backing up a hard drive

[thejudges69]

Well, being that I'm not the most computer savy person out there, I have a problem and need a solution. My computer has a corrupted start up file for windows 7 ultimate, so the computer will not get past the microsoft window in the start up process, even safe mode don't work. SO, how can I go about backing up the hard drive before I reinstall windows 7 into it. I have my old Dell computer in the basement that still works if that will help with this process. My computer has a SATA plug in the front of it, but I'm almost sure my dell does not. So, I'm thinking I need to back it up to an external hard drive. I've talked to a couple computer repair shops, they want anywhere from 75-150 to back it up then 1 place wants 125 to reinstall my windows 7 which don't make sense to me on the deal. Anyways if I can do this myself I'd like to learn how to and hope for the best. If anyone is wanting to help, I live in the youngstown ohio area.

[RickyTick]

Why not just do a System Restore to a date prior to when the problem started?

If you've already tried that, then check this.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/startup-repair
or
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

[thejudges69]

we have tried that, I went so far as to let microsoft remote access my computer when it worked and it wouldn't restore, Whatever the file is, its not letting the computer do anything regarding startup, It gets to the microsoft screen, then it just sits there and restarts over and over til I finally shut it off.

I read both the links posted. The first one we have tried, when I try it, it comes up that the problem could not be repaired and its just restarts.

The second link, I don't quite understand, can I use the windows 7 disc to repair this problem? I really don't want to do a complete install of windows 7 again and lose what I have on the computer. I ended up buying a full version of windows 7 ultimate from microsoft, not an upgrade version, full version! Is that 64 bit disc able to repair the problem?

[thejudges69]

ok reading more into the second link, If the computer will not fully startup and I can't get to the desktop then how will I be able to do a repair on it.

[thejudges69]

this link was a HUGE help, did what this said and it started working right away.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system/corrupt-file-at-startup-can-not-start-up-win-7/b7129bd4-abf5-44e8-b136-9d9bb9a22c60

[RickyTick]

That's great news. Glad you got it worked out.