How to repair Vista?

Ronnie--

I have repaired hundreds of major feature Vista problems with Startup Rpair
and it is not confined as the name suggest to only repairing Startup
problems. It does not work 100% of the time, but neither do other
modalities although with XP I have yet to have an inplace upgrade not work,
and rarely it needs to be repeated 2-3 times. But in place upgrade is
certainly not the only modality that will repair Vista and I have included
10 ways to fix Vista below:

How Windows RE Works
http://technet2.microsoft.com/Window....mspx?mfr=true

Although the link has misleading language that says it's for startup
problems, I included it because it shows the many integral components of
Windows Vista that are repaired and believe me, test it out by breaking
Vista on a test box if you like where it starts but many features do not
work.

****Ten Methods to Repair BSOD No Boots or Serious Problems in Windows
Vista****

I headed this or Serious Problems because these methods including Startup
Repair can do just that. It does not have to be a startup problem for
Startup Repair or the other methods detailed below to work.

Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:

http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png

You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
also sometimes effective):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm


I'm going to give you a bunch of links and most of them you won't have to
use, but they are alternative ways to fix Vista.

Right now I want you to put in the DVD and restart. It will automatically
take you to this on your screen:

http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png

That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on the
lower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list and
I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.

The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
like this:

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif

Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if not

This should work, but if not,then you can follow the alternative ways to fix
this including booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
Restore.

Directions and links for alternative ways to fix this are below, but I hope
you won't need them:

If you have any questions on getting the Startup Repair done, just post
them.

If you have a Vista DVD try Startup Repair. If that doesn't work, try
SafeMode>System Restore from the Recovery Environment, and you always have
the F8 advanced options ( five of them including Last Known Good
Configuration) and a repair install (with the DVD) as well.

In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
prompt:

****Ten Methods to Repair BSOD No Boots or Serious Problems in Windows
Vista****

***Startup Repair and System Restore from the Win Recovery Environment on
the DVD***

You can run Startup Repair by putting your Vista DVD in after theanguage
screen in setup. You can also run System Restore from the same
location.

You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
also sometimes effective):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
the Lock button, and then click Restart.

This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
(sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order (this
will allow you to boot from the Vista DVD as well):

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg

Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.

3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.

Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.

4. Click Repair your computer.

5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
that you want to repair, and then click Next.

6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
repair process.

7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.

Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:

How to Use Startup Repair:

***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***

1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)

2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***

Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx

Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

3) Select your OS for repair.

4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
theWin RE feature:

You'll have a choice there of using:

1) Startup Repair
2) System Restore
3) Complete PC Restore
___________________

In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
prompt:

Bootsect.exe is available from the \Boot\folder of the Windows Vista DVD and
can be run from within System Recovery or Windows XP on a dual boot.


1. Use Bootsect.exe to restore the Windows Vista MBR and the boot code that
transfers control to the Windows Boot Manager program. To do this, type the
following command at a command prompt: Drive:\boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 All

In this command, Drive is the drive where the Windows Vista installation
media is located.

Note The boot folder for this step is on the DVD drive.
2. Use Bcdedit.exe to manually create an entry in the BCD Boot.ini file for
the earlier version of the Windows operating system. To do this, type the
following commands at a command prompt.

Note In these commands, Drive is the drive where Windows Vista is
installed. • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /create {ntldr} –d "Description
for earlier Windows version"

Note In this command, Description for earlier Windows version can be any
text that you want. For example, Description for earlier Windows version can
be "Windows XP" or "Windows Server 2003".
• Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} device partition=x:

Note In this command, x: is the drive letter for the active partition.
• Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} path \ntldr
• Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /displayorder {ntldr} –addlast

3. Restart the computer.
____________________________
******Using the BootRec.exe Tool

Using the System Recovery Tool from the Repair link on the DVD after the
language choice in the lower left hand corner you can select command prompt
and you have the following options:

Bootrec.exe (You can use this tool to recover Vista even when you do not
receive the error message that is the title of the 2nd linked MSKB below):

How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to
troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392/en-us

Error message when you start Windows Vista: "The Windows Boot Configuration
Data file is missing required information"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927391/en-us
_____________________________________________________________
***Using the F8 Environment or a Repair Install from the DVD:***

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg

Repair Install
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx

Repair Install (Method 2):
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341

III Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
by startin gth ePC and tapping F8 once per second:

You could also:

Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
Configuration


Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
Prompt.

These methods are outlined in

A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/

How to Use System Restore

http://bertk.mvps.org/

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx

Using System Restore

http://tinyurl.com/dvekb

System Restore for Windows XP

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449


Repair Install: (This option has the best chance of succeeding and it
preserves everything in your OS--you do not lose anything with this option):

Make sure the DVD you have is a Vista DVD

Pitfalls: If the DVD came from friend or relative or P2P, you may have
problems. P2P besides being illlegal in many countries including the U.S.
can be corrupt. If CD came from friend or relative, they may have given
you the CD to use but if product key is in use, MSFT is not going to accept
it for activation. Make sure you clean the CD carefully using proper
cleaning fluid and strokes that radiate from center like spokes on a wheel.

Again a repair install has the most likely chance to succeed in XP, (and can
work in Vista) but you need
to have a Vista DVD.

First, in order to do a Repair Install You must boot to the bios setup and
position booting from the "CD" first in the boot order--it probably will not
say DVD but might.

Booting to Bios Setup:

For 85% of PC's and all Dells you can tap the F2 key to reach bios setup.

How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
order:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how..._support_i.htm

Screen Shot of bios setup boot order:
http://www.poy.net/proxy/bios2.jpg

Repair Install Does Not Lose Anything; you may need to try 2-3 times but
that's rare.

How To Repair Install
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/3153...22120121120120
Screen Shot Repair Install
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winx...exfullpage.htm

Good luck,

CH



"Ronnie Vernon MVP" <rv@invalid.org> wrote in message
news:84ED1E54-D7C2-45E9-ACC2-18D0D6B41E32@microsoft.com...
> Jack
>
> Your Vista installation will not be declared "illegal" if you perform an
> upgrade install. You 'might' need to reactivate after the upgrade
> installation, but this can be done automatically, over the internet or if
> that fails use the telephone option to reactivate and this is just a 5
> minute phone call. (The automatic reactivation will succeed if it has been
> over 120 days since you last activated)
>
> An upgrade install is the only way that you can "repair" an installation
> of Vista. It does have the option to perform a Start Up Repair, but this
> is meant for problems with starting the system.
>
> The upgrade install should not affect your data, but it's always a good
> idea to backup any critical data prior to performing the upgrade install.
>
> Let us know how this works for you.
>
> --
>
> Ronnie Vernon
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Shell/User
>
>
> "Jack Tripper" <JackTripper@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:DEBB9A39-DF58-4171-8028-7647B6B93E6B@microsoft.com...
>> My problems have progressed from invalid/missing/corrupt icons:
>> http://tinyurl.com/2whpf7
>>
>> to the Open and Save dialog boxes locking up any program that uses them,
>> and
>> Explorer doing the same. Very limiting, since most applications load or
>> save
>> files, or i sometimes want to see my computer.
>>
>> i've tried System Restore.
>> i've tried sfc /scannow
>>
>> All that's left is to try to repair my computer.
>>
>> i've tried booting from the Windows Vista DVD, and selecting the "Repair
>> My
>> Computer" option. Unfortunatly, the only choices availabe are:
>> Startup repair
>> System Restore
>> Windows Complete PC Restore
>> Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
>> Command Prompt
>>
>> None of these are for repairing a computer.
>>
>> i read that if i try to install Vista in-place as an upgrade: my copy of
>> Vista will be dclared illegal.
>>
>> So the question is how do i repair my computer?
>>
>> Feature regression from Windows XP?
>

Hi Brink--

I included instructions for him to use SFC and detailled description of the
evolution of SFC to what it is now in Windows Vista (see resource kit
discussion for more context) in my post 10 hours priior.

SFC in Vista has evolved to become part of WRP or Windows Resource
Protection. To quote from p. 68 of the Vista Resource Kit MSFt Press:

"Windows Vista protects system settings from corruptions or inadvertent
changes that can cause the system to run correctly or to not run at all.
Windows Resource Protection (WRP), the follow-on to Windows File Protection
(WFP) feature found in previous Windows platforms, sets tight ACLs on
critical system settings, files, and folders to protect them from changes by
any source (including administrators) excepat a trusted installer. This
prevents users from changing critical system settings that can render
systems inoperable.

Windows Vista also prevents poorly writtne drivers from corrupting the
registry. This protection enables the memory-management componet to achgieve
protection the vast majority of the time with low overhead.

Protected resources include:

Executable files, libraries, and other critical files installed by windows
(Ed. note in the thousands)

Critical folders

Essential registry keys installed by Windows Vista

WRP will not allow you to modify protected resources, even if you provide
administrative credentials. Access will always be denied."

The next discussion in the Resource Kit on page 69 includes a detailed
description of MIC, an adjunct to WRP in Vista (Manditory Integrity
Control).

It's a very underused valuable way to fix Windows, IE in Windows, OE in
Windows XP, Win Mail in Windows Vista, multiple corrupt files (it scans
thousands but not all) and corrupt registry values and subkeys as I
explained. It has been strenthened in Vista.

CH

"brink" <brink.2rfg28@no-mx.forums.net> wrote in message
news:brink.2rfg28@no-mx.forums.net...
>
> Jack Tripper;327190 Wrote:
>> My problems have progressed from invalid/missing/corrupt icons:
>> 'Windows Vista Community: Discussion Groups'
>> (http://tinyurl.com/2whpf7)
>>
>> to the Open and Save dialog boxes locking up any program that uses
>> them, and
>> Explorer doing the same. Very limiting, since most applications load or
>> save
>> files, or i sometimes want to see my computer.
>>
>> i've tried System Restore.
>> i've tried sfc /scannow
>>
>> All that's left is to try to repair my computer.
>>
>> i've tried booting from the Windows Vista DVD, and selecting the
>> "Repair My
>> Computer" option. Unfortunatly, the only choices availabe are:
>> Startup repair
>> System Restore
>> Windows Complete PC Restore
>> Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
>> Command Prompt
>>
>> None of these are for repairing a computer.
>>
>> i read that if i try to install Vista in-place as an upgrade: my copy
>> of
>> Vista will be dclared illegal.
>>
>> So the question is how do i repair my computer?
>>
>> Feature regression from Windows XP?
>
> Hi Jack,
>
> Here's a easy way to do a Vista repair. Go to this link for full
> details and do this option : *sfc /SCANNOW*
>
> '_http://www.vistax64.com/tricks-n-tips/66978-system-files.html_'
> (http://www.vistax64.com/tricks-n-tip...tem-files.html)
>
> Hope this helps,
> Shawn
>
>
> --
> brink
>
> "Practice makes perfect, then you reinstall"
> '_www.Vistax64.com_' (http://www.vistax64.com/www.Vistax64.com)
> Please post feedback to help others

Chad

Noted, and your right, many times a start up problem can be mis-diagnosed as
a general OS corruption and start up repair does go beyond just repairing
things that only effect start up problems.

You have some good links there, but I think you need to remove the
references to the XP support documents. This could have the effect of
confusing the issue since Vista does not have a reference to a "repair
installation" like XP did.

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User


"Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote in message
news:Orf5QU6oHHA.4428@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Ronnie--
>
> I have repaired hundreds of major feature Vista problems with Startup
> Rpair and it is not confined as the name suggest to only repairing Startup
> problems. It does not work 100% of the time, but neither do other
> modalities although with XP I have yet to have an inplace upgrade not
> work, and rarely it needs to be repeated 2-3 times. But in place upgrade
> is certainly not the only modality that will repair Vista and I have
> included 10 ways to fix Vista below:

RonnieThanks.

I thought I had eliminated anything referenceing XP that does not apply to
Vista. I know I went over my Seed Vista links and removed references that
might not apply to Vista, but I kept in the link to Black Viper's processes
because they had enough of the same processes characterized for XP that also
exist in Vista although of course there are new ones added to Vista.

As I look over this list, I did use a repair install link from Doug Knox and
one from the MSKBs for the inplace upgrade, but only because there aren't
any labled for Vista that I can find anywhere.and the steps are literally
the same, buit I will qualify them with that explanation in the future.

Repair Install (for XP or Vista)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx

Repair Install (Method 2): (for XP or Vista)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341

The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode Boot
options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they haven't
updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that apply
to both.

I see a system restore for XP link from Kelly's site

System Restore for Windows XP (nothing in the articles that doesn't apply to
Vista as to use of System Restore although the restore points are of course
from a different platform architecturally in Vista that was adapted from the
Windows server environment. (VSS).

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm

but aside from qualifying that it's articles can apply to Vista I don't see
anything that doesn't. I don't see any references in there to the points
that would be contradicted by the VSS methodology or anything new that
exists for them in Vista.

I need to point out on this one that it applies to Vista (I've used that
command in Vista from the cmd prompt at the same Recovery link on the DVD
also applies to Vista. I wanted to stress that sometimes system restore
won't work from one type of Safe Mode @ F8 and will work from access to
other safe modes, or from the Vista Recovery environment.

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP (and
Vista)

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449

I don't see anything here except the lable that doesn't apply to Vista

How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
order:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how..._support_i.htm

If you did notice something I didn't that applies to XP that does not apply
to Vista except that I need to refine the labelling to indicate it applies
to Vista, by all means please let me know and I'll change them. Confusion
is the last thing I want to convey when someone is tired and frustrated
trying to fix serious problems/or a no boot.

CH

"Ronnie Vernon MVP" <rv@invalid.org> wrote in message
news:6FE8F677-4BED-46DF-B724-CF9E8BBEC7D3@microsoft.com...
> Chad
>
> Noted, and your right, many times a start up problem can be mis-diagnosed
> as a general OS corruption and start up repair does go beyond just
> repairing things that only effect start up problems.
>
> You have some good links there, but I think you need to remove the
> references to the XP support documents. This could have the effect of
> confusing the issue since Vista does not have a reference to a "repair
> installation" like XP did.
>
> --
>
> Ronnie Vernon
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Shell/User
>
>
> "Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote in message
> news:Orf5QU6oHHA.4428@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Ronnie--
>>
>> I have repaired hundreds of major feature Vista problems with Startup
>> Rpair and it is not confined as the name suggest to only repairing
>> Startup problems. It does not work 100% of the time, but neither do
>> other modalities although with XP I have yet to have an inplace upgrade
>> not work, and rarely it needs to be repeated 2-3 times. But in place
>> upgrade is certainly not the only modality that will repair Vista and I
>> have included 10 ways to fix Vista below:
>

Nope your very first 2 links apply to XP only. If someone knows a way
to do this in Vista for real please provide the method. Here is the
question..

How do you do an upgrade install without an OS that you can get into
in safe mode or otherwise? For some stupid reason Vista will not let
you upgrade install if you boot from the DVD like XP used to.


On May 31, 9:22 pm, "Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote:
> RonnieThanks.
>
> I thought I had eliminated anything referenceing XP that does not apply toVista. I know I went over my SeedVistalinks and removed references that
> might not apply toVista, but I kept in the link to Black Viper's processes
> because they had enough of the same processes characterized for XP that also
> exist inVistaalthough of course there are new ones added toVista.
>
> As I look over this list, I did use a repair install link from Doug Knox and
> one from the MSKBs for the inplaceupgrade, but only because there aren't
> any labled forVistathat I can find anywhere.and the steps are literally
> the same, buit I will qualify them with that explanation in the future.
>
> Repair Install (for XP orVista)http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u.../learnmore/tip...
>
> Repair Install (Method 2): (for XP orVista)http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341
>

I did this last week when I could not get services running.
Using an Upgrade version of Vista Home premium I started the install process
by booting from the Disk and installed into the Vista Folder that was
already there.
During the install I entered the Serial Number and after the install I
activated Vista again.
peter
<klintb@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1181960551.410475.290660@z28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
> Nope your very first 2 links apply to XP only. If someone knows a way
> to do this in Vista for real please provide the method. Here is the
> question..
>
> How do you do an upgrade install without an OS that you can get into
> in safe mode or otherwise? For some stupid reason Vista will not let
> you upgrade install if you boot from the DVD like XP used to.
>
>
> On May 31, 9:22 pm, "Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote:
>> RonnieThanks.
>>
>> I thought I had eliminated anything referenceing XP that does not apply
>> toVista. I know I went over my SeedVistalinks and removed references
>> that
>> might not apply toVista, but I kept in the link to Black Viper's
>> processes
>> because they had enough of the same processes characterized for XP that
>> also
>> exist inVistaalthough of course there are new ones added toVista.
>>
>> As I look over this list, I did use a repair install link from Doug Knox
>> and
>> one from the MSKBs for the inplaceupgrade, but only because there aren't
>> any labled forVistathat I can find anywhere.and the steps are literally
>> the same, buit I will qualify them with that explanation in the future.
>>
>> Repair Install (for XP
>> orVista)http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u.../learnmore/tip...
>>
>> Repair Install (Method 2): (for XP
>> orVista)http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341
>>
>

So the million dollar question is did this method retain your settings
or wipe out everything? I only have a full ultimate version.


On Jun 16, 7:24 am, "peter" <p...@nowhere.net> wrote:
> I did this last week when I could not get services running.
> Using an Upgrade version of Vista Home premium I started the install process
> by booting from the Disk and installed into the Vista Folder that was
> already there.
> During the install I entered the Serial Number and after the install I
> activated Vista again.
> peter<kli...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1181960551.410475.290660@z28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Nope your very first 2 links apply to XP only. If someone knows a way
> > to do this in Vista for real please provide the method. Here is the
> > question..
>
> > How do you do an upgrade install without an OS that you can get into
> > in safe mode or otherwise? For some stupid reason Vista will not let
> > you upgrade install if you boot from the DVD like XP used to.
>
> > On May 31, 9:22 pm, "Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote:
> >> RonnieThanks.
>
> >> I thought I had eliminated anything referenceing XP that does not apply
> >> toVista. I know I went over my SeedVistalinks and removed references
> >> that
> >> might not apply toVista, but I kept in the link to Black Viper's
> >> processes
> >> because they had enough of the same processes characterized for XP that
> >> also
> >> exist inVistaalthough of course there are new ones added toVista.
>
> >> As I look over this list, I did use a repair install link from Doug Knox
> >> and
> >> one from the MSKBs for the inplaceupgrade, but only because there aren't
> >> any labled forVistathat I can find anywhere.and the steps are literally
> >> the same, buit I will qualify them with that explanation in the future.
>
> >> Repair Install (for XP
> >> orVista)http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u.../learnmore/tip...
>
> >> Repair Install (Method 2): (for XP
> >> orVista)http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341

The method I used kept all of my settings..........nothing was lost.
peter
<klintb@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1182295328.354866.4300@d30g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
> So the million dollar question is did this method retain your settings
> or wipe out everything? I only have a full ultimate version.
>
>
> On Jun 16, 7:24 am, "peter" <p...@nowhere.net> wrote:
>> I did this last week when I could not get services running.
>> Using an Upgrade version of Vista Home premium I started the install
>> process
>> by booting from the Disk and installed into the Vista Folder that was
>> already there.
>> During the install I entered the Serial Number and after the install I
>> activated Vista again.
>> peter<kli...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news:1181960551.410475.290660@z28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> > Nope your very first 2 links apply to XP only. If someone knows a way
>> > to do this in Vista for real please provide the method. Here is the
>> > question..
>>
>> > How do you do an upgrade install without an OS that you can get into
>> > in safe mode or otherwise? For some stupid reason Vista will not let
>> > you upgrade install if you boot from the DVD like XP used to.
>>
>> > On May 31, 9:22 pm, "Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote:
>> >> RonnieThanks.
>>
>> >> I thought I had eliminated anything referenceing XP that does not
>> >> apply
>> >> toVista. I know I went over my SeedVistalinks and removed references
>> >> that
>> >> might not apply toVista, but I kept in the link to Black Viper's
>> >> processes
>> >> because they had enough of the same processes characterized for XP
>> >> that
>> >> also
>> >> exist inVistaalthough of course there are new ones added toVista.
>>
>> >> As I look over this list, I did use a repair install link from Doug
>> >> Knox
>> >> and
>> >> one from the MSKBs for the inplaceupgrade, but only because there
>> >> aren't
>> >> any labled forVistathat I can find anywhere.and the steps are
>> >> literally
>> >> the same, buit I will qualify them with that explanation in the
>> >> future.
>>
>> >> Repair Install (for XP
>> >> orVista)http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u.../learnmore/tip...
>>
>> >> Repair Install (Method 2): (for XP
>> >> orVista)http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341
>
>

Jack, I hope I'm in the right pew; my problem is that the app called spider
solitaire is missing or corrupted. I've use MS search, Live, and still cant
find. I have the old spider from XP but I liked the one Vist supplied. How
can I recover it?
--
Wm. PowellOld DOS


"Jack Tripper" wrote:

> > Make sure you run Defender
>
> Defender is running
>
> > or if you have One Care run its spyware scanner and its AV.
>
> OneCare is still beta on Vista (and cannot install with UAC/ie protected
> mode/ActiveX disabled).
>
> > If no help from SFC,
>
> sfc found nothing wrong, as it's not a corrupt files issue.
>
> > you can try a restore point to before this happened or
>
> No restore point went that far back
>
> > Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
>
> Vista starts fine, and doesn't need startup repairing
>
> > I'm going to give you a bunch of links and most of them you won't have to
> > use, but they are alternative ways to fix Vista.
>
> i noticed this same text in other posts by someone, perhaps you.

Chad,

Do you know whether the ACL repair performed by Startup Repair is limited to
those files used during boot or will it repair all the ACL of Vista files in
system32? I know my ACL is really messed up and it stops things like BFE from
running.

Richard

"Chad Harris" wrote:

> Ronnie--
>
> I have repaired hundreds of major feature Vista problems with Startup Rpair
> and it is not confined as the name suggest to only repairing Startup
> problems. It does not work 100% of the time, but neither do other
> modalities although with XP I have yet to have an inplace upgrade not work,
> and rarely it needs to be repeated 2-3 times. But in place upgrade is
> certainly not the only modality that will repair Vista and I have included
> 10 ways to fix Vista below:
>
> How Windows RE Works
> http://technet2.microsoft.com/Window....mspx?mfr=true
>
> Although the link has misleading language that says it's for startup
> problems, I included it because it shows the many integral components of
> Windows Vista that are repaired and believe me, test it out by breaking
> Vista on a test box if you like where it starts but many features do not
> work.
>
> ****Ten Methods to Repair BSOD No Boots or Serious Problems in Windows
> Vista****
>
> I headed this or Serious Problems because these methods including Startup
> Repair can do just that. It does not have to be a startup problem for
> Startup Repair or the other methods detailed below to work.
>
> Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
>
> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
>
> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
> also sometimes effective):
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
>
> I'm going to give you a bunch of links and most of them you won't have to
> use, but they are alternative ways to fix Vista.
>
> Right now I want you to put in the DVD and restart. It will automatically
> take you to this on your screen:
>
> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
>
> That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on the
> lower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list and
> I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
>
> The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
> like this:
>
> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
>
> Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
> let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if not
>
> This should work, but if not,then you can follow the alternative ways to fix
> this including booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
> Restore.
>
> Directions and links for alternative ways to fix this are below, but I hope
> you won't need them:
>
> If you have any questions on getting the Startup Repair done, just post
> them.
>
> If you have a Vista DVD try Startup Repair. If that doesn't work, try
> SafeMode>System Restore from the Recovery Environment, and you always have
> the F8 advanced options ( five of them including Last Known Good
> Configuration) and a repair install (with the DVD) as well.
>
> In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
> by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
> prompt:
>
> ****Ten Methods to Repair BSOD No Boots or Serious Problems in Windows
> Vista****
>
> ***Startup Repair and System Restore from the Win Recovery Environment on
> the DVD***
>
> You can run Startup Repair by putting your Vista DVD in after theanguage
> screen in setup. You can also run System Restore from the same
> location.
>
> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
> also sometimes effective):
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
> Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
> information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
> DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
> 2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
> the Lock button, and then click Restart.
>
> This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
> (sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
> pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order (this
> will allow you to boot from the Vista DVD as well):
>
> See for ref:
> Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
>
> Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
> http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg
>
> Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
> button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.
>
> 3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.
>
> Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
> do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.
>
> 4. Click Repair your computer.
>
> 5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
> that you want to repair, and then click Next.
>
> 6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
> repair process.
>
> 7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.
>
> Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:
>
> How to Use Startup Repair:
>
> ***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***
>
> 1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)
>
> 2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
> lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***
>
> Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
> http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx
>
> Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
> http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
> 3) Select your OS for repair.
>
> 4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
> theWin RE feature:
>
> You'll have a choice there of using:
>
> 1) Startup Repair
> 2) System Restore
> 3) Complete PC Restore
> ___________________
>
> In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
> by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
> prompt:
>
> Bootsect.exe is available from the \Boot\folder of the Windows Vista DVD and
> can be run from within System Recovery or Windows XP on a dual boot.
>
>
> 1. Use Bootsect.exe to restore the Windows Vista MBR and the boot code that
> transfers control to the Windows Boot Manager program. To do this, type the
> following command at a command prompt: Drive:\boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 All
>
> In this command, Drive is the drive where the Windows Vista installation
> media is located.
>
> Note The boot folder for this step is on the DVD drive.
> 2. Use Bcdedit.exe to manually create an entry in the BCD Boot.ini file for
> the earlier version of the Windows operating system. To do this, type the
> following commands at a command prompt.
>
> Note In these commands, Drive is the drive where Windows Vista is
> installed. • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /create {ntldr} –d "Description
> for earlier Windows version"
>
> Note In this command, Description for earlier Windows version can be any
> text that you want. For example, Description for earlier Windows version can
> be "Windows XP" or "Windows Server 2003".
> • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} device partition=x:
>
> Note In this command, x: is the drive letter for the active partition.
> • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} path \ntldr
> • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /displayorder {ntldr} –addlast
>
> 3. Restart the computer.
> ____________________________
> ******Using the BootRec.exe Tool
>
> Using the System Recovery Tool from the Repair link on the DVD after the
> language choice in the lower left hand corner you can select command prompt
> and you have the following options:
>
> Bootrec.exe (You can use this tool to recover Vista even when you do not
> receive the error message that is the title of the 2nd linked MSKB below):
>
> How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to
> troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows Vista
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392/en-us
>
> Error message when you start Windows Vista: "The Windows Boot Configuration
> Data file is missing required information"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927391/en-us
> _____________________________________________________________
> ***Using the F8 Environment or a Repair Install from the DVD:***
>
> See for ref:
> Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
>
> Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
> http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg
>
> Repair Install
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
>
> Repair Install (Method 2):
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341
>
> III Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
> by startin gth ePC and tapping F8 once per second:
>
> You could also:
>
> Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
> 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
> prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
> Configuration
>
>
> Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
> use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
> choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
> Prompt.
>
> These methods are outlined in
>
> A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
>
> How to Use System Restore
>
> http://bertk.mvps.org/
>
> Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
>
> Using System Restore
>
> http://tinyurl.com/dvekb
>
> System Restore for Windows XP
>
> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm
>
> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
>
>
> Repair Install: (This option has the best chance of succeeding and it
> preserves everything in your OS--you do not lose anything with this option):
>
> Make sure the DVD you have is a Vista DVD
>
> Pitfalls: If the DVD came from friend or relative or P2P, you may have
> problems. P2P besides being illlegal in many countries including the U.S.
> can be corrupt. If CD came from friend or relative, they may have given
> you the CD to use but if product key is in use, MSFT is not going to accept
> it for activation. Make sure you clean the CD carefully using proper
> cleaning fluid and strokes that radiate from center like spokes on a wheel.
>
> Again a repair install has the most likely chance to succeed in XP, (and can
> work in Vista) but you need
> to have a Vista DVD.
>
> First, in order to do a Repair Install You must boot to the bios setup and
> position booting from the "CD" first in the boot order--it probably will not
> say DVD but might.
>
> Booting to Bios Setup:
>
> For 85% of PC's and all Dells you can tap the F2 key to reach bios setup.
>
> How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
> order:

Chad, thank you very much for the explanation, unfortunately I got lost
between the different answers. Anyway, in you conversation of 5/31, you got
the solution. But 2 links in method 2, are giving error. Can you please
repeat the correct links in a very synthetic way ?

My issue here is that I want to repair Vista Home without loosing the data.
I do not have problems at startup, but I do see that the system is giving
errors.

I have a Vista image in my Dell on a diferent driver as well as CD for
reintallation.

Thanks

"Chad Harris" wrote:

> RonnieThanks.
>
> I thought I had eliminated anything referenceing XP that does not apply to
> Vista. I know I went over my Seed Vista links and removed references that
> might not apply to Vista, but I kept in the link to Black Viper's processes
> because they had enough of the same processes characterized for XP that also
> exist in Vista although of course there are new ones added to Vista.
>
> As I look over this list, I did use a repair install link from Doug Knox and
> one from the MSKBs for the inplace upgrade, but only because there aren't
> any labled for Vista that I can find anywhere.and the steps are literally
> the same, buit I will qualify them with that explanation in the future.
>
> Repair Install (for XP or Vista)
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
>
> Repair Install (Method 2): (for XP or Vista)
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341
>
> The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode Boot
> options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they haven't
> updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that apply
> to both.
>
> I see a system restore for XP link from Kelly's site
>
> System Restore for Windows XP (nothing in the articles that doesn't apply to
> Vista as to use of System Restore although the restore points are of course
> from a different platform architecturally in Vista that was adapted from the
> Windows server environment. (VSS).
>
> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm
>
> but aside from qualifying that it's articles can apply to Vista I don't see
> anything that doesn't. I don't see any references in there to the points
> that would be contradicted by the VSS methodology or anything new that
> exists for them in Vista.
>
> I need to point out on this one that it applies to Vista (I've used that
> command in Vista from the cmd prompt at the same Recovery link on the DVD
> also applies to Vista. I wanted to stress that sometimes system restore
> won't work from one type of Safe Mode @ F8 and will work from access to
> other safe modes, or from the Vista Recovery environment.
>
> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP (and
> Vista)
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
>
> I don't see anything here except the lable that doesn't apply to Vista
>
> How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
> order:
>
> http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how..._support_i.htm
>
> If you did notice something I didn't that applies to XP that does not apply
> to Vista except that I need to refine the labelling to indicate it applies
> to Vista, by all means please let me know and I'll change them. Confusion
> is the last thing I want to convey when someone is tired and frustrated
> trying to fix serious problems/or a no boot.
>
> CH
>
> "Ronnie Vernon MVP" <rv@invalid.org> wrote in message
> news:6FE8F677-4BED-46DF-B724-CF9E8BBEC7D3@microsoft.com...
> > Chad
> >
> > Noted, and your right, many times a start up problem can be mis-diagnosed
> > as a general OS corruption and start up repair does go beyond just
> > repairing things that only effect start up problems.
> >
> > You have some good links there, but I think you need to remove the
> > references to the XP support documents. This could have the effect of
> > confusing the issue since Vista does not have a reference to a "repair
> > installation" like XP did.
> >
> > --
> >
> > Ronnie Vernon
> > Microsoft MVP
> > Windows Shell/User
> >
> >
> > "Chad Harris" <vistaneedsmuchowork.net> wrote in message
> > news:Orf5QU6oHHA.4428@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> >> Ronnie--
> >>
> >> I have repaired hundreds of major feature Vista problems with Startup
> >> Rpair and it is not confined as the name suggest to only repairing
> >> Startup problems. It does not work 100% of the time, but neither do
> >> other modalities although with XP I have yet to have an inplace upgrade
> >> not work, and rarely it needs to be repeated 2-3 times. But in place
> >> upgrade is certainly not the only modality that will repair Vista and I
> >> have included 10 ways to fix Vista below:
> >
>
>