Computer crashed, Windows 7 will not load

floyd71 · 18 Dec 2011

I need some help. I am no expert when it comes to computers so please bear with me. My Acer Aspire laptop crashed on me. It uses Windows 7. Start up repair does not work. I have a set of Windows 7 disks, 32 bit and 64 bit. Not too sure which one I should have used so I tried both with the same results. I have tried to re-install Windows 7 again as well as repairing the Windows 7 which is already on my computer with the disks with no luck. When re-installing it gets stuck at 'Setup is starting'. It stays like that for hours. When I try the repair option it gets stuck at 'checking for operating system' or something to that effect, also for hours on end. Anyone have any ideas about how to fix this?

search53 · 18 Dec 2011

How old is your computer? Is it making any strange "clicking" or "clanking" noises?

floyd71 · 18 Dec 2011

I bought the computer this past May, so about 7 months old. It isn't really making any abnormal sounds at all. Just the normal boot up sounds.

whs · 18 Dec 2011

What is the origin of those "repair discs"

torre · 18 Dec 2011

Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

Reinstalling Windows 7

Clean Install Windows 7

Check the above tutorials. I would recommend backup files and do a clean install. Or.....

Have you contacted Acer Customer Service ? If hardware problem, should still be under warranty

floyd71 · 18 Dec 2011

I bought the discs at Staples on Friday. They are Windows 7 Professional.

I will check out the tutorials and let you know if it works or not.
Clean install lets me get to the point where it says Setup is starting. Then it just stays there forever with a rotating circle, like when a program is not responding.

whs · 18 Dec 2011

I suggest to clean this disk first. Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Britton30 · 18 Dec 2011

whs said:

I suggest to clean this disk first. Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

You can also run the above tutorial after you start the install from the Windows DVD. At the screen where it asks to select your language, don't choose anything. Press Shift+F10 to bring up the cmd prompt and carry on with the tutorial. When finished type exit and you can complete your new install.

gregrocker · 18 Dec 2011

See if you can boot into Safe Mode with networking to install Malwarebytes, run a full scan. If no Safe Mode, download, burn to CD or write to flash stick, boot and run Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper.

After cleaning up infection, boot the DVD to second screen to choose Repair My Computer. Use the correct bit-version - it should prompt you if you use the wrong one. Then run Startup Repair repeatedly, report back results.

If you cannot repair then try running Acer factory recovery: Acer Support: Recovery media and Restoring a system to factory load.

Since your computer is only 7 months old you still have the one-year free Tech Support. Acer can help walk you through Repairs, running Recovery or provide Recovery Disks if needed.

You did not need to buy new Win7 for the Acer as you own a copy for the life of the computer. To unlock the licensed version on the COA sticker, use ImgBurn to extract the ISO from the Pro DVD for the correct bit-version (32 or 64), then run the eicfg removal tool on the ISO, burn an all-versions installer to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed. Boot DVD to clean reinstall the licensed version using these steps to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

If Win7 won't boot to install, enter BIOS setup to reset to defaults: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS.

Next test the HD using maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan which can also wipe the HD afterwards to clear the boot sector.

wanchoo · 19 Dec 2011

Are you sure that your Windows 7 Install Disk is functional?

If yes then my suggestion would be to delete the active partition altogether with a third party boot disk if Windows 7 install disk is unable to do so. Then recreate the partition and then try to clean re-install Windows 7. This should work if some of your hardware components have not packed up.

floyd71 said:

I bought the discs at Staples on Friday. They are Windows 7 Professional.

I will check out the tutorials and let you know if it works or not.
Clean install lets me get to the point where it says Setup is starting. Then it just stays there forever with a rotating circle, like when a program is not responding.