Windows 7 infinite startup repair loop

[Ninja_Baz]

Hi everyone.

My HP laptop has an issue where it’s been stuck in a constant loop where it keeps reverting me to startup repair no matter what option I pick.

I went through many websites and youtube videos and came to the conclusion that I need to buy a recovery disk. I believe this is the one I bought

So, I received it and can’t seem to get my laptop to recognize it. I’ve seen on videos that there should be a message saying “boot from cd…”, but this doesn’t appear for me. I have went in to the bios settings to make sure cd option is enabled.

I’m really stuck at the moment and my aim is to not lose my files in the process.

There was a difference that I noticed with the cd being in. Usually the windows loading screen wouldn’t last very long and would just go immediately to startup repair, but now it actually loads for a little longer (you can see the 3 loading squares scroll along the screen twice, but before they wouldn’t even appear).

Is there anything I can do to fix this?

I assume you will need to know more information from me, so just let me know.

Thank you very much for reading.

[COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]Link has been removed for security reasons was form third part site.[/COLOR]

[Rustys]

Getting a repaid disk from a third parts site is not best. They usually come with hacked and corrupt software on them that do more damage than repair.

What is the make and model of the laptop and age?

Have you already backed up your personal files (pictures, documents …)?

[Ninja_Baz]

It’s a HP Pavilion dm4 Dr Dre Beats Audio version.

I don’t know how to get detailed specs of it.

The laptop has to be around 7 years old I reckon.

No, I haven’t backed up files, photo etc which is my fault.

[Rustys]

Lets get you data backed up.

When you were in the BIOS was the data and time correct? If not then make corrections and see if the boot order is still showing correctly.

Puppy Linux tutorial for you below, use this to get you data backed up.

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

Required Hardware

CD Burner (CDRW) Drive,

Blank CD,

Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)

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

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:
[ul]
[li]Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-528.iso)[/li]
Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software

There are instructions on how to boot from flash drive with puppy here; How to Create a Puppy Linux Live USB Drive ▷ Make Bootable

• [li]Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer[/li][li]Extract All files to a location you can remember[/li][li]Double Click http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/guide_icons/linux_puppy/1 BurnCDCC Icon.PNG BurnCDCC[/li][li]Click Browse http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/guide_icons/linux_puppy/2 BurnCDCC Browse Button.PNG and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded[/li][li]Open/Double Click that file[/li]
  IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x
  [li]Click Start http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/guide_icons/linux_puppy/3 BurnCDCC Start Button.PNG[/li]
  [li]Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically[/li][li]Insert a blank CD and close the tray[/li][li]Click OK[/li][/ul]
  [li]Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created[/li]

2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second

[ul]
[li]Start the computer/press the power button[/li][li]Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka “Setup”[/li]
(Usually shown during the “Dell” screen, or “Gateway” Screen)
[li]Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to:[/li]
CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd
[li]Open your ROM drive and insert the disk[/li][li]Press F10 to save and exit[/li][li]Agree with “Y” to continue[/li][li]Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD[/li]
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/guide_icons/linux_puppy/4 BIOSBootPriorityImage.png
[/ul]
3. Recover Your Data
[ul]
[li]Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer’s Memory (RAM). You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call “your computer”. Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning. Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy. To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once. Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to. This is normal. Ready? Let’s get started.[/li]
3a. Mount Drives

• [li]Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop. http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/guide_icons/linux_puppy/5 Puppy Linux Mount Icon.PNG[/li]
  [li]A Window will open. By default, the “drive” tab will be forward/highlighted. Click on Mount for your hard drive.[/li][li]Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount.[/li][li]USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the “usbdrv” tab and make sure it is mounted.[/li][li]If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the “drive” tab. Mount it now.[/li]3b. Transfer Files.
  [li]At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon.[/li][li]Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1[/li][li]Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1[/li][li]If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows)[/li][li]From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive’s Window.[/li][/ul]
  For The Novice: The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders for XP is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each individual name of each user, for Vista and above C:\Users$USERNAME[…]. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos.
  
  Remember to only click once! No double clicking! Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy. Choose COPY each time you drag and drop.
  
  YOU ARE DONE!!! Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer. Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations!
  
  [IMG alt="PuppyLinux528screenshot" width="690px" height="431px"]https://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa249/thesparkman/geeks/PuppyLinux528screenshot.png[/IMG]
  

[phillpower2]

Any update Ninja Baz?

[phillpower2]

Thread closed due to lack of feedback from the OP.