Vista won't boot - System restore/Startup repair can't fix

Hi

I am having the exact same problem for 2 days. Windows could not start , that Startup repair got launched but never stops, never gets anywhere.... Not even an error message ...

Did someone already please get a serious reply from MS on how to fix this ? Of course, loosing all my personal data is not an option. I cant even make a backup as I cant go beyond the step of the StartUp Repair.

 

I WAS able to get the resolved by Microsoft.  The problem occurs when there is an incomplete install of one of their automatic updates (in my case SP2).  Since the process didn't complete, the computer doesn't have all the components it needs to boot and all restore or repair options fail.

Solution was to essentially reinstall Vista.  This did NOT lose data (e.g., personal files), but it did wipe out all applications.  So after Vista was reinstalled, you have to reinstall all apps and reset all settings, etc.  This was very time consuming for me so I tried VERY hard to get them to give me a solution that works that didn't require the full OS reinstall, but after several hours over several service calls of trying, nothing worked and so I went for a full reinstall.  While painful, that permanently solved the problem. 

There is free service support for SP2 issues, but hurry, as it expires Aug 30.  Follow link below:

https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?prid=13014&gprid=582034&st=1&wfxredirect=1 

Good luck and hope this helps!

Hi,

Are  you able to access Safe Mode - repeatedly tap F8 as you boot?

This coud be a serious error and need tech support from a real computer shop (not leeks and peeks

at a BestBuy or other BigBox Stores) or your System maker's Support.

Go into Setup/Settings (BIOS/CMOS) often F2 as you boot so watch screen as you startup. Set the

boot order to CD/DVD to use Vista disks. Remember to set back when done.

With a Vista or Repair disk try Startup Repair - (the possible fixes are same as these though the titles

are named differently.)

This tells you how to access the System Recovery Options and/or use a Vista Disk

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/326b756b-1601-435e-99d0-1585439470351033.mspx

Try StartUp Repair from Recovery Options or Vista disk.

How to do a Startup Repair

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/91467-startup-repair.html

Possible fixes for that error are same as for these :

Unable to boot in windows vista- windows boot configuration data file is missing required information -

Repair Corrupt Boot Manager

http://www.troublefixers.com/unable-to-boot-in-windows-vista-windows-boot-configuration-data-file-is-missing-required-information/

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

How to fix "BOOTMGR is missing" in Windows Vista

http://cyberst0rm.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-to-fix-bootmgr-is-missing-in.html

Error message when you start Windows Vista: "The Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing

required information"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927391

Vista Tip: Repair "BOOTMGR is missing" error - a quick how to

http://lifehacker.com/251733/vista-tip--repair-bootmgr-is-missing-error

See this section here - To repair/rebuild the Boot Config Data Use the Bootrec.exe Tool

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/163304-dual-boot-using-free-partitioning-software.html

=========================================

If you do not have a Vista disk you can borrow a friends as they are not copy protected. Your

System maker will also sell the physical DVD cheap since you already own Windows. Also you

can make a repair disk on another computer.

If you need to make repair disks - these help repair Windows not re-install.

How to Make a Bootable Disk in Vista

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/7050.aspx

Download: Windows Vista x86 (32 bit) Recovery Disc

http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/download-windows-vista-x64-recovery-disc/

Download: Windows Vista x64 (64 bit) Recovery Disc

http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/download-windows-vista-x64-recovery-disc/

How to Make a Windows Vista Repair Disk If You Don’t Have One

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/how-to-make-a-windows-vista-repair-disk-if-you-dont-have-one/

==========================================

These "may" help :

Also from the COMMAND PROMPT of Recovery Console (if possible) or a Vista disk

SFC /scannow

Hit Enter

and after that runs

chkdsk /f /r

Hit Enter

( Spaces between C and /   k and /  and f and / )

Retry Startup Repair after Chkdsk.

If needed after those you can retry System Restore from the Recovery or Vista disk.

How to Do a System Restore in Vista

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

Or from the Command Prompt :

C:\Windows\System32\rstrui.exe

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - MS MVP - Windows Desktop Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Dell Insiron 531

Why Vista will not load?

Serious problem with Vista Home Premium 32 bit

Urgent help needed!!!

After updating Vista with SP1 had a power surge and when I switched the PC back on I got a blue screen error appears

“A problem has been detected and windows has shut down to prevent damage to your computer”

Stop:0x0000c1F5 (oxoooooooo, oxoooooooo, oxoooooooo, oxoooooooo)

I’ve launched Start-up repair (Recommended), - returns same error message

Tried to start windows in Safe Mode – Loads a load of drivers and then - returns same error message

Tried to start windows with Command Prompt- returns same error message

Tried with CD in the drive, says, windows is loading files, can see the progress bar but then it returns to the error message again!

Would appreciate any help to get windows to load, at the moment all I can get into is the BIOS!

***THIS FIX IS ONLY FOR 0X0000C1F5 ONLY! IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER BSOD CODE, GOOGLE IT FOR AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD***

STOP PRESS - There is now an alternative! - Insert a Windows 7 Installation disc, boot into the first part of the installation and cancel the install. It fixes the corrupt $TfxLog.

I restarted the pc again, went througth the startup repair till I chose again other options. This time I chose DELL Factory Image Restore, which was successful! Now I will have to install other application, internet connection etc. But at least I got the pc working! Now it will have to be goodbye to Vista and upgrade to Win7!