Unable to use system restore

After an initial quick study of your logs, I believe that either your hard drive may be failing, or has an intermittent connection. There are many events showing a communication problem with the hard drive.

I'll study them at greater length maybe tomorrow evening. I need sleep.

 

There is a product key on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop that says Windows XP Home Edition. Hopefully that is what I need?

I wondered if that may be the case (failing hard drive). I've never had one partially fail, just give me some warning and then completely fail.

 

Just got in and haven't had time to look the logs over any more, but should be able to once I get caught up with others here.

That's the correct sticker.

Has the laptop ever been cleaned of dust buildup? It tends to build up and cause overheating, which can in turn create all sorts of problems. You or someone with the ability to open it up and clean it out? I may be able to find specific instructions for doing so if you can give me the model number.

 

I don't mind cleaning it out. We have compressed air for it. Unless there are specific instructions I should follow, I've taken apart many computers (no laptops though)... I will just open it up.

Quite possible re: the overheating. We have a menagerie of pets which combined with the dust makes the bottom of my laptop overheat seemingly.

 

Laptops are a different breed. There are generally specific instructions, but it's usually fairly simple though. What's the model?

 

It's a Dell Inspiron 6000.

 

Here's the html manual.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins6000/en/sm/index.htm

You need to get at the Microprocessor Thermal-Cooling Assembly and Fan, which will involve removing other things, as you will see. You shouldn't have to remove it to clean the fins, and don't overlook the fan blades. They get encrusted and don't move air as efficiently. Do not allow the fan to spin under the compressed air flow either. It can spin fast enough to spin into pieces.

 

Hi,

Lets try re-installing System Restore.

• Highlight and copy the following bolded command.
  
  rundll32.exe advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection C:\Windows\Inf\sr.inf
  
  
• Click Start>Run and paste it in, then hit enter.
• If the Files Needed dialog box appears, click Browse and point to the i386 folder on the hard drive.
• If after reinstalling System Restore this error message is received, "System restore was unable to start due to a missing Framedyn.dll, follow the instructions here.
  • When the reinstall is complete you will receive this message:
  • "You must restart your computer before the new settings will take effect.
  • Do you want to restart your computer now? "
  • At this point click YES.
• Let me know if you get any error messages, and if the system Restore service will start now.

 

HI!

Sorry for the delay, we birthed a baby girl on the 20th. I will review your posts and be back to you soon.

 

Woohoo! Congratulations!!

 

Well no go. The folder does not have the file indicated when looked for manually and when I click run after typing in the bolded it will not let me click okay.

I have not yet taken apart the PC.

 

Do a search of the drive for the file sr.inf
Make sure you check in hidden locations.

 

I cannot search files, folders or drives.

"Unexpected Error, Action cannot be completed "

I meant to add this to the previous reply but sleep deprivation prevented me from remembering to add it.

 

As much as I hate to say it, I believe the operating system is corrupted beyond repair. I'm also of the opinion that a format and clean installation is the way to go. I would recommend you first clean out with compressed air, then identify the hard drive manufacturer and download the correct diagnostics utility for the drive and run it through the wringer to make sure it's OK before doing another installation. There should be a Service Tag number (printed on a sticker) on the laptop that you can enter at the Dell site, that will give you all the specifications for the computer, including the hard drive manufacturer. Might even find a diagnostics utility for it there through the support links.

Edit: Looks like there is a downloadable diagnostics utility. There may also be a diagnostic utility partition on the laptop available by accessing the BIOS and selecting it.

I also found a utility reportedly for restoring your computer to factory install, which may work out well since you don't have a disc.

 

Thank you very much for all the time you gave me and your help. I have not yet had time to do anything aside from backing up my files, but wanted to make sure you knew that I appreciate you having helped me with this!

Stacy

 

I was happy to help, Stacy. You're most welcome!

Again, congratulations on the birth of your daughter!