Absolute Vista Corupts Absolutely (restore problems)

It's a week old. It is most likely my fault and I suspect my statistics software to be the true culprit.

 

UAC: don't know. I never set up a secondary user, like I said, super new computer. This was bought during school finals (because things seem to know when to break) so I didn't get much of a chance to set things up nicely. Ironically, I did install AdAware and Spybot prior to the implosion.

 

Most likely it is your fault because your computer has not been protected and your've got it massively infected with spyware and other malicious stuff.

 

Vista is stable, secure OS, it ALWAYS boots. Do you have your UAC enabled?

 

This is the option of the last resort as it comes to salvaging your data and OS.
Turn the machine off, turn it back on and IMMEDIATELY press two keys: CTRL + F6. If you hear a distress series of beeps (around 5/sec) keep pressing for about 1 min. After that release F6 but keep pressing Ctrl for a while.

At this point the MS Windows Boot Console (CMOS screen) should appear and offer you choices. Choose Boot in Safe Mode With Internet.

Now, that combination Ctrl+F6 is maker specific. It worked for my DELL towers. Other manufacturers reportedly have other "secret" codes.

You may try Alt, Del, PgUp, PgDn instead of Ctrl. Also F6 is not cast in concrete. You may try other function keys. Some machines may require only one key to be pressed. Every machine MUST have a code like this. It took me about 10 min to find mine.

 

After you got it back, make sure you run Spybot Search & Destroy (make sure it is genuine), clean your machine. Run SB S&D in SAFE mode. Turn UAC on and never turn it off unless your Internet cable is unplugged. Even then it may be unsafe if your box is already infected, still a possibility if you do not watch what you are doing with your fingers.

 

 

"Code 0142, MSG code 2000-0142, Unit 1: Drive Self Test Failed, Status byte = 70"

 

This error has nothing to do with Windows. It is the hard disk reporting its own status as failing its own self test run from the hard disk firmware. It has nothing to do with the OS or the software installed. It sounds like it was dropped or something.

 

You need a new hard disk drive.

 

This explains the drive self test, but it is deep reading:

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6467054/description.html

 

 

pcgeek11

Another thing for you to consider alsthough at this stage it is not an option since you cannot boot to WIndows is a DELL hardware diagnostics. You can perhaps do it in safe mode. They have downloads, consider it.

I apologize for rudeness. I did not expect sophistication.

 

That was actually my belated thought that hardware issues should also be explored. If you can boot it to DOS mode, run CHKDSK. It will give you complete mirror.

 

Now, if you have Vista you don't really need Antivirus. I stopped purchasing them since my first Vista install. They create multiple problems. Microsoft Malicious Softrate Removal Kit plus Spybot will do the job. Obviously Windows Firewall must also be enabled plus UAC should always be on.

 

There is also Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer that will give you a broad picture of what you can expect from your machine.

 

All that software is free to download from MS.

"Now, if you have Vista you don't really need Antivirus. I stopped purchasing them since my first Vista install. They create multiple problems."

 

Are You ABSOLUTELY OUT OF YOUR MIND ?????

I'll second that Rebel9!

 

:smileysurprised: