Solved Removing win7 from dual boot

[Mirac7]

Ok, I have called a friend, he'll download win8 for me. I'm gonna do fresh install. But, before that, is there a way to extract my docs and files, cuz I really need to have them. Of course, I have nothing backed up...

I need two documents by wednesday...

 

[Kynix]

easy way: open your computer, search for .doc / .docx

it will list you (after a moment) all of the word files. then they can be easily backed up to your flash drive

 

[CB]

For copying.
Try to borrow any bootable linux OS CD/DVD or hiren's boot CD. You can copy it to a USB drive.

 

[Kynix]

Yes you can, but i've noticed, that using it from dvd is a way more faster than flash drive.

 

[CB]

Sorry, I mean run it from CD/DVD, and copy the documents to the USB disk.

Corrected

 

[Mirac7]

I CAN'T start my computer. Stuck after bios.
I HAVE, but am unable to boot from LINUX MINT like any other cd/dvd.
I will get Windows at weekend.

 

[Kynix]

Ok, what does it say? is the W8 loader okay? perhabs the SATA / IDe cable has dropped off.

 

[Mirac7]

When I startup my computer, I get;
Bios version,
processor description,
Memory check(ok),
Loads masters and slaves,
Blank screen for part of second,
'Verifying DMI pool data...'
Blank screen.

 

[CB]

You have done a lot. Not even single word prompting on the screen, right?
I presume it got the boot system file but stuck. No boot file always come with "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER". Did you try repairing it with the installation disk?
You have done a lot

If you do have all data backed up. Better cut all the trouble off by installing it all over again from beginning. It saves you all trouble unless you have hardware malfunction.

 

[Mike Lonewolf]

Awwwwwwwwwww come on Kevin, that would be the easy way out. I say rewrite the partition table(s) Come-on Mirac, I know you can do it

 

[CB]

Terribly sorry, Mike.

I did mention that Mirac has done a lot.
I see two ways to go, completely sort out the problem as part of learning and filling out curiosity, and assuming the PC isn't something he badly need to run his living. Or else, have the system ready to run and do the function

But I agree with you on this,

Come on Mirac, I know you can do it

Well I'm on it.

 

[Mirac7]

Here's the deal. I have NO data backed up. Meeting for which I need documents has been moved to next friday. I will do the following, you tell me if thats possible:
I will start Win8 install, remove all windows except original ones by deleting partitions, cancel installation, boot original windows to back up my data, and then do a fresh install.
Can that be done?

And I am not so sure I'd like to mess with partition table. Thanks to stuff like that, I no longer can't boot the computer...
And what do you mean by I've done a lot?

Edit: And I like experimenting, but top priority is to get my documents right now. After all, it is MY personal computer.

 

[Mirac7]

Friend couldn't burn the dvd, but I found old Windows 7 installation dvd. Why can't I boot from it?

 

[Mike Lonewolf]

Mirac7 said:

And I like experimenting, but top priority is to get my documents right now

Assuming that those files are still on that computer, all you need to do it upon a cold boot press the F8 key (tap it a couple of times)
If done correctly, you will be presented with a screen that gives you a small DOS menu, select the choice of starting your computer in MS-DOS mode. Now once you are at the C: prompt type in the directory where those files are contained Example CD C:/ My Files then press enter. Note That is only an example, you have to see the direct path that your files are located. Once you are in the proper directory double check they are there by typing dir *.doc (you need to know your own files own extention). NOW if they are all there and under that extension, grab your USB thumb drive, insert it into the PC, now all you need to do is copy all your needed files to it. example cp *.doc D: and that is it, they will copy over to the D: drive (Note: D: = the drive your USB thumb drive is using, replace D: with the letter of the actual USB thumb drive location.

 

[Mirac7]

Nothing happens when I press f8

 

[Mirac7]

I talked to my informatics professor. He'll lend me a device with different tools which should help me. I'll see him on friday...

 

[whs]

I don't know how far you got, but here is a tutorial I made on how to correctly remove a dual boot OS: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/210983-dual-boot-delete-os.html

 

[Mike Lonewolf]

Nothing happens when I press f8

Mirac, you have to do it when you first start the computer. I tested this on a HP, and Dell laptops running Windows 8 DP, as well as my Gateway. YOU need to do it at the P.O.S.T. screen.

 

[Mirac7]

I know, Mike, but only 'delete' for bios, f9 for express recovery, f12 to choose which device to boot from works.

EDIT: @WHS Windows7 is already removed, but thanks

 

[CB]

Nothing happens when I press f8

Mirac, you have to do it when you first start the computer. I tested this on a HP, and Dell laptops running Windows 8 DP, as well as my Gateway. YOU need to do it at the P.O.S.T. screen.

You may hit F8 (advanced boot menu option) a second after POST done. Before it, the keypress might still refer to BIOS if any. But it needs the installed boot manager still works on the start.