How to Restore the System on Startup

When your computer doesn't power on correctly, you need to access system restoration tools.

When your computer won't start or boots incorrectly, you become functionally locked out from most of the system's functions. To troubleshoot and restore the broken, corrupted or malicious files causing startup problems, you can use a startup restoration utility included with your operating system to iron out the issues and restore your computer to functionality. Both Windows and Mac OS X include multiple tools for dealing with startup problems. Safe Mode is a useful tool for both operating systems, and lets you bypass some issues, while Recovery Console and Disk Utility provide additional options.

Things You'll Need

• Windows or OS X installation disc

Instructions

Safe Mode

1. Turn the computer on. For a Windows system, press the "F8" key during startup. On OS X, hold the "Shift" key.

2. In Windows, use the arrow keys to select "Safe Mode" and press "Enter." If you need to access a specific network or other service to test your system, you may choose "Safe Mode with Networking" or "Safe Mode with Command Prompt." The default safe mode will not allow you to connect to the Internet or any other networks. OSX will start Safe Mode automatically.

3. Uninstall any unstable drivers or programs and restart the system.

Windows Recovery Console

1. Insert the Windows Installation disc into your computer's disc drive and restart the system. As soon as boot text appears on the screen, press "R" to open the Recovery Console. If you have previously installed the Recovery Console from the Windows installation disc, you may select it at startup without inserting the disc.

2. Type "listsvc" into the Recovery Console and press "Enter." This command lists the available services and drivers installed on your system. If you recently installed or changed a startup service, it may be causing your startup problem. Locate that service in the list and note its name.

3. Type "disable," followed by the name of the service, to disable the program from starting with Windows. You can enable it later with the "enable" command you so desire. You can use the Recovery Console to disable services that would normally start even in Safe Mode.

4. Type "exit" and press "Enter" to close the Recovery Console and attempt to boot Windows again.

OS X Disk Utility

1. Insert the OS X disc into the computer's disc tray. Restart the system and hold the "C" key.

2. Select "Disk Utility" from the list of options and choose the "First Aid" tab.

3. Navigate to the hard disk on which OS X is installed. Click "Repair" to scan the drive for startup problems and repair them.

References

• Apple Support: Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck
• Microsoft Support: How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
• Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode
• Microsoft: To start the computer in safe mode