Replies

Alex5723 wrote:

The reason is simple. These apps are way better than anything Microsoft has to offer.

I should have worded my question better. What I meant to ask was if whatever is preventing Windows Backup from making a System Repair disk or USB is likely to do the same to one of those programs?

Paul T wrote:

Just make an image of the working system using one of the free backup utilities (Aomei, EaseUS, Paragon, Macrium…) – and a recovery USB from same.

Any reason I should be able to get a working recovery USB from one of those programs when I can’t get a disk or USB from Windows Backup?

jabeattyauditor wrote:

Run regedit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\BootExecute The value for the BootExecute key should be: autocheck autochk * /r\DosDevice\C:

That seems to have fixed things. I expected to see something running BEFORE the Windows splash screen, but no. Windows Backup ran successfully after the restart, and Windows Update is no longer reporting failed updates. I tried to make a System Repair Disk, but that failed with an “unknown error,” so I’ll keep looking for an “identical” Win7 installation to make the disk.

GoneToPlaid wrote:

aurocheck is associated with malware. Replace the: aurocheck autochk /r \\??\C: autocheck autochk * entry with: autocheck autochk * /r\DosDevice\C:

I mistyped, the key really says autocheck, not aurocheck.

jabeattyauditor wrote:

It should already be there – if you navigate to the parent level (Session Manager) you should see it. If it’s not there, create it as a new Multi-String value.

OK, I found it, but it’s different from what you told me. It says:

aurocheck autochk /r \\??\C: autocheck autochk *

So I should just edit it to match what you gave me? Then save the edit and restart the laptop?

jabeattyauditor wrote:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\BootExecute

Should the Boot Execute key be there already (it’s not) or is that a key I have to create?

jabeattyauditor wrote:

Hit F8 once every second right after starting the PC This gets you into the DOS looking screen with safe mode and other options, select Repair Recovery manager starts Select Advanced Options Select computer checkup Select command prompt CMD prompt starts in X: Enter C: to change to the C drive Enter chkdsk /f When asked to force a dismount select Y Check disk should now start automatically. Exit then boot

No Advanced Options entry when I selected Repair, so no Computer Checkup available.

anonymous wrote:

Do you have a up-to-date CD/DVD or USB flash drive with compatible (version, 32-bit or 64-bit) system repair disc files written from a known clean computer, or installation media?

The laptop is Win7 Home Premium, 64-bit. I went through my collection of installation media and only have Upgrade versions, and a single MS copy that was used to “legitimize” a non-genuine installation. I don’t think I have another Win7 machine around, but think I have another friend who does. I’ll check with her today and see if the version and bit-ness match the Toshiba.

Alex5723 wrote:

After running the command (as admin) you will get a notice that the drive is in use and do you want to run chkdsk after restart. Select yes and restart.

I’m doing that and it doesn’t work.

PKCano wrote:

Have you tried both a warm boot (Restart) and a cold boot (Shutdown/startup)?

Yep, tried both ways, same result.

>>Can you boot to the (UEFI) BIOS and check the settings there?<<

What info do you need from there?

If I try to run Startup Repair when booting from the USB stick, I’m only given two choices: Enter Your Recovery Key or Load Your Recovery Key from a USB Device. AFAIK no recovery key exists.

No – SP1 needs to be installed first.

Try the standalone package, but I’d disable Norton first.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=30

Thanks, the SP1 standalone install worked and now the laptop is completely up to date!

You can install IE 9 for Vista 32-bit. In order to install IE9, you’ll need to first install Vista service pack 2.

Can I install Service Pack 2, even though SP1 isn’t installed?

I’ve been having the same problem with Outlook 2010 for some time. I had been just switching to an Unread view to mass delete the dupes in a particular feed, but when I deleted my “Outlook.com” account and redid it, to fix a problem with folder syncing, the Unread view has disappeared as an option!