Sometimes the Recovery program hangs. When this happens restart it again. Also happens sometimes when you use a Full Installation disk.
You get so far, and the installation program hangs. Start over again.
(REMEMBER! When you get to where it asks, if you want to do a Fresh Install or a Repair, DO A Repair! Otherwise, kiss your saved stuff goodbye!)
If it still doesn't work, try using the CHecKDiSK option. (CHKDSK)
This will scan your harddrive for bad sectors, and then the harddrive will skip past these bad sectors, so you can use the harddrive. YES, if you have saved info on that bad sector, it won't be of any use to you.
You won't be able to access that info.
It isn't going to be any 'Fun' for you, to access CHKDSK now in your Windows Vista. (Just thought I would mentally prepare you)
Why?
Because you won't have the GUI. Graphical User Interface. You can't access Win Vista to see anything, so you have to use the Command Prompt. You will be on a black screen with white lettering/numbering.
You have to use the keyboard solely, as the mouse won't work in this area.
Looks like this,
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chkdsk_screenshot.png
2.Same/same for Vista: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Command_prompt_on_windows_vista.png
A little more info,
3.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CHKDSK
How to use CHKDSK (Checkdisk) in Windows Vista, IF you could start Vista.
4.http://www.vista4beginners.com/Check-Disk
How to start Command Prompt when you can't start Vista, (I put the above info, with the hope that it may explain what's going on when using Checkdisk, a little better)
When you are in the Recovery Console, use it CHKDSK,
From Dell Support,
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&dl=false&l=en&s=gen&docid=395585D606D9BE11E040A68F5B287190&doclang=en&cs
Scroll down to the -> Using the Windows Recovery Console <-
heading.
Past this point, it's time to go to the laptop manufacturers website, and look for -> Support. (It may state Support and Downloads)
Most of the time it's at the top of the page.
When on the Support page, look for Contact Us. (Example for HP is Contact HP) You can use the email option, or call them.
Tell them you need the Restoration Disk for YOUR laptop. You will need some info to tell them, and should have this in advance.
You need the model name and model number. Or you may be able to just give them the Serial Number.
This is on the bottom of your laptop. It's usually in a -> Service Tag.
MDL is MoDeL number. P/N is Product Number or model number. (Depends on how the laptop manufacturer wants to state it)
S/N is Serial Number.
Write it down, have it ready to tell them.
Different computer manufacturers use different methods. I contacted HP, about a Compaq computer last summer. (HP bought out Compaq)
The disk was free, the Shipping and Handling was not.
$17 for a 5 to 7 day ship, $24 for a 2 to 3 day ship.
Have a credit card ready.
Edit: Let's say you use System Restore as suggested. System Restore creates Restore Points. If there is a date you can go back to, that is a date where your info was put in, BEFORE that Restore Point, Cool!
If the date you put your stuff in was AFTER the Restore Point, your computer will be restored to that date, and your stuff will be GONE!!