redirect/browser hijack

[essexboy]

The only file it had problems with is an ini file which is of no consequence

Could you try a startup repair from the Vista CD to see if that can progress any further than the one on the hard drive

[monkeybones]

yes, i will... and then what?  will it also create a log?

[essexboy]

If that does not complete a repair could you set the computer not to auto restart on failure. 

This will give a blue screen with data on the driver/file that is failing

Details here

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windowsvista/ht/arestartvista.htm

Then try normal mode and let me know what is written on the blue screen

[monkeybones]

no repair was made from disc

i have followed the directions to prevent automatic restart, but the selection is not holding between shut down and restart.  i have already made multiple attempts.

i will keep trying until i hear back from you

[essexboy]

I feel it may be time to consider resetting the system

[monkeybones]

what would cause it to do this?

[polonus]

Hi monkeybones,

This should be essexboy's decide, but at the end of the day when no more options open to you without being able to boot, then you could consider to backup all your data and then reinstall, see:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

polonus

[essexboy]

It could one of any of a number of problems a corruption of a system file, missing data from a service registry key.  This is the sort of problem that you could spend months chasing.  But at some stage you must cut your losses and bite the bullet

[monkeybones]

how do we do that.