Startup Repair - just sits and does nothing

Hi guys,

Need your advice. I was surfing the net today when my laptop suddenly reboots and i was required to launch Startup Repair. However, after the loading files bar, it does nothing but shows the blue bg with the cursor - there's no indication (like 'Attempting Repair' or etc) that it is doing anything in the background. It is supposed to be like this?

Ive tried restarting the laptop in safe mode but it auto reboots to the screen where i only have two options of either launching the Startup Repair or launch normally (which i can't). Ive pressed F8, tried launching launching repair but it still ends up to the blue bg screen, doing nothing.

I haven't installed any new software or Hardware though i hvae been leaving my laptop on for days on end to download stuff. Could this somehow caused the problem?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks

I am currently using Dell Inspiron, Win7 Home Premium x64.

Have a look at this Microsoft article: How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows

Hi, thanks for link. I would only be able to do those steps when I get back home from overseas, since my Win7 cd is back home, else i will try to download it from the internet.

However, i would like to ask about the Startup Repair status - since there is no indication that it is running/doing anything, does this mean it is not working or is it running in the background?

Providing System Repair has started it should be searching for problems.

Although you don't have a Windows 7 DVD with you, you can create your own system repair disc, as this tutorial explains.

System Repair Disc - Create

This repair disc doesn't reinstall Windows, but it does give you access to the Recovery Environment's repair options.

Noted with much thanks. Will try it out within these few days and update here again.

OK, we look forward to a positive outcome.

Hi there. While I have been looking around for colleagues who are using x64 laptops, I came across this Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA) Diagnostics and Error Codes For Dell Computers.

After following the instructions, I received this error code :

PSA 1000-0142/PSA+ 2000-0142
Drive Self Test failed. Status byte = XXh

The advice given was to remove and reinstall the hdd.

As per your advice about running System Repair disc, would that solve the above mentioned issue or must I remove and reinstall the hdd? I'm a hardware idiot, and is afraid of messing up my laptop if I start taking things off.

Sorry about the late reply.

Have a look at this video, which should help.

It's a straightforward procedure that shouldn't do any damage.

Before you replace the HD Drive, I would Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic

Thanks for the links guys. I will check it out later this weekend. Might take me some time to reply whether it's been solved though. Wish you guys a Happy New Year!!!