Computer question

[TZ]

Last night I went to reboot my laptop (has Vista on it) and it would not reboot..I kept getting an error message..something about windows not reloading properly and that I needed to reinstall windows (or something like that). I know I have the windows disc somewhere but I can't remember off the top of my head where I stashed it . Is there some other way to fix this problem or do I have to re-install Vista (which sounds like a PITA)...

[HopeHoops]

1. That's ALWAYS a PITA. Have you tried safe mode yet?

[TZ]

2. I tried restarting it in the safe mode.

But I got the same error message..D'oh!

[HopeHoops]

3. Houston, we have a problem. Is your backup recent?

[TZ]

4. Argh.

I think I did that about a month or two ago...

[HopeHoops]

5. You're screwed, man.

Laptops are a PITA on their own when they have problems. You can't just pop the disk out and put it in another computer unless it is a laptop that accepts two drives (mine does - HP dv9000). If you have anything important on the drive, I suggest calling around (Best Buy comes to mind) to see if they have a dual drive model in their repair shop that is compatible with your drive. They probably do and should be able to get the data off. Do the reinstall yourself - it is mostly a "hurry up and wait" exercise and they'll charge a minor shitload to do it.

If the data is just junk you downloaded from the net and don't really need, there should be a D: partition with the restore image. That's way faster than using a CD or DVD approach. Unfortunately, that means three days of Windows updates and reinstalling all of your applications.

It can be a cleansing experience (in more ways than one) to do anyway.

[madinmaryland]

6. Get a Mac!!

Sorry, someone had to say it!

:hi:

[TZ]

7. I'm contemplating a new laptop

But Macs are WAAAY too expensive for me.

[DS1]

8. Find your disc

On it is a recovery utility which I've used with great success in the past, and definitely without having to reinstall windows