Gateway Machine, Startup Repair fails

So I got my buddy's computer here (Gateway GT5657E, running Vista), and when you try to start it says "Windows failed to start.." and it suggests to go to startup repair.

Then after it checks the disk for errors it says it "cannot repair this computer automatically" and then tries to start windows.

It starts with the microsoft (c) copy with the green progress bar, but it just keeps doing that, then it goes blank and then nothing.


So I tried repairing it with an Install disk.

Sometimes when it boots from the DVD it asks for a couple of options, then it says "Windows is loading files" with a long progress bar. After it's done it starts with the microsoft (c) copy with the green progress bar, but it just keeps doing that, then it goes blank and then nothing.

Other times it goes straight to the "Windows is loading files" with a long progress bar without offering any options and continues on the same path (windows green bar, blank, etc.)

Any ideas? Maybe a hardware issue?

 

Ok, thanks for the links, I'll try that.

 

Ok that seemed to work.

I tried Startup repair first, and it said it didn't find any problems.

Then I did a System Restore from a previous point and that worked.

He's got a password on it, so I can't get into it to see what else is going on, but when I do what suggestions do you have to go through and make sure everything is cleaned up?

Thanks again!! :major

 

Greetings, dunnright00.

There are several tutorials sprinkled about Major Geeks concerning cleaning and maintenance: How to Protect yourself From Malware, the Malware Forum's Read & Run Me First thread, and Basic Computer Maintenance are a few good ones.