[mrbongospaws]

I have a Samsung R530 Laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit.

It will now not boot into Windows and I have tried the following:

Startup Repair - this searches through files and then finally hangs for a while, a brief flash then goes back to initial boot and continues to loop this way.

I have tried hitting F8 and trying all Safe Mode options but no luck.

I have removed all usb devices etc.

I have attempted to use Samsungs Recovery Solution at initial boot but again... this just hangs at the first screen with no progress.

I have downloaded and burned the Windows 7 Repair disc iso and burned to disc using ImgBurn. I then change boot priority to boot from disc drive in an attempt to run repair from the disc. When I do this, it begins as normal (I have done this before) but will only allow me to choose the keyboard region/language and then nothing else happens, just stays on the Windows 7 screen (with the leaves and bird...)

I tried another repair disc download incase the first one was bad but this does the same thing.

I am running out of patience and options now. I have never tried a repair from a USB boot but not sure if this will make any difference.

Some background on what I think may have preceded/caused this:

The battery in my laptop is pretty much dead so I just use the power cord to run it now, I'd say it lost its life about 2 weeks ago.

The last major change/download was the Wheezy download for my Raspberry Pi and at one point I tried to connect the Pi to the laptop to see if I could use it's screen as a monitor for the Pi.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[aks56h]

download memtest86 and run tests, probably your ram has gone bad

[mrbongospaws]

Thanks for replying.

I'm burning the iso for it now, is there anything I should be looking for or taking note as it runs the tests? Or does it give a result at the end?

I will take photos if it helps! Really need to fix this. Have done clean install of windows in the past but as usual the one time I really need access to my data - this happens!

I'm using a desktop I have at home in the meantime.

[mrbongospaws]

Ok I ran it through memtest and it says:

***** Pass complete, no errors, press Esc to exit *****

It now appears to be doing another test (or a repeat)

I took a photo of the test so can refer to any info needed from it.

Any other ideas on this?

[mrbongospaws]

Also, while I'm attempting a repair on Windows was wondering about this:

Could I install Ubuntu and access my files that way? I used to have a dual boot Windows/Ubuntu a while back.

Would I need Windows to be in health to install Ubuntu?

[mrbongospaws]

Ok so I'm on my laptop now after using an Ubuntu boot disc and can see my Windows files, photos etc so I guess I can get them off the drives and into an external hard drive or something.

But then I am left with two options. Do a re-install of Windows and how if the repair disc didn't get me anywhere.

Or use my laptop and embrace Ubuntu.

Really need advice on this one.

[johnebadbak]

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/ow...NP-R530-JA02US
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/Su...229&fm_seq=397
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/Su...226&fm_seq=394

[mrbongospaws]

Originally Posted by johnebadbak

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/ow...NP-R530-JA02US
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/Su...229&fm_seq=397
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/Su...226&fm_seq=394

Unable to access the Samsung Recovery Solution at start up.

The splash screen comes up and 'Please wait...' then nothing.

Unless there is an option to burn it on a disc and do it that way? Or an option to access it through Ubuntu live CD?