Quote:
Originally Posted by syee
Most likely OS corruption. I doubt it's hardware as well. Normally power outages aren't a big problem unless it's doing some kind of file operation involving critical OS files (say like a Windows Update or something similar) and it gets into a state it can't back out of.
I'm somewhat surprised that her laptop turned off when she pulled the cord out since the laptop has a battery and should run off battery power unless she doesn't have the battery attached to the laptop at the time.
If you're not familiar with repairing the OS, do what aznboi128 suggested - remove the drive and either connect it in an enclosure or plug it into a desktop PC and pull all the files you want off it and reinstall the OS. If there's a last known good configuration (it should be on the list where you can pick safe mode), try that as well to see if it makes any difference.
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+1 on OS corruption.
But the "Last known good configuration" option doesn't always start up. You can (as a last resort) force the complete Windows boot options by tapping
F8 right after POST (the information about your computer) and before Windows boots. It's a short time frame, so you may have to try it more than once. When you see the POST screen you can start tapping F8.
Note that depending on the age of the laptop, if you fiddle with the hard drive you will void the warranty. This should be treated as an absolute last resort, but the best way to ensure getting everything back. 2.5" drive enclosures are dirt cheap.
A reminder that backups are always welcome- External backups can save you tons of time and especially grief
when computers go down. Drive image backups are even better- it allows you to go back to a "snapshot" of your computer in the event of drive fails/viruses/OS corruptions. You could be back in action in as little as an hour. See
Acronis.
Hope all goes well with your GF's laptop.