In the event Windows Vista will not boot, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can be used to repair or restore the system to a previous state.

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting correctly.

Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows installation disc. Startup Repair might also be installed on your hard disk if your computer has preinstalled recovery options. Startup Repair might prompt you to make choices as it tries to fix the problem, and if necessary, it might restart your computer as it makes repairs.

If you have a Windows installation disc:

• Be sure your PC can boot directly from the Vista DVD. If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer.
• Insert the installation disc.
• Restart your computer.
• Click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock button and then click Restart.
• If prompted, press any key to start Windows from the installation disc.
• A new screen will now appear with a progress bar and a message “Windows is loading files”. This will take several minutes.
• Choose your language settings, and then click Next.

Click Repair your computer.

Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.

• On the System Recovery Options menu, click System Restore.
• Follow the System Restore Wizard.

If your computer has preinstalled recovery options:

• Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
• Click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock button then click Restart.
• Do one of the following:
• If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
• If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to repair, and then press and hold F8.
• On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press ENTER.
• Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
• Select a user name and enter the password, and then click OK.
• On the System Recovery Options menu, click System Restore.

Related Articles

How to use System Restore to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista

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