Vista does not start - what to do?

If Windows Vista doesn't start, there can be many reasons. We'll show you the most common ones and show you how to fix them.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

• Start your computer and press "F8" repeatedly until Windows starts until the menu with the advanced start options opens.
• Here you can use the arrow keys to go to the "Safe Mode" item and start with "Enter".
• Now only the most necessary drivers and programs are loaded. So you can search for sources of error on your computer yourself.
• Also worth a try is the function "Last known as working configuration" in the extended start menu. So the system can be reset to the last restore point relatively quickly.

Repair or restore Vista

You can repair or restore your system by inserting the original Windows DVD when the computer starts. If you don't have one, read this practical tip on how to burn yourself.

• When the computer starts up, insert the DVD into the drive and wait a moment for the CD and the recovery center to load. Then click on "Next" at the bottom right of the start screen.
• At the bottom left of the window you will now see the "Computer Repair Options" item.
• Here you have several options to choose from (see picture). If you want to repair your system, you should start with the "System repair" option and continue with the "Windows memory diagnostics". You can also perform a simple "system restore" or a "system image restore".
• Select one of the options and follow the further instructions.

Further help if Windows Vista does not start

If the problem is not with the Windows system itself, but with the hardware, read this practical tip on how to eliminate it. There you will also learn how, in the worst case, you can still save your data without accessing Windows.