Windows failed to start: File: boot/bcd

amrsports · 20 Nov 2012

I have a computer I am trying to refurbish. The old hard drive failed. I purchased a new hard drive. The CD/DVD player on the computer does not work, but I am able to boot from a USB. I was able to install Ubuntu from USB with no problems and now have a new copy of windows 7, 32 bit (computer is also 32 bit). I have tried to boot from the windows copy on the USB drive using many different tutorials as well as using the windows USB/DVD download tool.
Each time I boot from the usb stick, a screen comes up that says windows failed to start. It says it may be due to a hardware problem.

All other solutions to this involve using the recovery CDs or partition which I am not able to because the CD/DVD drive is broken, and I would like to not have to buy another one.

Please, any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

bobafetthotmail · 20 Nov 2012

Maybe your win 7 iso is corrupted or otherwise screwed up.

This tutorial contains links to clean iso files, links to a tutorial on placing that on a USB stick, and some other info on installation.

Are you sure that the specs of that PC are good enough for Win 7 (as ubuntu runs on more or less anything)? If unsure please post them and someone will tell you.

Layback Bear · 20 Nov 2012

Give this a try, it's from Microsoft.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Download - Microsoft Windows
If it passes please install your system specs using this.
System Info - See Your System Specs
or this
http://www.piriform.com/speccy

gregrocker · 20 Nov 2012

Back up your files, unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup to enable Legacy BIOS if present. Next check BIOS Boot order for an EFI Boot Disk: remove it, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SEL DIS 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.