takes a lot of time with all the updates. How important is your stuff?

Yes. I did a system recovery about 3 months ago.

I was hoping to save my downloads before going that route.
So this Ubuntu USB stick won't work?
Did I choose the right options in BIOS above?

I forgot to mention earlier this morning I somehow did a scan and I got this message...

"System restore failed due to a unspecified error"
The system cannot find the file 0x80070002
This has me wondering if CCleaner( that I used just before all this trouble) deleted it.

Anyways, IF I can get a Window Vista Recovery Disc would that help?
If, so what setting do I set in BIOS so the CP reads it?

richc46 · Jan 23, 2015

For a recovery disc to work, you have to be able to boot from a CD or a USB. If you have a second cd drive, try that one.
Try burning the USB, again.
Your drive or the CD may be defective.
I am beginning to get concerned that this may be a hardware problem and not software, but lets not give up yet.
How To Boot From a CD, DVD, or BD Disc [Easy, 5 Min]

Give me the exact make and model of you HP.

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

It's a HP Pavilion dv7-2170us notebook.

richc46 · Jan 23, 2015

I checked the manual for your HP Model. Try some of the other USB boot options, too.

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

richc46 said:
I checked the manual for your HP Model. Try some of the other USB boot options, too.

OK,
I tried every HP boot up configuration except "Floppy Disc" with both the Ubunu iso stick and a burned Windows Recovery iso CD.
One configuration gave me the option of running windows repair or start normally...I started normally...back to the loop from hell.
I also used an old external CD drive...nothing.

I think you might be right...my PC is fried.

Should I attempt a system restore now?

richc46 · Jan 23, 2015

If you can get to system restore, that would be the way to go. I do not know how many chances that you will get so be sure you pick a date about a week before the problem. I do wish you luck.
Also try the repair option rather than start normally.
We can try one more thing, but if it works, you will have your computer but your stuff is all history.

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

richc46 said:
If you can get to system restore, that would be the way to go. I do not know how many chances that you will get so be sure you pick a date about a week before the problem. I do wish you luck.
Also try the repair option rather than start normally.
We can try one more thing, but if it works, you will have your computer but your stuff is all history.

OK, I'll try the repair option with the Bios change once more.

I didn't mean "system restore" but "systen Recover" which I think is your next suggestion with "try one last thing"
I know that takes the CP back to the beginning erasing everything (and takes about 3 days of Windows updating.)

richc46 · Jan 23, 2015

Actually as the very last resort, I can get you free, a Vista ISO that you burn to a CD. You would set the computer to boot from CD. If it works the CD will install a new copy of Vista. You must do the updates. The CD will be SP2, however. Your computer may be prior to the SPs meaning a lot more updates. Just tell me what I can do for you and I will try my best.
Before thinking about losing your stuff give this a try
Startup Repair Infinite Loop Recovery - Windows 7 Help Forums
If that does not work, see if you can get into safe mode. As soon as you boot your computer, follow the instuctions, for your computer, to get into safe mode.
This is how it is usually done
Safe Mode - Windows 7 Help Forums

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

richc46 said:
Before thinking about losing your stuff give this a try
Startup Repair Infinite Loop Recovery - Windows 7 Help Forums

Unfortunately in Windows Vista I don't get the option of "Command Prompt"

Koukol · Jan 23, 2015

richc46 said:
If that does not work, see if you can get into safe mode. As soon as you boot your computer, follow the instuctions, for your computer, to get into safe mode.
This is how it is usually done
Safe Mode - Windows 7 Help Forums

All of the modes lead me to the System Repair Loop from hell.

Solved Laptop Will Not Start

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