Gateway System Recovery

[Terminator14]

When my Gateway computer boots, it immediately goes into recovery mode and this is the screen that I see:

Is there any way to load my previous installation of Windows with all my programs and everything still installed? The only options I see is to format and back everything up, or format and loose everything - nothing about just launching the previously installed version of Windows. This began after I had some problems with my RAM but I fixed those and can't get back into my Windows. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PC eye]

If you have the means to backup your files and data onto removable media you could then use the restore with backup option to see if that gets everything up and running normally. The Full option wipes everything but the recovery partition off of the drive and then reinstalls Windows from there. The previous version of Windows may not have been backed up when this installation was put on. To perform a manual removal of XP to restore a previous version of Windows that saw an upgrade to XP, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308233/en-us

 

[Terminator14]

The previous version of Windows may not have been backed up when this installation was put on.

The computer is actually not mine, it's owner is someone I know who asked me to fix a problem with the computer not booting Windows. I ended up being a RAM problem that I fixed but the above photo is the screen that the computer keeps booting into. Are you saying that he attempted to reinstall Windows?

 

[PC eye]

The owner may have inadvertently started the restore install process when trying to use a system restore point. Something had to have been done to see this being prompted. The best advice here would be to contact Gateway support by email or phone and describe what you are seeing with this. Their main contact page is at http://support.gateway.com/support/ask_gateway.asp

This would be the way to go if you are unable to get to the Windows desktop and the system is still under warranty. The following describes how the System Recovery seen there works.

What is Gateway System Recovery?

Gateway System Recovery is a media-less delivery method for software purchased with a Gateway product, including desktop, notebook, and Profile computers shipping with Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). With a media-less computer, you now have all of your drivers, applications, and operating system backup files installed on a protected recovery partition of your hard drive. This convenient media-less option keeps all of your backup software on your computer and not in some desk drawer or closet. Precious time is saved by not having to look for backup copies of Operating System CDs, Driver CDs, or Application CDs. This method can shorten the time it takes to reinstall drivers, applications, or even recover your computer to its original factory installation. To further secure your software, you can create your own set of backup media, which can be useful in the event the hard drive becomes damaged or the hard drive fails. Recovery Media Creation is a one time, easy to follow process to create the backup software for your operating system, drivers, and applications. The media created during this process should be labeled and stored in a safe place. How can I tell if my computer shipped with a Gateway System Recovery media-less solution?


http://support.gateway.com/s/SOFTWARE/Medialess/FAQ/SUPPAGE01su44.shtml

 

[Terminator14]

Thanks a lot. If the owner started the system restore I guess he might be ok with continueing it. I'll contact him and if it's alright I proceed with the restore (the one that makes a backup). If not, I'll see if I can cancel the setup and restore the previous version. Perhaps using:

To perform a manual removal of XP to restore a previous version of Windows that saw an upgrade to XP, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308233/en-us

Thanks for all your help.