Boot Issues on HP 64 bit desk top

[Escalader]

I have inherited this vista desk top, 64 bit. It won't boot past a sky blue screen with the pointer in the middle of the screen.

I have several licenced Paragon products suite, partition manager and their bootable dvd's/cd's for my windows 7 64 bit pc.

Can I use these cd's to attempt top repair the boot/os on this HP desk top?

If not, what approach is possible?

[SIW2]

Yes,

Try using the Pargon discs to ensure the partition containing the boot critical files is set as Active. ( look at the partitions with Paragon and check for bootmgr and a pale yellow folder called boot on the ROOT of the partition ).

Also run the paragon bootcorrector - try correcting bcd on all drives.

Otherwise, try running automatic startup repair from the windows 7 recovery disc ( yes, it works great on Vista) but you must use the same bit - version as the Vista you have installed (if you're not sure - try the 32 bit 7 recovery cd first) Download Windows 7 System Recovery Discs — The NeoSmart Files (http://neosmart.net/blog/2009/windows-7-system-repair-discs/)

[Escalader]

Thanks for replying. I suspect 99% that it is a vista 32 on a 64 bit desk top. It is 3 years old.

You have helped remind me of the need to create the w7 recovery disks.

PS I may be up the creek if the boot priority won't try the cd/dvd drive first. :-\

[SIW2]

If boot priority isn't already set to boot from cdrom first - there must be a way to get into bios setup - press F2 or Del, or similar.

I don't suppose there is an option during POST that says press F11 ( or similar ) for boot menu.


Another option is to have a look at the drive with one of the Paragons and see if you can spot the recovery partition ( usually 6-10gb ).

Give it a drive letter, and mark it Active. With luck you will reboot straight into the mfr recovery program and be able to do a factory restore.

[Escalader]

-{ Quote: "If boot priority isn't already set to boot from cdrom first - there must be a way to get into bios setup - press F2 or Del, or similar.

I don't suppose there is an option during POST that says press F11 ( or similar ) for boot menu.


Another option is to have a look at the drive with one of the Paragons and see if you can spot the recovery partition ( usually 6-10gb ).

Give it a drive letter, and mark it Active. With luck you will reboot straight into the mfr recovery program and be able to do a factory restore." }-


I'll have my hands on this HP 64 bit vista in about a week.

So thanks again for your advice. Paragon is also helping me out so betwixt and between I should get this done if it is doable.

If not (worst case) I'll wipe it and install windows 7 fresh!
Not really that bad an idea cost of the W7 license is less than whole new HP desktop.:-X