Cannot get this computer to boot for the life of me.

[josho]

I am having a issue getting one of my clients computers booting. Its a gateway vista 32 bit that is getting bsod c000021a Fatal System Error. Heres what I've done so far..
- Last known good configuration gets endless windows loading bar.
-Safe mode gets black screen and eventually system restart
-repair start up gets bsod c000021a
-windows repair disc gets black screen
-avg rescue cd sees a recovery partition and primary partition both partitions check out fine (scan, rootkit, and mbr).

The client says a system cd came with the computer and no longer has it, the recovery partition leads me to believe that there was no system cd and mistook that for a drivers cd. I can't for the life of me boot into the recovery partition, I've tried F11, alt-F10 and every other combination under the sun. Any ideas?

 

[SuffolkComputers]

Have you checked the hard drive? Sounds like it might be dying.

 

[iisjman07]

It doesn't look like you've actually done any diagnostics. Start there...

 

[mm201]

Have you tried this?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317189

 

[Synergy Computer Repair]

Have you tried putting the drive on another machine and running the diagnostics from that?

 

[ZenTree]

Google your error code. That error is almost always caused by one thing that should be easy enough to do.

 

[PCX]

I may just start ignoring threads where the OP does not perform any form of diagnostics.

 

[Pc Fixed Right]

Check here ---> Linky

 

[josho]

thanks everyone I came across those links shortly after posting on here I will try that and see how it pans out. Thanks again.

 

[PCX]

Just caught this in my reputation box today from Josho

PCX didn't provide any sort of constructive critisisum to the thread

This VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

I may just start ignoring threads where the OP does not perform any form of diagnostics.

was the constructive criticism just in case you could not read between the lines. You also inspired me to change my signature.

 

[altrenda]

PCX,
I guess you deserved it.
A fellow professional posted a request for help after trying a few end user remedies. Since you didn't spoon feed him the answer why shouldn't your rep get dinged?

I come here to learn, and part of that is improving my diagnostic skills. People posting links to something that is easily googled by the OP doesn't help anyone. I want to learn what to do when the normal remedies don't work.

Not really dumping on the OP because it happens all the time, but reporting someone is over the top.

 

[gikstar]

Most of us know that we should explain just what we have done/tried in our Posting. The OP here gives very little information on what he has done to find a solution.
Does the OP expect me (or any one of us) to look up the model number of the system, locate the user manual, read-up on how to access the restore partition or run the restore and then type it on here for him?
The OP should state: documentation says that the restore function is activated by using ____, but that didn't work. Also, "Googling the error code ___, I found no solution that worked" would be appropriate. OP's need to learn to provide adequate information if they want to receive an adequate solution.

People posting links to something that is easily googled by the OP doesn't help anyone.

He's lucky he got that if you ask me. I suspect that if the OP told us he Googled, no one would post that type of response. If this question was asked on "Yahoo Answers", I would look up the manual and provide specifics, but this is a forum for 'professional it techs'.

To the OP... sorry, but I'm not trying to belittle you and am not trying to come down on you personally. The Quote I mention above just got under my skin and was uncalled for. BUT THEN, THAT'S JUST MY 2 CENTS!

Personally, I have found PCX's posts to be very informative and helpful.

 

[frase]

yes I agree It does help in a professional environment, what steps have been taken to the point of posting.

- tried reset CMOS?

- tried Using linux boot disc to verify if sys files are corrupted ( i bet logon is fubar)

-Boot into linux or another windows virtual environment, create a new profile and see what happens.

 

[Martyn]

These are the forum guidelines.

• This forum is a place for professionals and we expect our users to act like professionals.

• Please observe correct spelling and grammar. The members here don't want to have to translate what you are saying before they can help you. Any sort of lazy SMS/Instant Messenger writing such as "becuz u sed he reli fixd it" is heavily frowned upon.

• Remember forum members are not police. Either share your wisdom, ask legitimate questions or please stay silent. If you have an issue that you would like to bring to a moderators attention, report it.

• Remember that everyone has differing levels of business and technical knowledge. Some people are very new to the business and are here to learn more, others are very experienced have been operating 10 years. Do not flame a user for not knowing a certain topic, they are here to learn.

• Do not ask for technical help without having done basic diagnosis first.

• If you are after technical help, ask good questions by telling us what operating system are you using, what were you doing at the time when it happened and what have you done so far etc.. This will increase your chances of getting answered and having your problem fixed quicky.