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When data requested from memory is not found, a memory fault is created. Windows then looks for the same data in the virtual memory on your hard drive. If the data is not there either, a stop message appears alerting you of the event. While this problem is usually the result of damaged memory or other hardware malfunction, it is occasionally caused by a corrupted file system. If you suspect or have confirmed that the problem is related to your file system, reformat the computer to correct the problem. Prior to reformatting, run the Check Disk utility while in Windows Safe Mode and back up your important files and documents. Instructions o 1 Turn on the computer and continuously hold the “F8” keyboard key during boot. This lists boot options for your operating system. o 2 Choose the “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” option and push “Enter.” This starts Windows in a Command Prompt with only the most basic services. This can help prevent or prolong the amount of time you can use your operating system before getting another BSOD (blue screen of death). o 3 Type “CD C:\” and press “Enter.” This changes the prompt to the root of your local drive. o 4 Type “Chkdsk /r” and press “Enter.” This runs the Windows Check Disk utility. While this utility is simultaneously run with a full format, you increase your chances of successfully completing the format by allowing the Check Disk program to repair any bad sectors beforehand. This will also repair damaged files, which will prevent problems when you create a backup of your files and folders. o 5 Restart your computer after the Check Disk utility completes. Upon restart, go back to the Advanced Boot Options screen by holding the “F8” key during boot, then select the “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” option to return to the Command Prompt. o 6 Insert a thumb drive into an available USB port. Alternatively, you could use an external hard drive or second internal drive. Whatever you use is not important -- you just need a storage medium for backing up your important documents and pictures. o 7 Type “WMI LogicalDisk” and press “Enter.” This populates the screen with all of the drives connected to your computer. Each drive is listed by name. Locate the device to which you want to back up your files and note the drive letter. o 8 Type “xcopy /e “C:\Users\YourName\*.*” “E:\Backup\MyDocuments\” and press “Enter.” Replace “YourName” with your Windows username, and replace “E:\” with the drive letter for the device you want to use as a backup. This process copies the Windows User folder to the backup drive. Remove the thumb drive once the backup process has completed. o 9 Insert the Windows 7 install disc and reboot your computer. As the computer starts again, look closely for “Press Key to Enter Setup” or a similarly worded phrase. Repeatedly press the specified key. This launches your BIOS. o 10 Look at the bottom of the BIOS screen. This should provide you with a navigation map with the keyboard keys necessary to use the BIOS. Generally, the arrow keys will let you move through the BIOS, and the “Enter” key is used to select an option. o 11 Locate the boot menu settings in the BIOS and change the priority so that your disc drive is the first drive in the list and the hard drive is the second. Press the “Save and Exit” key, which is usually “F10” and press “Y” or “Enter” to confirm. This reboots your computer. o 12 Press any key on your keyboard as soon as you’re prompted with a “Press Any Key to Boot from CD/DVD…” message. This loads the Windows installation disc. To confirm, you should see a “Windows is Loading Files…” message with a progress bar. Once finished, the Install Windows dialog appears. o 13 Leave the options at their default and click “Next.” On the second screen, click the “Install Now” button. You should see a “Setup is Starting” message. Once started, the License Agreement screen appears. o 14 Click “I accept…” then click “Next.” This takes you to the “Which Type of Installation…” screen. Click the “Custom (Advanced)” option. On the following screen, click to highlight the drive with the word “Primary,” then click “Drive Options (Advanced.)” o 15 Click the “Delete” option at the bottom of the following screen. This will delete the partition and all of its contents. Click the “OK” button on the confirmation dialog. Click to highlight the “System” drive and click “Delete.” Click “OK” to confirm. o 16 Click the “Next” button at the bottom. This starts the automated Windows 7 installation. Remove the disc from the drive when prompted and boot into Windows 7. Insert your USB thumb drive. Open Windows Explorer and transfer your documents back over to your computer.