Annoying booting problems.

Moenna

Member
Member
Messages
13
I have an Inspiron 1525 laptop. It was running Vista, which I really liked. However, after downloading some updates a while back, I kept getting 'NTLDR is missing'. A few times I was able to fix it but finally was unable to. My husband took it to a young fellow who said he could fix the problem. Instead of actually fixing it, he took the computer down to bare bones, losing all my files, and installed Win 8 Pro with Media Center. My husband has Win 8 and I never wanted it.

However, all that said, I'm learning to use it, even though I hate it. Have found my way around fairly well except for a couple of problems. When booting up, that darned NTLDR still pops up. If I shut it down and then start by using the little home button, it goes away. But then I get the welcome sign, then it goes to Activate Windows and then to PC settings. From there I can get easily to my home page. I do wonder if I could go directly to my homepage, without going through all these others beforehand. Any ideas please? I really don't want to take it back to the same person who supposedly fixed it and can't afford to take it elsewhere.

Thanks

Moenna
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
Hi Moenna,
It sounds like portions of a legacy OS have been left behind. If you do run (Windows Key + R; on your keyboard), and type "msconfig" with no quotes, press OK you should see a boot tab. Click that and list the contents in the box.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Thank you for answering, Helios. However, I cannot find a Windows Key on my keyboard. Sorry to be so dim.

Moenna
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
Hello,

The windows key is on your keyboard as a flag. It should be near the bottom left and usually is the second key from the left. You use it to bring up the start menu - just hold that down and push R. Alternatively, bring up the "Run" menu if that's something more comfortable for you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Ok. I did try that one but it brought up a box to type the name of a folder. Could you tell me what I should type in that please? Thanks

Moenna
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
I left an edit in my post, I excluded something important! Sorry!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Never mind. Found the list. Nothing that I haven't put in there.

Mo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
You see just "Windows 8"? If you could list the contents, that might be helpful. If you are sure everything is in order, you may like to proceed to other measures. Just to be clear, what is this "home button" you're pressing to power on your computer successfully?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Found the correct one now.
One line only.
Windows 8 (C:\Windows) : Current OS Default OS

Mo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
It is the little button along the top of the keyboard, with the house on it.

Mo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
OK, so at least it's known just one OS is listed. I have a few questions for you to answer as of now.

1) Do you see a "Activate Windows" splash on the screen anywhere? It'll appear in the bottom right corner of your laptop and be stuck there permanently.
2) Could you type "diskmgmt.msc" into the "Run" prompt and list the contents of that listbox? If you could take a screenshot, that'd be best. You can use the "Snipping Tool" in your start menu and click "New" on the tool to snip the window out. You can then save this file out to your PC and click the image icon in the new post editor to attach it for viewing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Re. the actovate windows. I do have that, if I place my cursor above the back button - top left. And it is one of the pages which comes up when I log on.

I'll see if I can do the rest of what you have asked and get back to you. Thanks so much for all this.

Moenna
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
Thanks.

The activate windows watermark is a actually a symbol to indicate that Windows has not been activated (you did not provide a proof of purchase for Windows 8 at this time) and should be treated as such. If you were charged for such a service, you've likely been a victim of fraud (especially if you were charged anything less than retail of the operating system itself!) Your options to resolve that portion of the issue is to purchase a copy of Windows 8 or contact the person who installed your operating system; it may be honest mistake and they have a key for you! (This is usually not the case, sadly however... it's not uncommon for many, especially youth to install stolen software on serviced laptops).

You have a few options in this matter. You can restore your laptop back to Vista if you choose; provided the lad who serviced your laptop had not wiped the recovery files while installing. Usually these are hidden from destruction, but not always. Alternatively, your manufacturer (Dell) can provide you with a restore disc usually for a minimal fee ($5 USD)

If you choose to take this route, you can remain on Vista or upgrade back to windows 8 if you're keen on it for as low as $40 USD right now @ Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows

Let me know about the 2nd question, as it determines recovery partition information as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
I'd also like to note that if you require recovery discs, as of the beginning of this year many customers of Dell have been successful in retrieving restore discs for no fee running Windows 7. You can try contacting Dell by e-mail or phone and see if they are still shipping Vista discs. You can request one to be mailed to you for free if this still applies @ https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Hope this works for you, Helios.
Mo

snipped.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Thank you Helios. I might just put Vista back in, after I send all this stuff I've saved here, on to my desk top. At the moment I am bedridden, so have been forced to use this laptop.

Moenna
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
I might just do the master boot thing. Will let you go now but will get back to you tomorrow, after I have a go at it. Thanks so much for all your help tonight.

Moenna
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1525
I understand.

If you need any further help, just leave a post here and I/and or another member will surely be glad to help you out!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 2500k @ 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    6GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7700 Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 x2
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex SSD
    1TB WD HDD x2
    Case
    Coolmaster
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    100 Megabit
Any respectable "Computer Guy" would have saved your files before installing a new OS. He/She would have also given you a genuine version and not the trial edition of said OS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
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