Windows Repair Issues

[forge]

Question about solutions for issues that are encountered with windows.
Not intending to go into the many reasons as to why a repair is needed and alternative solutions for the many reasons. Nor looking for solutions that involve format reinstall.
Questions are
In attempting to do a windows repair the OS is not seen. Knowing the correct version and license is used, What methods do you use to correct this issue? From my experience I believe you can restore system files such as systemconfig etc and possibly get the disc to recognize windows for a repair. I believe I am correct in that however not exact on which files and / or how many and the easiest method of doing so besides cmd.
What are methods for getting the repair to finish if it will not finish? Aside from the usual, optical drive issues, ram, bad disc etc.
Usually I run into this issue because of viruses that have corrupted the system, login issues or some windows components are corrupted for various reason. Exhausting all the solutions I know I attempt this. I know just saying that it fails halfway through is vague but after you go through the common reasons is there a solution to this without formatting? (Okay I admit it if it is a dumb question. Just ignore it)
Windows repaired or fresh install infinite loop of Activate windows.
Either you activate windows after the first request (and you must activate or not log in no days remaining) and then it continues to ask after successful activation or the activation never presents itself. Any solutions you that you have for this issue?

 

[Charlotte PC]

Sounds like there might have been some major hardware changes. Need more info.

 

[forge]

Just questions

about issues that I have seen from time to time doing windows repairs for various computers. Not one job in particular. Just wondering if anyone has ran into to those problems before and what solutions they may have if any.

 

[computerdoc]

Icrontic has an 8 step process that works to repair the vast majority of XP pcs.

Reimage software can repair XP systems where you can't get the repair install to finish. Even if the system won't boot, they provide for a boot disk that will get the repair started.

Each repair costs around $65 but they have volume discounts for technicians.

 

[Doctor Micro]

Assuming there are no hardware issues, if the original Windows installation is so damaged and corrupted that a non-destructive repair install continues to fail, chances are good you're looking at saving as much of the user's data as possible then going to a reformat/reinstall from scratch. You can try reimage.com before you nuke and pave if you like.

 

[forge]

Icrontic has an 8 step process that works to repair the vast majority of XP pcs.

Reimage software can repair XP systems where you can't get the repair install to finish. Even if the system won't boot, they provide for a boot disk that will get the repair started.

Each repair costs around $65 but they have volume discounts for technicians.

I do need to start imaging when I do upgrades though I seldom do them. Unfortunately I had a client today Win 98 installed and needed at W2k installed. The upgrade failed but luckily she had no vital programs. Just used it for emails and internet.
I will check out the Icrontic but if the OS is already in need of a repair wouldn't an Image just image what is already bad.

 

[forge]

Assuming there are no hardware issues, if the original Windows installation is so damaged and corrupted that a non-destructive repair install continues to fail, chances are good you're looking at saving as much of the user's data as possible then going to a reformat/reinstall from scratch. You can try reimage.com before you nuke and pave if you like.

That is pretty much what I thought. I was just wondering if I was missing some tricks that you guys may know of.
Most of the time if the OS is not running right anyway most of my clients know I try every possible solution before I format and they are okay with it.

 

[digitaldunc]

In attempting to do a windows repair the OS is not seen. Knowing the correct version and license is used, What methods do you use to correct this issue?

Idk if this is relevant to you, but...

I've had this problem with XP when the disks are recognised under AHCI mode in the bios, enabling legacy ATA mode will allow Windows setup to detect the drives without additional drivers although this probably isn't the most elegant solution (supplying a floppy with drivers probably is, although I've never done it that way) and *will* stop Windows from booting until a repair install is performed.

Also, if you're performing a repair install ensure that the disk you're installing from is the same media as is installed (OEM, retail, etc) otherwise your activation will reject the key you use.

I hope I've been of help, and YMMV.

 

[computerdoc]

I do need to start imaging when I do upgrades though I seldom do them. Unfortunately I had a client today Win 98 installed and needed at W2k installed. The upgrade failed but luckily she had no vital programs. Just used it for emails and internet.
I will check out the Icrontic but if the OS is already in need of a repair wouldn't an Image just image what is already bad.

My comments only applied to XP based systems.

Icrontic specifies a manual 8 step process using the repair console and there is no imaging involved.

The Reimage software name may be misleading. They have a huge database of all the components of an XP system and they scan the damaged system and replace any missing or damaged components. There is no imaging involved.

I have more information in 2 posts about Reimage in my blog under the askthecomputerdoc domain.

 

[Doctor Micro]

I do need to start imaging when I do upgrades though I seldom do them. Unfortunately I had a client today Win 98 installed and needed at W2k installed. The upgrade failed but luckily she had no vital programs. Just used it for emails and internet.
I will check out the Icrontic but if the OS is already in need of a repair wouldn't an Image just image what is already bad.

Making an image before you upgrade is a safe thing to do, and can save your butt if something goes horribly wrong with the in-place upgrade, but it adds a lot of time to the repair process, and you have to have a repository big enough to hold several images until you're sure you don't need to go back and start over for whatever reason.

But I think you misunderstood about reimage.com. reimage.com is a remote repair tool that you access through the internet, or if the machine won't boot or cannot access the internet, from a CD that you order from them or download as an ISO.

Regarding the failed W2K install, I'm surprised. I've never had a W2K fail to install on a working W98SE machine with at least 256Mb RAM, though sometimes finding all the right drivers is an issue.

 

[forge]

My comments only applied to XP based systems.

Icrontic specifies a manual 8 step process using the repair console and there is no imaging involved.

The Reimage software name may be misleading. They have a huge database of all the components of an XP system and they scan the damaged system and replace any missing or damaged components. There is no imaging involved.

I have more information in 2 posts about Reimage in my blog under the askthecomputerdoc domain.

The name is misleading. Sounds exactly like a solution I was looking for.
Although at the time being the cost for the software outweighs the cost I charge for re-installs or repairs of Windows. It does reaffirm my thoughts that finding the missing components will allow a repair install.
If it is a necessity for them to have it repaired it is a good piece of software to keep in mind.

 

[forge]

just short of the 256 recommended. She has 192 and though I know it is not a lot for win2k and that was probably the issue.....well I knew better to do it offsite. Still a full install worked and for email and internet usage as a secondary machine she should be fine.
Both reimage and icrontic are both misleading.
Thanks guys