topic Re: Start-up Problems! in PCs & Accessories

Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:43:08 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I just bought a VAIO S 15" i7-3612QM 2.10GHz with 8 GB memory and Windows Premium.

Everything started off nice and without a hassle, but when I restarted after removing McAfee Antivirus (and replacing it with AntiVir) and updating with Windows Update (40 Updates), the start-up went south. After the black start-up screen with the Windows Logo on it, it moves on to a black background, and stays there for about 10-15 minutes, before proceeding to the "Welcome"-screen. The mouse is active, and when I hit the "Enter"-button, the back-lit keyboard lights up. Then when I tried re-booting again after finally coming through, there was a small "Message"-type thing in the bottom right corner. It says:

'Windows 7

Build 7601

This Copy of Windows is not Genuine'

Besides this, it is now extremely slow, and takes about 3-5 minutes to respond to a basic command. I should add, that in addition to deleting McAfee, I deleted a Bing application for IE, and also Microsoft Office 2011 pre-installed software, after installing the full version from a disk (authentic software). I did say something with it being 32-bit version or something, and that I should install 64-bit version of MIcrosoft Office, but I can't believe, that it would cause this boot-hell!

I mean, WTF! I am pretty much a computer Noob, and I have no idea what is going on. I think it has something to do with an update or the fact that I erased McAfee Antivirus. Please Help! I've seen some posts in this forum before, and you guys seem to be Masters of Disasters, when it comes to this, so I hope that you can help me. It would be much appreciated!

-The Very Best

SonoTooriDesu

Message was edited by: SonoTooriDesu

Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 18:02:25 GMT

Hi SoonTooriDesu,

If McAfee has not been completely removed and you have a second anti virus running this could cause the problems you are experiencing.

Removing The demon McAfee requires more than just uninstalling via Control Panel. As this came preinstalled you first need to register the product before removal and even then it requires a cleanup as it leaves all sorts of c**p on the system. Have a look at the following link for more information.

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS101331

If this fails to solve the problem, and the computer is new, the easiest solution would be to return the notebook to factory settings and start over. Either tap F10 at boot or, if your model has an assist button press this when shut down, to enter the Recovery Utility and follow the instructions.

When restored carry out one action at a time followed by a reboot to check that all is working as expected.

Rich

Re: Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 19:25:55 GMT

Hey rich912,

Firstly, thank you so much for your reply! It means the world to me - really^^

I looked into the mcAfee problem (Great to hear that pros also think it's crap) but it doesn't seem to be the problem. The main problem is now, that Windows says that I'm not running a "genuine" version of Windows. Looking into the weird message on my desktop saying "Windows 7
Build 7601

This Copy of Windows is not Genuine" - it seems that it is because of an Windows 7 SP1 update, that my system is behaving rather unpleasant at the moment. Other people with this problem have the exact same booting problems as me, so I'm rather confident, that this may be the cause. Would you have any idea on how to attack such a problem? Again, all and any help will be so much appreciated!

Very Best

-SonoTooriDesu

Re: Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 19:35:53 GMT

Hi SonoTooriDesu,

You have the option to roll back from SP1. The following is from Microsoft support.

The easiest way to uninstall SP1 is using Programs and Features.

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.

2. Click View installed updates.

3. Click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932), and then click Uninstall. If you don't see Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) in the list of installed updates, your computer likely came with SP1 already installed, and you can't uninstall the service pack. If the service pack is listed but grayed out, you can't uninstall the service pack.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/uninstall-sp1

Rich

Re: Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 19:48:11 GMT

Thank you for you quick reply.

My last question might be a bit stupid, but is it safe for me to install Microsoft SP1 again after remove it. Maybe it just shows up in a batch of updates, and happens to be installed. Or if I end up deciding to go back to the factory settings, will it then be safe to install the SP1 again.

Thank you so much for your replies, and all your help!

Best Wishes

-SonoTooriDesu

Re: Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 19:58:44 GMT

Hi SonoTooriDesu,

It may be worth running MGADiag tool prior to rolling back to see whether you can gather information on the problem. (download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 ) Once saved, run the tool. Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.

Not having run this tool I have no idea what information will be provided but if we can't help analyse the report then possibly Windows Seven Forums will be able to help.

The following link is the source of the information. The thread is worth a read...

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/220710-windows-7-not-genuine-after-update-kb971033.html

Re: Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 20:13:40 GMT

Thanks again!

I'll try that, and post the results. It's acting up again right now, so I'll post it as soon as I am able to, which should be in a couple of minutes.

Thank you!

Re: Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:58:27 GMT

Hi SonoTooriDesu,

You just caught me - have an early start tomorrow.

Sad to say that I can't find anyting in that report to give an indication of the problem. Possibly if you start a thread on the Seven Forum they may be able to throw some light on it.

The other alternative is to roll back and see whether this solves the problem and if so contact Sony Support for guidance on the SP1 update.

Generally speaking service packs are a collection of security updates that may have very well already been installed individually plus a few new features - one of which seems to be causing a glitch on the Sony OEM version of the OS. I experienced multiple problems when installing SP3 on a Vaio running XP. In the end I rolled back and checked the option to never remind me about this Windows update again - no problems since.

Let us know which route you decide to take.

Rich

Re: Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:13:26 GMT

Thanks so much! You're the best!

I decided to take this sh** back to the factory settings. I just bought it anyway, and my head is on the verge of exploding. Sometimes it's better to admit defeat. This will actually probably be way faster than me continuing this charade - no more! Never again! ^^; Hehe....

Anyways, your help made me decide for this, and being stuck in a shitty situation like this and receive help in a matter of minutes by skilled profs. and people in the know (i.e. you) really means a lot! And I hope that you guys realise this!

So thanks you so very much, and I hope not to speak to you again in the near future^^;

The Most Appreciative Regards

-SonoTooriDesu

Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:14:13 GMT

-SonoTooriDesu

Message was edited by: SonoTooriDesu

Re: Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:26:54 GMT

You're very welcome and good to know that our efforts are appreciated

A return to factory settings would certainly have been my choice with a new machine...

All the best,

Rich

Re: Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:17:22 GMT

Sorry, but I'm back again... Damn it! ^_^

I ended up deciding to take the laptop back to a System Restore point, where it still worked, and now there is no problem. Although, after rebooting, I found that it still was a bit slow at first, and lacking a bit, but now, after a bit of use, it seems to be working well. I installed some of the software (Like iTunes) again, since it was gone after doing the restore point thing, but it had saved some changes, that I made in iTunes before the restore point, which means, that it hasn't deleted all of the files. I shouldn't complain since it's finally working again, but I'm a bit concerned, if I should take it all the way back to factory settings? As mentioned, it's working fine now, but could there still be something wrong, or can I trust the System Restore point - and can I go without taking it all the way back to factory settings? What would you do?

Any advise you guys could give me, would be thoroughly appreciated!

Very Best Regards

-SonoTooriDesu

Re: Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:04:33 GMT

Hi SonoTooriDesu,

It seems as though you are content that all is working as expected. I work on the principal that if it isn't bust then don't fix it.

That said, if there are still doubts in your mind then a return to factory settings at this stage will be far less time consuming than six months down the line when a backup and restore of data will be needed plus multiple Windows updates.

Your call but I would give it a few days and then decide.

BTW don't forget to create your recovery media using Vaio Recovery Center - assuming you have not already done so...

Rich

Re: Start-up Problems!

SonoTooriDesu — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:10:39 GMT

Hi yet again,

It worked fine, and then came the dreaded MEGA update with 88 updates, which is where it went south the last time around. The updates were installed, the computer shut down. I turned it on again and held my breath. Then it strated "Configurating Windows", but only reached 30% before rebooting. Then it finalized the configuration, and I held my breath yet again for start-up.......

AND IT WORKS! FINALLY! Well, people say not to count your blessing too early, but I'm really happy that it works well now! I have all the recovery media done, and now I can lean back and enjoy this lovely machine! Just blazed a 1080p HD movie with joy, while running multiple other programs and windows^_^

Thanks so much for all the help! It was priceless!

The Very Best (And now last) Appreciative Regards

-SonoTooriDesu

Re: Start-up Problems!

rich912 — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:21:05 GMT

Hi SonoTooriDesu,

That's great news

Enjoy....

Rich