"startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically"

[ZzZGuy]

So I made the mistake of touching my relatives laptop, windows wanted to install a service pack IIRC so I let it go through. Using built in automated updater it failed the first try and went through the second try. There after the message "startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically" comes up while booting after trying to fix itself.

I used the "windows memory diagnostic tool" which came up with nothing, so I can only assume Vista screw up the update big time. I do not know if Vista worked or not directly after the update.

I am unfamiliar with Vista so I'm afraid to do anything further because said relatives have many photos important to them on the laptop which they did not back up in any form. All documentation and any recovery CD (it's a Dell, no install CD) are lost. I want to try the "System Restore" but I do not know if this would delete photos stored on the laptop.

The relatives also want it taken down to FutureShop to get it repaired but I do not know or trust the quality of their service.

I can buy a OS install CD if need be, I just what those photos at all costs. I also have no idea what folder(s) they put the photos in if that would be relevant.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

A system restore or even a complete reinstall will not delete the photos.

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
A system restore or even a complete reinstall will not delete the photos.

Just do not do a reformat or use the Dell "put it back to where it was when you bought it" utility.

You can always get an adapter and plug the lappy drive into a desktop and copy off the pictures, and anything else you want to save.

 

[ZzZGuy]

Ah, thanks guys.

I shall look into the adapter before I do the system restore.