Solved Windows Vista boots into startup repair and can't fix it

[richc46]

Here is the problem,
Vista SP! or lower is no longer supported. We have to find the important updates prior to SP1 and then dowload SP1, Standalone. Some of the updates will be included in SP1, but I am not sure which.
Windows End of Support Information - Windows Help & How-to

To be honest with you, if my computer supported Windows 7, I would get the upgrade Seven for about 125.00. Dont go with the cheaper OEM, its against the rules, for your situation.

 

[Peppurr101]

Hi rich,
The stand alone version of SP1 worked just fine and I am working my way throiugh the updates til I see SP2. I am almost there. Soon as I get SP2 up and running I will make a disc image.

One more tiny little problem. In my device manager, under 'other devices' there is an 'unknown device' listed with a small yellow exclamation mark next to it. It says it's a USB device. I assume it is something that needs a driver, but I have no idea what the device is. Everything seems to be there on my computer and all is working. Any way of finding out what this is? I have run the 'add hardware' wizard and it can find nothing.
Thanks
Liz

 

[Peppurr101]

PS I will go for Win 7 as soon as I get all my stuff loaded back on. I will buy the full version. I am a straight arrow kinda person

 

[richc46]

Stop
Buy the cheaper upgrade version. We will show you how to intall it and it is the SAME as the full, but a lot, lot cheaper.
Exactly the same as the full.
You may have meant not the OEM and with that I agree.
Make sure that your computer can handle Seven
http://windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor

 

[Peppurr101]

Hello rich,
Yes, I meant that I will go out and buy the upgrade, not borrow the OEM disc. I am surprised how many people offered to let me use theirs!

Did you see my question about the mystery item in deveice manager?
something that nees a driver, but I can't think of what it could be.
Also, when I go 'safely remove hardware' to take my external hard drive off the system, there are 2 things there instead of one..
What could it be?

 

[richc46]

Liz go to device manager and uninstall the driver that is used for the USB, then just install it again. The yellow warning marker will be gone. That is not the cause of your problem, however.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/193584-device-manager-install-driver.html

 

[Peppurr101]

Hi rich,
There was no driver installed-so I got device manager to search online, and it installed a driver for Lumanate Lazer. Now the yellow exclamation mark is gone.
I remember the Lumanate Lazer thing being there before we formatted--seems to be some sort of media driver?

I will be offline for a while as I am going to be involved with work related things.. is it ok if we pick up with the Win 7 installation when I get back in the beginning of December?

I would like to thank you again for all your help. Hopefully these posts will help others with the same problem even though I never did find out what the root cause was..
When I do, should I start a new post or continue on with this one?

I learned:
I should have had a system image of my drive.
Never ever slack off backing up your precious and necessary stuff. Ever.
Ubuntu rocks--although I had 99% of my stuff, you don't realise what you really need til you risk losing it.
If you save your stuff, no crash is the end of the world.

 

[richc46]

If you are going to get Seven, it is best that you register at our Seven Forum. I am there plus many other experts in the field
http://www.sevenforums.com/