Windows 7: [Major Problem] Stuck on "starting windows" screen.

hi guys, today when i've finished playing the computer, i've used 'shutdown' to turn off my computer, the shutdown process doesn't seem to turn off my computer, so i just waited and waited for 30 minutes, still it was still on the same screen saying "shutting down" with the circle still spinning. so i just turned it off manually by holding the power button until it turns off.
Later on, i decided to get back on, so i turned it on but when it was at the "starting windows" screen, it was stuck there for sooo long! so i waited for a long time but it was still stuck. When i turned it off and on again, a start up repair was offered so i chose that option, it says "loading windows files" after that a blank screen for a long time, still stuck.
I then tried to boot my Windows 7 CD to do a recovery or restore point, but after it was "loading windows files" the starting windows screen appeared again and it was stuck there.



I've googled and searched this forum but all their solution was just startup repair and recovery. can anyone please help me?

Thanks!

Hello duong,

Are you overclocking anything? If so, stop. Can you try blowing out any dust buildup? Perhaps some hardware went out? You might try temporarily replacing some things if you can to see if things stop freezing. Keep trying to do system recovery, etc., but if you can't, you may just have to reinstall. You might wait a bit and see what others have to say before you do.

Nope I never over lock, it's too risky. I can't reinstall completely because CD can't even boot up. I'll try to clean the dust out. thanks for your reply, it deserves a rep.

Duong,

You may want to test other hardware on the computer to see if it can boot without trouble: do this yourself, or take it to someone who has the hardware, such as a computer repair shop or a friend. But before you do -

Can you do this at boot?: SFC /SCANNOW : Run in Command Prompt at Boot try it, it couldn't hurt. Also this lets me know if you can get to this menu.

I know personally I had a bad CPU that wouldn't allow my Windows Vista CD to install correctly. But let me know if you can get to that repair menu.

*Edit - after re-reading your post, it seems like you can get to the menu, but you can't use any of the links inside it as it just hangs at some point. Can you test memory?

Have you tried botting up in safe mode ? Before it gets to "starting windows" Just press f8 i think and select safe mode

hmm guys, i gave my computer a rest for 2 daysnow (haven't turned it on since), now when i turn it on it works and runs fine! however, i've noticed a change in performance, after finishing on the "starting windows" screen, the screen was blank for 5 -10 seconds then it went on the welcome screen, it then stayed on welcome screen for a long time too. then after to my desktop. do you guys know what happening?

Not really... But you might check 'optimization' in my signature for something that might speed it up a bit.

Also, try these tutorials, but make sure you read all the warnings that go with them:
Startup Repair
Repair Install

Make sure the computer isn't getting too hot, and blow out all the dust. Make sure all parts are getting enough air.

hey i've turned on my computer on the next day and after the "starting windows" screen this popped up: "hardware malfunction attachment.:"
does this mean one of the hardware is dead? or does it have too much dust and hence no air as you said? and also, how can i identify the dead hardware as quick as possible?
Note: 1 of the side of my desktop's case is open, i've always left it open for air to circulate inside.

thanks

also dusty, the attachment above is not mine, its just an example from google of what i'm trying to say. i forgot what mine said . i guess i'll just have to wait for another one to pop up.

Hey duong,

No, cases are made so that air traves into and out, creating more pressure and more flow (if done right). With the case open, the sensors may record less heat, but components may not be getting cooled as well. It shouldn't really be a problem unless you are doing heavy stuff like playing games, etc. Do you notice anything getting hot?

Run MemTest Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool - on each stick of Ram, one at a time until you get errors. It takes a while. There are a certain number of passes you need to let it go for, think the number was 8 or something.

Are you having a memory error or a general hardware error?

Are you overclocking anything? If so, reset your BIOS back to normal.