Can't boot (normal or safe mode) after multiple updates

HI all...

I had my computer in storage for 7 weeks (on a boat being shipped back to US from the Middle East) and just got it unpacked a few days ago.

It started normally (a BIG relief) then wanted to do updates...48 of them!! So I started the update process but after the updates it will not boot...not normally, not to safe mode. The PC ran a CHKDSK on its own but couldn't boot after the CHKDSK.

I did manage to get Startup Repair to run once and the machine restarted to the Windows splash screen then that disappeared and now all I get is a black screen with a mouse pointer which I can move but nothing to point it at.

I cannot get to Sys Restore, safe mode, AV programs, etc.

I DO have a brand new Win 7 disk I got in Dubai a few months ago after having a tech there rebuild the machine with a new HDD and more memory...but it says "OEM System Builder Pack intended for system builders ONLY"...I suppose I could do a clean install with that and I also have a complete backup on an external drive that I made just before leaving Dubai...butI don't want to do that unless I have to.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Joe

captjoe777 said:

HI all...

I had my computer in storage for 7 weeks (on a boat being shipped back to US from the Middle East) and just got it unpacked a few days ago.

It started normally (a BIG relief) then wanted to do updates...48 of them!! So I started the update process but after the updates it will not boot...not normally, not to safe mode. The PC ran a CHKDSK on its own but couldn't boot after the CHKDSK.

I did manage to get Startup Repair to run once and the machine restarted to the Windows splash screen then that disappeared and now all I get is a black screen with a mouse pointer which I can move but nothing to point it at.

I cannot get to Sys Restore, safe mode, AV programs, etc.

I DO have a brand new Win 7 disk I got in Dubai a few months ago after having a tech there rebuild the machine with a new HDD and more memory...but it says "OEM System Builder Pack intended for system builders ONLY"...I suppose I could do a clean install with that and I also have a complete backup on an external drive that I made just before leaving Dubai...butI don't want to do that unless I have to.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Joe

See if the following helps;

Try running Command Prompt from the repair menu and then Check Disk:

1. Insert the Windows 7 Disc and boot from it.
2. In the recovery menu, choose Command Prompt .
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

Chkdsk /r /f

Please also try the following commands and press Enter at the end of each line:

Ren C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old

Ren C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution SDOLD

HTH

Well I walked away from it for an hour and when I got back it was booted up albeit running slow...most processes are "not responding" and Task Manager took about 3 minutes to open up...and it shows NO applications running...which I know is wrong. It seems like the whole PC is running very sluggish...

I can't even get IE or Chrome to open up...it says they're running in TM processes but still don't show in applications as running.

Should I try the steps in the previous post?

I just tried to open a folder on the Desktop and the wallpaper turned white and all the icons look like they have an opaque film on them...then after 30 sec or so that went away and the Desktop now looks normal.

Still can't open a folder though.

captjoe777 said:

Well I walked away from it for an hour and when I got back it was booted up albeit running slow...most processes are "not responding" and Task Manager took about 3 minutes to open up...and it shows NO applications running...which I know is wrong. It seems like the whole PC is running very sluggish...

I can't even get IE or Chrome to open up...it says they're running in TM processes but still don't show in applications as running.

Should I try the steps in the previous post?

It may help, but certainly won't hurt. Visit the following link for running SFC while in Windows 7;

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker
(choose option #2)

HTH

The folder opened after 4 minutes but now it won't close when I click it...I suppose it will close on its own in a few minutes or I'll get a "not responding" message....sigh....

The folder eventually closed...I am running the scannow process now...

I ran the scannnow process three times and still have some unsolved issues after those scans. I then downloaded and ran the System Update Readiness Tool (KB947821) but it would not completely install...it hung at about the 90% level.

I had to use Task Manager to try and stop the install (I was able to hit cancel updates but it never "took" the command until I used TM to kill it.

Will download and try another install.

Joe

The second download would not install at all...probably because the first one is still kind of there?

Anyway will try the system restore idea later.

Joe