PC Startup freeze

Hello, I recently went to shut down my PC, I think realized it was doing a "Installing 1 of 1 downloads" or something for windows update - (do not turn off or unplug PC).

I was then hit with a power-cut which of-course caused my PC to turn off.

I turned my PC back on as soon as I could, and here's the problem..

It prompted me with "Start windows in normal mode" - Because it had not have shut down properly previously, so I did that.

It then put me through to the loading screen with the Windows live symbol thing.

After that it takes me to a black screen with my cursor, from there, I can get no further - Tried in safe mode, still cannot get passed it.

I have no discs for re-installation or whatever, but I really don't want to lose my data on my PC since I only have 1 copy of it, on the PC and im a game developer so it's very needed (I know I should make copies, I did order a external hard drive to put it on, but the error came before my external come unfortunately).

I would really like a detailed guide on how I can fix this, please & thanks in advance.

Sincere regards, Tommy.

Work through these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot starting at Step 4.

I tried a Startup repair, said nothing was detected, restarted PC - Didnt work.

I then done a System restore - from 1day ago. it said succesful, but im still not getting passed the black screen on start up...

I tried rebooting again, still happens, I have taken some pictures on my phone if they are useful i can upload those.

You've missed some steps. They are in order for a reason.

Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums - Windows 7 Forums

Ok. I am going through again, although would any of this result in all my data loss ?

Also, using Bootrec.exe when I try some of the available shown options I get 'XXXXX is not recognized as an Internal or External Command'.

And lastly, If I do have to lose my data - because so far nothing is working, would their be a more simple fix, such as Recovery Management, that looks to me like it would re-install windows 7 on my PC would it ? & Would it fix my problem?

Thanks a lot.

The steps show you how to copy out your files and if necessary do a Clean Reinstall or run Factory recovery if you have a Recovery partition or disks.

Does your installation show up when you boot into Windows Repair?

Here are the bootrec commands to type into System Recovery Options Command line:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootre /rebuildbcd

Use a System Repair Disk or Win7 DVD which is provided in the tutorial. Try a System Restore next whichis the standard way to recover from failed updates which cause unbootable Win7.

The steps to copy out your files are also in the tutorial.

It also says quite clearly to use the Partition Wizard boot CD.

System repair disk didn't seem to take any effect.

You'll have to be more specfic about the problem or error with Repair Disk. Nine times out of ten it won't boot due to user error. How to Boot your Computer from a Bootable CD or DVD. If setting CD drive first to boot doesn't get the prompt to "Press any key to boot disk" then try the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key given on first boot screen.

You can download the latest Win7 ISO to try burning it to DVD or writing to flash stick as well, using the tool given in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

PW CD and HD diagnostics should start on their own without booting. After clearing file system and HD surface test you can wipe the HD from either which should also force the installer to autostart if you absolutely cannot make it boot yourself.

You can also copy out your files with Paragon rescue disk; recover data which should also autostart itself.