Installing SP1 has seriously messed things up...

[Bugsy]

Hi.

 

My Nan has had her Dell Inspron 531 running Vista 32 since Jan 2008 - but is only now installing SP1 - and that's just because I happened to be visiting when it prompted us to do so and I suggested "it would be a sensible thing to do...". To be honest, I think we've attempted this before, but various things have prevented it from happening successfully - I can't remember what, tho'...

 

First of all, Java was prompting an update to V9, I think it was. This went ok.

 

Then I noticed that Windows updates were also prompting me; message came up 'Updates ready to install'. I clicked to look - and found it was 'Service Pack 1'.

 

Clicked to install and left to go home as 'Update 1 of 3' was well into being installed.

 

Had a call from Nan - "screen has gone black and lots of writing scrolling in the corner".

 

Called round and found a black screen with "!! 0xc01a001d !! 28770/98724 (\Registry\Machine\COMPONENTS\Drivedata...)" along the top.

 

This seemingly happened after update 2 had finished installing - they had been looking occasionally at how it was progressing but weren't in the room at the exact time.

 

Ok, the only thing I could do was to press and hold the 'off' button to shut it down and reboot. Message came up on blue Windows screen "Computer unable to start - run Startup Repair". I did so. After an attempt, it had to declare it was unable to fix the error and asked me to send a report to Microsoft; I, kindly, did so...

 

It had concluded that the probelm may have been caused by a "Recent driver or upgrade may be preventing the system from starting".

 

Ok, I then a a list of options to try on a "System Recovery Options" screen menu, of which a 'system recovery to an earlier date' seemed the best - safest - bet to try.

 

I clicked on this, had to choose my keyboard country (!), log on as an administrator, and then choose a restore point - only one was shown: 9:06:15 that same day, which had the description "Install Windows Service Pack 1".

 

Also had 'Confirm disks to restore' with the choice of 'OS©(System)' which was pre-ticked, and 'Recovery (X: ). I kept it on the C: drive.

 

Clicked 'Finish', it gave me 'preparing to restore', then the screen went back to the earlier "System Recovery Options" screen with the only further options being to either 'Shut down' or 'Restart'. I waited a bit to see if the restore was happening behind the scenes, but had to conclude that bugger all was happening. So I clicked 'Restart'.

 

On restart I had the black screen with scrolling files in the top left corner. This time it stopped earlier than 28770/98724...

 

Had to reboot. This time had the 'Computer unable to start' message again. Allowed Startup Repair to run through its ineffectual sequence again, tried another restore point, stood on my *******in' head, swore, spat... (ok, I didn't really do these things as Nan was watching. But I did give the screen two fingers when her back was turned...)

 

So, the bludy thing won't start, and Startup Repair hasn't the gumption to fix it.

 

Please help... :(

[Jelly Bean]

Hello Bugsy.

 

I am afraid to say it looks like you need to boot into recovery console and do a full recovery.

 

Before installing a SP of any level I always tell people to fully update there system with as many Microsoft updates and driver updates as possible.Run the antivirus.Clean out temp files and so on.Give the computer a service then attempt an install of an SP.

 

Turn on the computer.

 

As the computer starts, press <F8> on the keyboard until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.

 

NOTE: You must press <F8> before the Windows logo appears on the screen. If you press <F8> after the Windows logo appears on the screen, the Advanced Boot Options menu will not appear on the screen. If you do not see the Advanced Boot Options menu, restart the computer, and then repeat this step until you see the menu on the screen.

 

Press the <Down Arrow> on the keyboard to select Repair Your Computer on the Advanced Boot Options menu, and then press <Enter>.

 

Specify the language settings that you want, and then click Next.

 

Log in as a user who has administrative credentials, and then click OK.

 

Click Dell Factory Image Restore.

 

In the Dell Factory Image Restore window, click Next.

 

Click to select the Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition check box.

 

Click Next.

The computer is restored to the default factory configuration.

 

When the restore operation is completed, click Finish to restart the computer.

 

The software is now installed as it was when the computer was first received.

[Bugsy]

Hi Jelly Bean.

 

I was just about to add an update when I found your quick reply - many thanks!

 

I do recall seeing 'Dell Factory Image Restore' as one of the options on the 'Startup Repair' menu, but I'm guessing this will delete all my Nan's files - photos, etc?

 

I've done some surfing about this. problem thinking it would be 'just my nan's computer...' but it seems to be a very common problem!

 

I wonder if a 'repair' using the Vista DVD might do it? This is suggested as a possible fix one forum I found, and shouldn't affect existing documents.

 

If a complete restore is the way to go, so be it. I have a copy of most of her photos anyway (they are mostly of her grandchildren - ie: my sprogs!), so 'all' that will be lost will be Word docs, etc.

 

Thanks - much appreciated.

[Jelly Bean]

You can try a repair.

 

But if that doesnt work then I would remove the hard drive and fit as a slave to another computer and remove all nans pictures and files.Just drag and drop them.

 

Refit the hard drive and run a recovery back to factory reset.

 

I should of sugested that earlier.

[Bugsy]

Thanks again.

 

I don't think I'll be taking a screwdriver to her computer! I've done that in the past on my own one, but I think there's a sneaking suspicion that she 'blames' me for things going wrong - as it all works ok until I try and 'improve' matters! If I now suddenly start dismantling the machine... :(

 

So, it'll be a 'repair' or - restore!

 

Cheers.

[Jelly Bean]

If you can get it to repair and then remove her files then do a restore.

 

It is not your fault,this was a simple error many endured when SP1 arrived out.

 

This is why I say fully update the system and make sure it is clean before allowing an SP to install.

 

Try a repair and see if it works.

[Bugsy]

Thanks, JB. I'll be trying a repair first so's to get a copy of her docs, then I'll do a full restore as you suggest - surely the best thing overall (I did that twice on my old XP machine just to 'bring it back to life' after becoming sluggish - wow, what a difference!)

 

Will it be ok to download SP1 from the Microsoft site after this - or should I look at another source such as a 'disc' version?

 

Cheers.

[Jelly Bean]

You should be ok downloading SP 1 but you do know SP2 is also ready for download.

 

I would sugest fully update hardware drives.Update software and get as many Miceosift updates before installing an SP.

 

It is possible the operating system was corrupted before the SP install.Or the SP was corrupted on download,things like this can happen.

[Bugsy]

Thanks - that's all helpful stuff.

 

I suspect the OS was -

[Bugsy]

(continued from above (Best not to turn keyboard upside down and smack it hard to remove biscuit crumbs whilst writing a reply...))

 

I suspect the OS has been damaged for some time as I know we've attempted SP1 installs before - which all went pear-shaped, tho' not as bad as this time.

 

Wish me luck... :p

[Jelly Bean]

Ha ha ha I often turn my keyboard upside down to empty my dinner out of it.

 

Get a can of compressed air,does the job better.

 

I hope this goes well for you.

 

Now remember I would then fully update again and install SP2 before you install other software this will ensure the OS is not corrupt and should have no further problems.

 

Fingers crossed.

[Bugsy]

Hi JB.

 

Can I run a few things past you so's I'm clued up for the 'proper' attempt tomoz? I won't bore you with the numerous reboots and repair attempts today - suffice to say it was pure computer hell...

 

Anyways, repairs weren't working, so's it's a full install from the Vista disc tomorrow. (The 'Dell restore' option has disappeared from the Startup Repair list...)

 

The only way I can do it is: F12 on rebooting to get in to 'setup'. I can then chose to fire up the Vista DVD in its drive. When presented with the next menu, I first tried repair - it got so far and gave up. So, it's a full reinstall.

 

I started this and got as far as: "Where to install?" My options were:

 

 

Disk 0 Partition 2 Recovery 10GB (Total) 5.2GB (Free) Primary (Type)

Disk 0 Partition 3 OS 455.7GB (Total) 422.4GB (Free) Primary (Type)

 

The 'obvious' one to me is Partition 3 OS, but I wanted to check I wasn't meant to make another partition or anything stooopid? Also, at the bottom, it has an icon with "Load Driver". How the hell am I meant to know whether to load bleedin' drivers?! (Although a more clued up mate told me on the phone that I should load them since corrupted/virus-damaged drivers might be the cause of the normal repair attempts not working.

 

So, can I confirm that with you, please? Also, do you know of any other weird Qs I'm bound to be asked during the sorry process? Jeepers, I even struggled with the keyboard type - is mine English or English Extended?! At times like this one realises the full extent of one's ignorance... (I chose 'Extended' tho' I'm not sure what the difference is...)

 

Any further tips?!

 

On the issue of updating hardware drivers - I presume you mean BIOS, graphics, etc - what's the best way to do this? I have done this in the past by asking via Control Panel to look for the latest drivers, but this always returns 'you are up to date'. A visit to the graphics manufacture then shows plenty of new drivers to load. What the 'ell?

 

Any suggestions would be welcome. Basically, after installing Vista, what do I do next?! :o

 

Thanks, again.

[Jelly Bean]

Hey Bugsy.

 

Yes your correct recover the largest partiton not that 10 gig.

 

Yes load drivers.

 

The english question either is appropriate.

 

As for drivers I always go for NVIDIA or ATI Radeaon direct from there website although Dell drivers should be fine.

 

Use device manager and windows update for your drivers.

 

Drivers can be downloaded and saved to another computer and transfered using a USB pen drive,disk or floppy.This maybe so if the network adaptor driver is missing.You will need the driver to download and update the computer.

 

The 10 gig HDD was origonaly the hidden recovery console.

 

Write nans COA key down ready to input it.

 

You do not need to set a password for her untill you are fully recovered and logged onto windows.

 

You can at a later date put the recovery console back on that 10 gig,it is well worth it.But do not worry about that now.

 

You should be fine.

[Bugsy]

Thanks again, JB.

 

Here goes...

[Jelly Bean]

Good luck babe.

[Bugsy]

("babe" :o Shucks...)

 

Looking good so far! Took around a half-dozen reboots and waits as the stooopid computer tied itself in knots before I managed to get to the 'Startup Repair' menu which included the 'Dell Recovery' option. I wanted to take this route instead of using the Vista disc and going for a re-install from that since trying to use the Vista disc earlier on to do a 'repair' was completely ineffectual.

 

So, a Dell restore it was - and I have to say it was pretty painless. The only annoying bits was waiting an absolute bludy age for the 78 Windows updates to download and install - that took all afternoon! The download speed from Microsoft was at less than a dial-up connection, typically around 30kbps... Aaaaaaarrgghh.

 

Just need to finish off tomoz by updating the graphics driver and installing nan's fav sites - Bridge Base Online. I know, I know...

 

Anyways, I'm back in her good books :D

 

Thanks for your input - it makes all the difference to have someone cyberly holding your hand!

 

Oh, and what is an 'extended' keyboard?! (Yeah, I know I can search...) I selected this on the Vista setup and now have a tiny keyboard icon on the logon screen. For pity's sakes...:rolleyes:

 

Thanks again.

[Jelly Bean]

Oh your looking good to go.

 

In nans good books is the biggest issue to overcome.But I still just think this was a Vista issue and your not to blame.

 

Oh gosh lazy bones. :D

 

UK Ireland Extended Keyboard Layout for Windows 2000/XP

 

This can also be considered more for an Apple keyboard as in Qwerty.

 

 

 

Oh the windows updates take forever and I have been known to have over 100 at a time on other peoples computers.

[Bugsy]

Ah! I seeeee......

 

Perhaps I should keep it on that setting since it covers Scottish Ghailig... :)

 

Thanks for your help, JB. All is running well. A couple of little issues only to resolve such as the the graphics driver anomaly; "The Catalyst Control Centre is not supported by the driver version of your enabled graphics adaptor. Please update your ATI graphics driver, or enable your ATI adaptor using the Display Manager"

 

I know that this, too, is a common issue - and just another bludy stoooopid one since the drivers ARE up to date etc etc etc.

 

Really, someone should get the boss of AMD and t'boss of Microsoft (whoever he is...) and lock 'em in a room together to discuss their multiple shortcomings. Jeez, how dull would that be.

 

It's pitiful. Really pitiful.

 

Anyways. THANKS! And best wishes.

[Jelly Bean]

Your very welcome and it is a pleasure to help you.

 

Ok I never download Microsoft drivers for my graphics card I always go to the manufacturer website.

 

Graphics Drivers & Software

 

I always found Microsoft drivers messed up my system on a GPU driver.

 

The error maybe due to you need SP2.

 

Oh noo he says not another SP.:mad:

 

Some hardware drivers will not update or install if you do not have the latest service pack installed.

 

What a pain Microsoft is,a realy long process just to get us up and running.

[Bugsy]

Cheers again, JB.

 

I'm pretty sure SP2 was amongst the pile of poo that was updated.

 

Yes, I'm going to go to the AMD website to get the new driver direct.

 

Can I trouble you a bit more?! I understand that once I download and store the new driver I then have to uninstall the current one before going any further? So this will be a case of going to Device Manager and uninstalling the driver? What will this do? I presume there's a basic 'driver' still left behind so's I can still see a picture on the screen?!!

 

Do I need to reboot at this point or just install the new driver?

 

(Anticipating you shaking your head sadly at the screen at my ignorance... :()

[Jelly Bean]

Hey I was once a total noobie.In mid 2006 I could not plug in a mouse never mind were the power cable went or how to turn the computer on.If it was not for a few books,the internet and forums like this one I would of proberly still be struggling with a computer that I could not turn on.

 

 

 

So now I spend my time helping others who need the help and I soooooooo enjoy doing so.I could talk about computers all day,mmm no wonder I have no friends lol.

 

:D

 

Ok back to question.

 

No no need to uninstall the graphics driver just download and run the new one.Do not forget to then download ATI Catalyst.

 

During graphics card install the computer will reboot and then you can set your resolution etc.

[Bugsy]

That's brilliant - thanks again, JB.

 

I have to ask, what does 'Rwy'n ceisio fy ngorau' mean?! :confused:

[Jelly Bean]

It is welsh for "I try my best"

[Bugsy]

Cool. :)

 

Thanks again!

[Jelly Bean]

Your all up and running and back in Nans good books.

 

Brilliant.

 

If you need any advice you know were we are.