OT: Computer experts - won't boot after Windows update

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

My other computer (Acer 17" laptop) worked fine Wednesday afternoon. Around 5 PM Wednesday I had one of those "Don't shut off computer, Windows making updates" messages. Windows did the updates and everything was normal. Yesterday evening everything was fine, then another Windows update took place. When it was done there was a strikethrough on the speaker icon and sound didn't work. Clicking on the speaker icon gave a message that said the sound device couldn't be located. I rebooted a couple times, but the condition was the same. I did a restore to the day before and now the computer won't boot. It comes up with the Repair Windows/Start normally screen (does not give me the choice to start in Safe Mode). Picking the "repair Windows" option gives me a screen that says I either unplugged a device while booting, or critical components can't be located. Selecting "Start normally" just takes me back to the Repair Windows/Start normally screen. I took the bottom of the laptop off and reseated all the devices (CD, HDD, cards) and reseated all the ribbon cables. It still does the same thing. It should be mentioned about 3 months ago I had a message that said there were some bad spots on the disk, so I used the Acer utility to do the disk maintenance. I'm thinking the Windows update yesterday may have written critical boot data to a bad spot on the disk.

I made rescue CDs when the computer was new 3 years ago and can do a rescue, but I don't want to have to reload all the programs I use, so I was wondering if there was something else I could do like maybe booting from the Windows CD? Thanks

 

[huskerbux]

I'll bump for you since it sounds like you've done pretty much what my limitations can help with too. Hope someone has an answer for you.

 

[canaham]

It should be mentioned about 3 months ago I had a message that said there were some bad spots on the disk, so I used the Acer utility to do the disk maintenance. I'm thinking the Windows update yesterday may have written critical boot data to a bad spot on the disk.

Perhaps not what you want to hear, but I would go get another hard drive now and rescue your data while it's still easy to do so.
I went through this earlier this year. I was repairing the OS a couple of times a month because of BSOD's caused by a hard drive flaking out slowly. It'll save you time and aggravation to just install the OS on a new drive now.

 

[bkrrrrr]

When this happens I generally buy a new hard drive and do a fresh installation, then put the old drive in a stand-alone usb case or drive dock to try to recover files from it.

 

[ATLsker_rivals491785]

Unfortunately I think you're going to have to reinstall those programs.

1. I agree with the other posters, the first thing you wanna do is back up your files. If you have an external hard drive, you can try to boot your computer using an Ubuntu live disk/USB and copy the files over (It's actually really easy, don't be intimidated). If the live disk doesn't boot your motherboard might be fried.

2. Using your windows disc, reformat your drive and reinstall Windows.

3. If that still doesn't work, then at least your files are backed up and you can go get a new drive.

 

[qrtr]

My other computer (Acer 17" laptop) worked fine Wednesday afternoon. Around 5 PM Wednesday I had one of those "Don't shut off computer, Windows making updates" messages. Windows did the updates and everything was normal. Yesterday evening everything was fine, then another Windows update took place. When it was done there was a strikethrough on the speaker icon and sound didn't work. Clicking on the speaker icon gave a message that said the sound device couldn't be located. I rebooted a couple times, but the condition was the same. I did a restore to the day before and now the computer won't boot. It comes up with the Repair Windows/Start normally screen (does not give me the choice to start in Safe Mode). Picking the "repair Windows" option gives me a screen that says I either unplugged a device while booting, or critical components can't be located. Selecting "Start normally" just takes me back to the Repair Windows/Start normally screen. I took the bottom of the laptop off and reseated all the devices (CD, HDD, cards) and reseated all the ribbon cables. It still does the same thing. It should be mentioned about 3 months ago I had a message that said there were some bad spots on the disk, so I used the Acer utility to do the disk maintenance. I'm thinking the Windows update yesterday may have written critical boot data to a bad spot on the disk.

I made rescue CDs when the computer was new 3 years ago and can do a rescue, but I don't want to have to reload all the programs I use, so I was wondering if there was something else I could do like maybe booting from the Windows CD? Thanks

I had the same problem with the updates ... i guess we have to be patient and wait for the fix in the next update,

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

Unfortunately I think you're going to have to reinstall those programs.

1. I agree with the other posters, the first thing you wanna do is back up your files. If you have an external hard drive, you can try to boot your computer using an Ubuntu live disk/USB and copy the files over (It's actually really easy, don't be intimidated). If the live disk doesn't boot your motherboard might be fried.

2. Using your windows disc, reformat your drive and reinstall Windows.

3. If that still doesn't work, then at least your files are backed up and you can go get a new drive.

Good advice, thanks. I am good with routine backups, but will use Ubuntu to make sure I have everything.

Also, thanks everybody else, I will pick up a new hard drive and reinstall everything on it to get the problem over with,

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

I'm up and running so I can post during the game tomorrow (today). The only thing is my PST file apparently never updated in my user file so I lost all that, bummer.

 

[Shocker_Fan]

Best solution is to dump Windows garbage and move to OS X . Just saying.

 

[Go Big Red]

Best solution is to dump Windows garbage and move to IOS Apple. Just saying.

So you're saying he should use an iphone? Because a Mac doesn't run IOS....

I'm guessing this was a troll and not actual advice.

 

[MemorialRedWarrior]

Shoot it.

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

I found my browser favorites and pst file on the old hard drive in folders under user/myname. When I installed the new hard drive it defaulted to hiding a bunch of files. I'm good now and ready to see NU turn it around starting today. GBR!