Windows 7: System hangs after install

Hello,

After hours of pulling my hair out, i am unsure what i can do.

I had a copy of windows on my computer for about 3 months (non legit key) and with being happy with the O/S i decieded to go out and buy a copy and do a fresh install.

Since installing, my 200gb HDD will no longer boot past BIOS post. I dropped it from the system and left my other 300gb HDD in and installed it to the HDD no worries, boots up fine and can use win 7. I then did a software update and now it gets stuck on the windows startup screen....

I'm not sure what i can do, it was all working before and now im at a wits end

Could this mean that both HDD have died?

Thanks for any help!

If you used a BIOS mod for the "non-legit key" then you need to wipe the HD before installing a legit copy of Windows 7: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Check that you have the latest BIOS version update as you may need to flash your BIOS to repair it if wiping the HD doesn't work.

thanks for the reply.

my bios was never modded for install as the key i used was pre activated.

i will try flashing the bios with the latest version though it is a beta version

i also tried clearing the bios last night (took battery out and then put back in) with no such luck

I would try wiping the HD first. It may not be necessary to flash the BIOS. I have no experience with a beta BIOS and would avoid one myself.

Reinstall is also a good time to test your hardware: 5-6 passes wtih booted memtest86 CD, chkdsk /r and the HD maker's full diag/repair CD scan: Disk Check
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.URL