Cant get in to safe mode

[TrickyNicky]

Hi

 

My Desktop failed a couple of nights ago after removing a USB memory stick. Startup repair couldn't resolve the problem. Came up with a message saying if you have recently attached a device to this computer etc etc, remove it and re start but if continue to get message (which I do) contact computer manufacturer or system admin.

 

A friend ran a diagnostics disc today to check out everything. All passed except USB Controller Failed. He tried to get in by using Safe Mode but it wouldn't let him. It just cycles back to the same screen suggesting Startup repair.

 

Any suggestions as to what has happened or how to fix it. Computer is an ACER, 3 years old, Windows 7 Home Premium. Don't have Windows 7 discs as this was installed when bought new.

 

Many thanks

[KenB]

Hi

 

Using the same method to get into the Advanced Boot Options ( tap F8 about once per second )

You should see this screen

 

try "Last Known Good Configuration"

 

http://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/10srt.png

 

If Last Known Good Configuration doesn't work ....

 

Select "Repair your Computer"

[TrickyNicky]

Thanks KenB

We can access this screen but when you highlight and click on any option it just goes round in a circle back to the original screens re Startup repair without doing anything. I don't have a recent back up of my files/photos etc (I know, silly me) so didnt want to do anything that might result in losing them. My friend eventually managed to do a backup and reinstall to factory settings as it was the only thing that worked. Still transferring everything back. Seems to be working okay again now and can access internet again. Any idea what caused this to happen as don't want to go through all this again? Was it a fault with the USB stick? I'm just worried if I try and download the photos on the stick will it cause the same problem again. Will the USB ports be safe to use again now? Sorry if these are silly questions?

 

Many thanks

[Synapse]

Did you click the Safely Remove Hardware in the bottom right of the screen before unplugging the USB stick?

 

You don't have to, but I'd recommend it.

[KenB]

Will the USB ports be safe to use again now? Sorry if these are silly questions?

They are not silly questions - you have had a problem and want answers.

 

We cannot say categorically that the USB Ports are fine - but the chances are that they will be OK.

 

Was it a fault with the USB stick?

Again it is unlikely.

The USB stick works off the 5v rail from the motherboard.

It is unlikely that this would stop the system booting - more likely that the software became corrupt.

This is why I was asking you to try "Repair your Computer"

The re-install will have fixed this.

 

reinstall to factory settings as it was the only thing that worked

In some cases this is the only option - but it is a last resort :)

 

Let us know how things go.

[Plastic Nev]

Synapse mentioned the safe to remove, it is always a good idea to use that. If a USB drive is removed while the system is still accessing data on the drive, it can sometimes result in the corruption of files you appear to have suffered.

The safe to remove option can also be used from the Windows explorer window, as the drive will show on the bottom left hand side, right click on the drive, then select "Eject" you will then get the small window on the bottom right telling you it is safe to remove the drive.

 

Nev.

[TrickyNicky]

Hi Synapse

 

Thanks for your interest. I believe my husband did click the safe to remove icon and was told it was safe to remove it but he admits he was a bit quick off the mark and that is probably why it failed. Strange though how sometimes you can remove things without using 'safe to remove' and its still okay afterwards and other times, like this, it causes problems.

 

Again, thanks for your interest.

[TrickyNicky]

Hi Nev

 

Thanks to for your input. I wasn't aware of accessing the safe to remove from the Windows explorer window so thats good for again. I usually click the icon bottom right but occasionally it isn't there. Learning all the time.

 

Thanks

[TrickyNicky]

Thanks Ken

 

I'm pretty sure my friend tried the 'Repair your computer', he certainly tried to get into Safe Mode a few times with no success.

 

Good thing is I have now learned a bit more so next time might have the confidence to give some of these things a try myself. Also seems my hard drive is still sound as the programme my friend ran found nothing corrupted apart from the USB controller.

 

So far, all seems to be working fine - just looks totally different as icons are still missing from things I haven't reloaded yet. My husband tends to use the desktop most and he is away till next week. Until he gets on and tries things we won't be fully sure it is back to normal.

 

I do appreciate your help.

Thanks

[KenB]

So far, all seems to be working fine - just looks totally different as icons are still missing from things I haven't reloaded yet

You are now able to boot up ?

Normal mode or Safe Mode only ?

[TrickyNicky]

Hi KenB

 

Have been away on holiday, hence the delay replying. Very grateful for your continued interest. My computer is now working fully in normal mode, however, it had to be re-set to Factory settings so we lost a lot of the programmes that were bundled with the computer when we bought it. I also need to re-load all the additional programmes that we had added which is a pain. Finding the time to do all these things when it all takes longer because I don't know the best way to do it, often means stuff gets left until it is next needed. I need to set up some kind of back up to be sure this doesn't happen again plus put stuff in some kind of cloud storage. I am reading up both at the moment before I make my move...! Need another holiday so can dedicate some time to it.........! Any ideas on the best/easiest way to back-up would be very helpful.

 

Thanks again

[Plastic Nev]

Do you have an external hard drive?

If not I recommend you look round for one, preferably one that is equal in size or larger than the drive on your computer.

You can then either transfer or copy data, in complete folders if you wish, onto that external drive as backup of individual files or folders each at a time when convenient.

There is also a method normally called "creating an image", and storing that on the external hard drive. That does mean a little more work and time to do, but a full image includes every single thing stored on your computer including the full operating system, programs installed, in other words the lot.

 

A full image should be remade at regular intervals, say monthly or more frequent if major new stuff is stored, and older images deleted, that way you will always be able to return the computer to what it was at the time you made that image.

 

If interested in making an image we can explain further and how to do it.

 

Nev.

[KenB]

Hi

 

Creating an image of your drive is the best option.

 

click here

 

There are 2 tutorials ( Creating and Restoring an image )

 

There are other methods - Nev and I have used Macrium ......hence the link.

[TrickyNicky]

Thanks to you both. This sounds perfect. I'm away for the weekend but will have a look at this next week. I really am grateful for your input.