Corrupted bootsector/data... can only run on safe mode

[coolm200]

I initially thought this problem was malware related but after getting help in the malware forum, I was told by thisisu that my issue is most likely due to a corrupted bootsector or something of that nature. All my logs came back clear of malware but I still can't use my computer in normal mode. Everytime I log in, my desktop pops up but all the applications and buttons are unresponsive. Everything is extremely slow and it take over an hour just to open up task manager or an internet browser. Here is what thisisu thought it might be..

Quote:
Originally Posted by coolm200
With all due respect you didn't help me with my issue at all. I boot to normal mode and my desktop pops up but everything is extremely unresponsive and slow. It takes me over an hour just to load my web browsers home page and all other programs just never start. This lead me to believe that I do have malware. If you could help me out further or tell someone who might know more about the issue I would appreciate it. Also could a bad partition cause this?.. because i was messing around with my partitions not long before my comp started to act up...
Hello,

I am sorry to hear that you feel that I have not helped you at all. I have reviewed all of your logs which includes your partition table that you were concerned about and there are no problems shown.

Volume 0     E                       DVD-ROM         0 B  No Media           
  Volume 1         RECOVERY     NTFS   Partition     14 GB  Healthy    System  
  Volume 2     C   OS           NTFS   Partition    451 GB  Healthy    Boot    
  Volume 3     D   DATAPART1    NTFS   Partition    368 GB  Healthy

What I was referring to with the bootrec commands is that this may address a corrupted boot sector. Basically, I believe your computer problem is related to data corruption which is not caused by malware.

Since I do not believe your problem is malware related, I referred you to the Software forum as there are people there that deal with non-malware related issues.

I will have someone else review your logs if that will make you feel more confident that your logs exhibit no malware related behavior.
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Locating all files created in C:\
d-sh--w                 0 2012-06-21 23:47:07  C:\found.000

Another reason why I believe data corruption is the problem here. These type of folders are only present on computers that had corrupted files on them after running a chkdsk. The corrupted files are placed in folders like these in the systemroot.
__________________

If someone could help me out I would really appreciate it!

[boyans]

Because your system starts up you don't have problems with boot sectors.

These basic checks can be done to ensure system integrity:
1. Boot to safe mode (in boot menu type key F8 and select safe mode)
2. Run chkdsk /f
3. Run sfc /scannow - this can take some time to complete. If errors are reported you can run this command (after rebooting) a second time to see if errors are getting repaired (if on second run you have less errors). More than three runs with rebooting after each run usually does not help further.

4. Check running services and what programs are loaded during startup - get rid of unnecessary programs.

[coolm200]

Unfortunately none of the methods you suggested solved my issue... if there is anyone out there who has alot of know how on computer repair, I'd appreciate any help!

[tgell]

Go into safe mode. Click start and in the search box type msconfig. Under the startup tab. Disable all entries. Reboot. Do you notice any difference?

http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/msconfig_win7.html

Do you have an external drive to backup up all of your data? If you do, a factory reset might solve your problem. All programs and data since purchase would be lost. Because this is a dell computer, I believe the factory reset is available under the repair option in Advanced Boot Options of safe mode. Is should be called something like Dell Data safe restore or Dell Factory Image Restore. Another thing. If you look at the sticker on the bottom of the laptop, is the key listed for Vista or Windows 7. If Vista, then a factory reset will take you from Windows 7 to Vista.

If you cannot do a factory reset and the msconfig option does not work, I would start by deleting all unnecessary programs, especially ones that you have install disks for. I would also uninstall your antivirus and see if that is causing the slowdown issue. I would also uninstall your video driver in Add/Remove programs.

You still have Java in the registry. I would download and run JavaRa to delete any leftovers.

http://majorgeeks.com/JavaRA_d5982.html

[coolm200]

Thanks for the info

I can't boot into the repair option because it takes me automatically into normal mode and takes forever to load -__- I have a windows 7 serial on my comp but if I do a factory reset how would I download Windows with no disk. Also will all my drivers be gone if I do this?

Edit: I did msconfig with the dell support guy and he said that it wasn't any of my startup or drivers that were causing it. Unfortunately I only had a hardware warranty so he said it must be a virus which its clearly not...

[tgell]

Your 15GB partition has the Dell restore image. You do not need disks if this partition is intact. I do not know if your computer came with Vista or Windows 7. Here are the procedures for factory reset for both. A factory reset will give you the OS the computer came with. If it was upgraded to Windows 7 you will lose that and go to Vista. If you still have the service tag on the bottom of the computer, you can go to Dell's support site for driver downloads and other info. Are you saying you cannot access the Repair Option after tapping F8



Windows 7 factory Reset.
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...&isLegacy=true

Windows Vista factory Reset
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...&isLegacy=true

[coolm200]

"I can't boot into the repair option because it takes me automatically into normal mode"... meaning I know how to get to the repair my computer button and when I press enter it boots into normal mode not system recovery. It tells me to put my user name and password in so I do and it loads my desktop off of which I can't do anything because all the buttons and programs are slow and unresponsive.

I read about the Ctrl+F11 thing but still having no luck with it. Apparently there is only a one second period where you can press it so it loads Synaptics factory restore.

[tgell]

I think that when you altered partitions this possibly broke the Dell repair option. There is one thing we can try but am not sure if it will work. That would be to flag the 15GB partition as Active (boot) and see if the Reset Wizard starts. Backup all important data in all user accounts first. I would like to repeat that if this computer came with Vista, you will get Vista. The drivers should be included in the system image. Also, you will not need the serial as that is included in the system image.

Download the bootable version of Partition Wizard. Burn the iso file with Imgburn and boot the CD. Highlight the 15GB partition as Active. Partitions>Modify>set active. Make sure the 451GB partition is not marked as active. It should not show as active as only one partition can be active at a time. Then remove the CD and reboot. Hopefully you will boot to the recovery partition. If it does not, go back and set the 451GB partition as active.

http://www.partitionwizard.com/video...rinactive.html

I believe that Dell provides install DVD's at nominal cost, especially if this computer is still under warranty.

[coolm200]

Alright. I'm going to try a defrag first then I'll check back with you. Can't I burn a windows repair disk and restore to factory from that?

[tgell]

The normal Windows Recovery Disk does not have a option to do a Dell Factory Reset. Only a system restore. However, if you can get into normal mode, creating a system recovery disk may give that option but I doubt it.

[coolm200]

I can make a system repair disk from safe mode but I don't have a blank DVD :/... I just don't want to spend 150 dollars on a windows disk because my comp doesn't have a software warranty.

[tgell]

It should not cost that much. See this link.

https://support.dell.com/support/top.../backupcd_form

[nhoj27]

if you still have the windows product key sticker on your computer you can just call up any computer repair shop and have them burn you a stock installation disk that matches whatever version the sticker says and apply your key. The one by me charges $5.

Then you can do a bloat-free install. You will need another computer to download a few drivers from the dell website (at least the networking to get you online to get the others), or they may be on a CD that came with your computer (I'm not too familiar with dell stuff).

[coolm200]

I don't think Dell Data Safe will work if I just use a normal Windows CD... I need a Dell issued one but if it comes down to it I might just do that.