[miau87]

Hi, everyone! My younger sister was using my laptop last night and now it will not start up. It is a Vista from HP.

Whenever I turn it on it automatically goes to this message:

"Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

If Windows files have been damaged or configured incorrectly, Startup Repair can help diagnose and fix the problem. If power was interrupted during startup, choose Start Windows Normally.
(Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice.)

Launch Startup Repair (recommended)
Start Windows Normally"

If I choose Launch Startup Repair it asks for an installation disc, but I do not have one. If I choose Start Windows Normally it gets to the green loading bar and stays there.

I have tried starting it up in Safe Mode, but it does not let me. It only starts loading some data, but gets stuck and never finishes. I have also tried Last Known Good Configuration, but it gets stuck on the green loading bar.

Is there any way I can fix this without losing any of my files? I do not care about losing programs, but the files are very important to me. Should I call HP instead?

I do not understand a lot about computers so please be patient with me. Thanks!!

[Elvandil]

You should get your files before anything else.


Parted Magic disk partitioning, PC repair, and file recovery tool (Bootable CD or USB image)
If you prefer a bootable USB key, download and run Linux Live USB Creator. Choose the Parted Magic distro, and it will download it and automatically create a bootable USB key.

This CD (or key) contains many useful tools. You can partition, recover files, recover lost partitions, make disk images (by several different methods), transfer files between media, scan for viruses (It can serve as an Alternative Trusted Platform for search and elimination of rootkits and bootkits), examine and benchmark hardware, access the internet, and much more.

[miau87]

Originally Posted by Elvandil

You should get your files before anything else.


Parted Magic disk partitioning, PC repair, and file recovery tool (Bootable CD or USB image)
If you prefer a bootable USB key, download and run Linux Live USB Creator. Choose the Parted Magic distro, and it will download it and automatically create a bootable USB key.

This CD (or key) contains many useful tools. You can partition, recover files, recover lost partitions, make disk images (by several different methods), transfer files between media, scan for viruses (It can serve as an Alternative Trusted Platform for search and elimination of rootkits and bootkits), examine and benchmark hardware, access the internet, and much more.

Thank you for your reply. I have burned Parted Magic onto a CD and inserted it into the laptop. The laptop ejected the CD and now the Parted Magic desktop is displayed on my laptop. I am unsure of what to do now. How do I save my files? or Have they already been saved?

[miau87]

Anyone??

[miau87]

I have saved all my files. What do I do now?

[Megabite]

What make and Model is this laptop and can you borrow a Vista disc to try a startup repair>

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by miau87

My younger sister was using my laptop last night and now it will not start up. It is a Vista from HP.

It's too bad we don't know what your sister did on that laptop before it crashed.

------------------------------------------------------------

What's the model name and full model number of that HP?

If you don't know for sure, advise what the product number(P/N) and/or model number(M/N) on the sticker is.

------------------------------------------------------------

[miau87]

Originally Posted by Megabite

What make and Model is this laptop and can you borrow a Vista disc to try a startup repair>

It is an HP Pavilion dv2988se. I can't borrow a Vista disc.

[miau87]

Originally Posted by flavallee

It's too bad we don't know what your sister did on that laptop before it crashed.

------------------------------------------------------------

What's the model name and full model number of that HP?

If you don't know for sure, advise what the product number(P/N) and/or model number(M/N) on the sticker is.

------------------------------------------------------------

Haha, wish I knew. I just know she plays computer games online. It is an HP Pavilion dv2988se. p/n is FE983UA#ABA

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by miau87

It is an HP Pavilion dv2988se. p/n is FE983UA#ABA

Here is the support site for the HP Pavilion dv2988se (FE983UA#ABA) laptop.

It came with Windows Vista Home Premium SP1(64-bit) pre-installed.

Here is the HP link to order the recovery disc kit for it - if it's still available after 4 years.

Here is the Computer Surgeons HP Recovery Center link that appears to still have it available for purchase.

----------------------------------------------------------