First time setting up a slave drive, need simple instructions

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I agree that it seems totally irrational. I'll double-check the Sevenforums link just in case I've misunderstood something.

Startup Repair launches itself every time I try to boot into Windows, and every time it fails to fix anything. I'm not too sure which previous repair you are referring to.

Apologies for the relentless questions. Just wanted to add that without your help I'd be totally stuck, so thank you for replying so far. :) I'll update this thread tomorrow with my progress on the Hiren's method, as well as the links you posted.
 


No, you didn't misunerstood anything.. it's the same thing I understand.. that's why I call (Microsoft) irrational. They may think the "Repair your computer" option (click the link and see image 5) can repair an unbootable computer everytime... and who knows.. this is the option I thought you had perfomed before when I said "I suppose that's how you repaired your system previously?" but I guess I confused your thread with someone else's... but in any case, I believe it's the same option you mean by "Startup Repair"?.

Image 5 "Repair your computer" option
http://www.techtalkz.com/windows-7/514412-windows-7-installation-guide-tutorial.html

NO apologies are necessary.. I just hope I'm not getting in over my head and can help you get your system up and running.
 
The Startup Repair shown in the video link you posted is the same one that runs automatically when I try to boot as normal. As a result, it doesn't help me.

I tried to launch the Upgrade Install once Hiren's CD had booted Mini XP. While taking out the boot disk didn't close the software I was unable to run the setup due to my OS being 64-bit; Mini XP seems to be 32-bit.

I'm slowly running out of options. I've right-clicked my drive and currently have it checking for errors, which has taken about 45 minutes so far with still some way to go so maybe that will help, though I'm doubtful.

Instead, I want to re-explore some of the things that wouldn't work for me earlier on.

1) System Restore. I can select a restore point- one of which is only 2 weeks old- but the Wizard won't allow me to select my hdd, telling me to make sure System Protection is enabled and preventing me from going any further.

2) Chkdsk. This seems like a reasonable solution, though when trying to run it I'm told 'Cannot Lock Current Drive. Windows cannot run disk checking on this volume because it is write protected'

As I desperately want to avoid a Custom Install, I need to find a few more things to try and I was wondering if you had any suggestions about either of these two issues.
 
I cant reall if you've metioned if you tried Safe Mode before? that may help to logon and try to repair the registry or start the repair installation.

Another option I can think of, is to launch the repair installation from a new clean installation you can setup on a second partition of the hard drive, you can partition the Hard Drive from the Hirens Boot CD of from the Windows 7 DVD.

Once you're ready to repair the damaged Windows 7, start it from the clean installed Windows 7, and select the right partition from the Windows 7 DVD. Once the OS has been repaired and working, you can format the partition with the new clean installation.
Windows 7 installation guide
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers [...] stall.html

Some usefull indications here on how to install from the Windows 7 DVD through MS-DOS
"Windows Setup could not configure Windows on this computer’s hardware” installation error on a Windows 7-based or a Windows Server 2008 R2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2466753/en

You can run CHKDSK from the Windows 7 DVD... but it has limitations, so don't expect it to deinitely repair the Registry damage. If mainly fixes hard disk damaged sectors and file system errors.. which may include sectors or errors where the registry data was, so it's worth executing but with reasonable expectations.

Windows 7 & Vista - Running Checkdisk from a Boot CD/DVD or Windows Desktop
http://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=6565
 
I tried chkdsk from the Windows disc and was met with the error message I posted above. For some reason it won't run as expected as it thinks my drive is write protected.

Your suggestion about performing a Custom Install on a new partition sounds possible. Just to clarify, this is my understanding of how it would work

- Boot from Windows disc
- Opt for a Custom Install, but make sure to create a separate partition away from my damaged system and make sure the new installation runs on this new partition
- My product key, for whatever reason, is not in my Windows 7 disc case, but as I have 30 days to activate the new install this shouldn't be an issue as by the time these 30 days are is up I can simply remove the newer partition
- Once a fresh installation has been performed on the new partition, run the disk and select Upgrade Install
- Choose the original partition

From here, I assume things should run smoothly? Once I know the Upgrade/Repair Install is successful, how would I go about removing the newer partition with the fresh install on?

One final question: once Windows has been installed on the new partition and my old one is repaired, do I have to select which one to boot from? How do I switch partitions once my old one is fixed?
 
Just thought I'd add that I'm still running error-checking on my drive. With the fix and recovery boxes unticked the process was complete in minutes, but with them ticked it's taking hours. I started at about 6p.m and it's coming to the end of phase 4. Is there any point in continuing, and if I leave it to do so then how much longer is it likely to take?
 
You've get everything right on the custom installation details.. my only doubt is if the repair (upgrade) installation will go smoothly.. I've never done it so I can't tell, but from what I understand about how it's started, it should go ok. Once the repair-upgrade is done, this OS should be set as the default OS appearing on top in the boot selection screen. The next steps are to verify in the Disk Manager that the repaired Windows 7 is in the Active partition, and that in MSConfig it's set as the default OS. After this is verified you can open the Disk Manager; Start\Computer-right click & select Manage\Disk Manager... right click on the new partition containing the clean installation and select Format, and choose the Quick format option.

If the formatted Windows 7 remains in the boot selection screen, from; Start\Run or Search\type; msconfig > boot tab > reduce the Timeout to 0 or the lowest number possible and remove the entry from the bootloader with EasyBCD.

If by... "How you switch partitions" you mean how you select the OS to start the computer with, the mose recent installed or repaired OS is set as the default, so it should be on top in the boot selection screen.

About chkdsk; the boxes unchecked/not ticked the program only scans but doesn't fix damaged sectors or file system errors, that's why it's taking so long.. the hard disk must have plenty of errors which is both a good sign and a bad one as well, good because the program is finding errors and correcting them and the OS may end up booting.. bad because it may mean the hard drive is in it's final stages and the cause of the whole problem.. but let's hope that's not the case. In any event, if the problem is solved, check the Hard Drive condition with Hard Disk Sentinel to know it's exact condition... and how long the Hard Drive is expected to last. Almost forgot... chkdsk works in 5 stages so it should have finished by the time you read this.
 

The custom installation may not be a problem for Activation but the repaired system may be a different story.. you may need the key to Activate it..

Try to retrieve the key from the damaged system with the Hiren's Boot CD... Programs \ Passwords / Keys \ Product Keys \ XP Key Reader has the option to retrieve the product key from a remote installation.

 
Unfortunately I have come across another problem. :/ When selecting a partition on which to perform the Custom Install, advanced options only let me delete or format the current partition. For some reason, the 'New' and 'Extend' options are greyed out so I seem to have gotten stuck yet again.

If only I could perform a System Restore, I'm pretty sure my machine would boot up again. It says I must enable Disk Protection though. I've done some research into this issue and tried various cmd commands but nothing so far.

I was sure the new partition method would work, but for some reason I can't even create one. I've got a spare external HDD so I had the idea that I could perhaps install Windows onto that (it has enough space) but unfortunately it wouldn't let me do that either.

 
At this stage I'm starting to feel like I've tried everything and each time I've been held back in one way or another. The things I've tried have either not worked, or not let me use them at all. :/ I'm still seeking alternatives to formatting the drive and just restoring my data from the external drive, but it's starting to look like my one and only option.
 


Try creating the new partition from the Hiren's Boot CD.. it has a few applications that may help. The problem may be that you aready have the maximum number of partitions, they may be hidden and the Win 7 installer may not show them.





The problem is System Restore can only be run from the operating system itself... so that's not an option for now.



Try the external HDD removed from the enclosure and installed internal in the #1 SATA connector or MA in IDE Channel. It would be better to install on the spare HDD single in the case to keep the damaged OS's bootloader intact. When the installation concludes put the PC's HDD back in as the main HDD and if the custom installed Win7 doesn't boot, configure the BIOS disabling the PC's HDD so only the custom install's bootloader is detected. Next use Easy BCD to edit the bootloader for dual boot, and start the Repair/Upgrade installation.

A different aproach to the problem may be using Application Mover to move your applications from the old damaged OS to a new custon installation. If your programs are what's keeping you from formatting the damaged OS, this can solve it for you. Applications Mover can move the program's files and registry data to a new installation..

The procedure would be as follows:
1. Do the 1st custom installation following the instructions in the 1st paragraph, move your applications to the custom installation, formatt the old OS, and do a 2nd custom installation in it's place, move your applications to it, and formatt the unnecessary 1st custom installation.
 
See if System Restore works from the Windows 7 DVD Command Prompt following these instructions:

Execute System Restore from the Command Line / Safe Boot
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/780/execute-system-restore-from-the-command-line-safe-boot/

From the DVD access to Command Prompt; type "diskpart" (no quotes) > press Enter > list volume > a numbered list of drives and partitions should come up on the screen.. > type select # volume and press enter (# is C: where failed Win7 is installed) > you should get a response saying "# drive is the selected volume" > type "%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe" (no quotes) and press Enter... rstrui.exe is the System Restore executable.. this is the best and last possibility to make System Restore run from the command prompt.
 
I'd prefer to avoid any physical moving and re-connecting of hard drives where possible. I have literally no experience of handling hardware and don't trust myself to do things properly which is why I've only tried software-based methods up to this point.

When I was unable to create a new partition I checked Hiren's disk to see what was on there. I can't recall the exact name but I opened something like Partition Wizard which displayed my various drives and partitions. Right-clicking my drive for more options, I found that the one thing that was greyed out was 'create'. :/ I tried selecting other drives too just to see if the option showed up for them but no such luck.

Application Mover sounds interesting, though there seem to be tons of exceptions to what you can move. As long as my documents are backed up, I've decided I don't mind having to reinstall my programs any more.

I worked through your steps in Command Prompt and when I enter the %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe command I'm met with a list of possible commands- ACTIVE, ADD, CLEAN, EXTEND, FORMAT, RECOVER, etc. Is this supposed to happen? How do I proceed with an attempted System Restore from here?

Also, I'm not sure if it means anything but earlier I tried the %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe on its own and was given an error message, so I booted Mini XP and navigated to the system32\restore folder and I didn't see any executable files, just one small hidden one.
 
Just thought it might be beneficial to add some details about the initial problem, though I realise I should have given these sooner. I suppose I didn't because I've spent more time trying to solve new problems that have arisen when trying to fix the original one.

I turned my PC off on the power switch to save waiting for it to shut down. (I know, I've learnt my lesson now. :/) Next time I turned it on, I got a blue screen. Slightly panicked, I didn't fully read through it and let the machine restart.

When the PC did come back on, the 'Starting Windows' message would appear (the one where the logo fades onto the screen), but then this would be interrupted by the 'Windows is loading files' message and alternate loading bar, with no Windows logo. I assumed this is Safe Mode kicking in automatically, but this happens even when I set the computer to try and start Windows normally so I'm not so sure.

Startup Repair would start by itself, and now does so every time I try to boot normally. I only got the blue screen that one time so unfortunately I can't go back and read what it said, but Startup Repair gave some problem details and informed me of the corrupt Registry. (It showed Problem Event Name and then 7 Problem Signatures- the CorruptRegistry message was signature number 7).

Edit- doing some more research and this cropped up. I've seen something similar a few times but thought it seemed complicated, though it seems to have worked for a number of others.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system/corrupt-registry-root-cause-in-startup-repair/f77d5355-b8be-41d6-af24-cae994e1768f

It's the first answer about manually copying the registry through Command Prompt.
 
OK, I undertand your reluctance to move hardware around but if it becomes the last and only option, either you do it ot pay to have it done. All you need to do, is place carefull notice of where things go, take digital photos if you have to, and handle devices as carefully as possible using insulating gloves, a antistatic strap, or grounding yourself on the computer case.

I see no exeptions with Applications Mover, the only inconvenience is it works one application at a time, so it may only be practical if you have time or a limited number of applications. Your comment on not minding to reinstall programs, leads me to a question; if personal files are backed-up, programs don't play a role, and there isn't much in the system to influence your decision on keeping the OS and not formatting, why don't you just go ahead and formatt the drive?.

You can retrieve the licence key with any of the applications included in the Hiren's Boot CD... unless you see this as an oportunity to practice and gain some experience, I se no other reason why you should persist any longer in trying to rescue the instalation from a damaged registry.

The results you get in the Command Prompt is normal.. the program doesn't understand your commands so it displays a list of options from which it interprets you may find the correct command. It happens that was not the right path, on Windows 7 it's different from what the web article described. Check this one, it may not work, but it's worth trying. I suspect System Restore can only be started from Windows.

How to Quickly Access and Use Windows System Restore or System Protection
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-quickly-access-and-use-windows-system-restore-or-system-protection.htm

The list of command that came up offers another possible method of creating a new partition. CREATE seems like the command to use. So from the DVD command prompt, type diskpart > List volume > select volume # > CREATE... see what comes up.

The info at answers.microsoft.com about repairing the Registry is though Safe Mode \ Command Prompt... so, you'd have to logon in Safe Mode.
 
R.e Application Manager, the Important Notes section lists a fair few types of programs which cannot be moved and it seems like I'd have to reinstall most of mine anyway.

http://www.funduc.com/app_mover_notes1.htm

I will try the CREATE option in Command Prompt, but I'll most likely format my drive, start afresh and copy back my files. The reason I've been reluctant to do so until now was because I only wanted to resort to it as a last option. My drive's pretty full and I've got a fair few programs I'll need to reinstall so copying my files and reinstall everything make take a while, so before doing so I wanted to make sure I'd tried practically everything I could.

As mentioned, I'll try the CREATE option and if not I'll start afresh. Hopefully the next time I post in here it'll be from my own machine.

MichaelAtkins, thank for you the link. :)
 
I chose to install Windows 7 over my original partition, and to my delight when the desktop appeared I found a Windows.old folder and was able to cut-and-paste my data to its new location in seconds. I'm currently in the process of reinstalling all my programs, so hopefully this time tomorrow I'll be as good as up and running again.

I want to extend my unparalleled gratitude to Chicano. Thank you for continuously replying with new solutions and suggestions, without them I probably wouldn't even have backed up my data by now. Most probably would probably have abandoned the thread after my bombardment of questions and problems, so thank you for sticking it out throughout the week. I'd also like to thank everyone else who replied with suggestions and advice.

I think I've learnt not to turn my machine off by the switch now. 😉
 
I didn't mention this before because I thought it may be to complicated for you, and a Repair or Custom installation seemed more practical. Just go thrugh it a few times before applying, it just may be the solution to repairing the registry.

Read the linked article for propper instructions relative to this comment. The registry backs up restore files you may be able to use and restore the registry manually. Said files are in C:\ WINDOWS\system32\config. You can find several registry backups by sections, the question would be which section of the registry is damaged (probably System) so you’ll know exactly which registry backup file to merge to and restore the Registry. This Config folder is probably where the application I mentioned previously (RegResWiz) gets the Registry restore points, but why the application didn’t find any when you tried it, may depend on the Windows 7 strict security.

So, there is still a possibility of restoring the backup in the Config folder to the registry, but since these backups are in code, they can’t be merged directly into the registry.. a registry application is needed, or possibly the registry itself can make use of those backups. See if the following works:

Accessing the registry remotely from the Hirens CD, or a new intallation, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive, next to to File Menu > click on Load Hive > browse to C\Windows\System32\Config\ > select the file named "System" with the creation/restore date thats most convenient > name the new registry key as “AAAA” next “Export” AAAA” with right click Export.. this will convert the key from system (without format and in code) to a .reg edit file that you can "merge" into the registry… Next right click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and click Export > name the Exported backup.. Next rename the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive to OBSOLETE > next rename the key you named AAAA to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.. This may replace the Local Machine registry Hive with the saved backup (in C:\WINDOWS\System32\Config\"System" with convenient date of creation).

It's possible you may need the application mentioned in the link, named RegFileExport v1.06. but this application is made to work remotely from a network not from a Live CD, but it's worth downloading it to drive C:\ and trying to execute it from the Hirens Boot CD.
If this concludes successfully, see if the Windows 7 on C:\ now boots.. if it works, go into the Registry and delete the key you renamed to OBSOLETE.. if it doesn't work, go back to the Hirens Boot CD access the C:Win 7 Registry and delete the Key you renamed HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and rename the OBSOLETE key to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

How to Restore Previous Versions of the Registry in Windows 7
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/31136/how-to-restore-previous-versions-of-the-registry-in-windows-7/

RegFileExport v1.06
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/registry_file_offline_export.html
 

Congrats Alex.. I missed your previous message and was late in giving you the registry fix that would have probably solved the problem without a reinstallation necessary.. but as long as you solved the problem, that's what finally counts. BTW what you did is not a Repair installation but a Custom installation named New on XP, on the same partition.. a Repair (or Upgrade in Win 7) installation deletes old files and substitutes them with fresh versions.

Another observation; you can use the power switch button to turn off (hard shutdown) the System in case it's necessary... but you have to press and hold it till the computer shuts down.. the system detects this and closes down so it's not the same as just cutting power.. So if the computer went off immediately when you pressed the power button (causing the problem), the power switch may have been missconfigured.. On the new installation it should be set correctly by default, but check it's set correctly in Control Panel \ Power Options \ Advanced \ "When I press the Power Button on my computer" it should be on "Ask me what to do" or "Stand by". Either way it will take some 6-10 sconds to shutdown... and not immediately which is not good as you found out, as well as many people do when power outages occurr.
So the Switch is more of a "power on / shutdown safely" switch than a power switch, and should be configured to work as it was meant to.
 
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