Windows 7: Windows Startup Repair doesn't launch

gregrocker · 29 Jan 2013

If there's a serial listed under SATA3 and you google it, that may be your HD if it's not your DVD drive. What tells you its the HD?

acgref · 29 Jan 2013

It just says

SATA1 [ATAPI CDROM]
SATA2 [ATAPI CDROM]
SATA3 [Hard Disk]

and when I hit enter on that line is says

Device: Hard Disk
Drive ID: ST31000528AS
Size: 1.0 TB

acgref · 29 Jan 2013

So now should I try my Dell Reinstallation DVD? And then if that doesnt work, clear the CMOS thing?

gregrocker · 29 Jan 2013

When I google the HD serial (as I said) I immediately see it's Seagate Baracuda 7200. I'd run bootable Seagate Seatools which can sometimes repair problems, followed by Disk Check from the installer's Command Line once you get into it.

I thought you had already tried booting the Dell DVD. See if you can boot into System Recovery Options to run Startup Repair a few times with reboots, System Restore if it's not automated by Startup Repair, Disk check. If these will actually run then it's likely not the HD and you have all the possible fixes to try in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start leading up to file rescue to run Dell Windows 7 PC Restore or get the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 with that same Dell DVD.

Saurabh A · 04 Feb 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by acgref

Ok...i think the problem has been found. I hit F12 at startup and ran the Dell Diagnostics thing...the PSA. It came back with an error:

Error Code 0142
Msg: Error Code 2000-0142
Msg: Hard Drive 0 -self test unsuccessful Status: 79

Its continuing the tests and will take about 30 minutes. Once that's done, I'll check if the HDD is detected in BIOS, though I imagine that error message means it won't be (sorry for not answering that before...i misread the instruction). Should I still check it after this test is complete?

The system repair disc...I'm not exactly sure what I have. I got my computer and it prompted me to create the discs. I always thought it was a Recovery Disc. I use it to restore the computer to factory settings. I just checked my files and I do have a Dell reinstallation DVD. I haven't tried that yet...i did this diagnostic first. Should I even bother now?

Hi acgref,

Error Code 2000-0142 points at a 'Hard Drive' failure and it needs replacement. Please backup the 'personal data' if the system allows you to boot to 'Windows'. You may want to validate the 'error code' using the list of all ePSA error codes: ePSA Error Codes | Dell

If the system is still in warranty, you may share the system 'Service Tag' with me through a 'private message'. I will check for the possibility of arranging a 'repair service call' (Basis warranty) for a free replacement of the 'Hard Drive'.

Windows 7: Windows Startup Repair doesn't launch

Windows Startup Repair doesn't launch problems?