Boot locks up at Windows Resume Loader

ibjunior · 27 Apr 2011

Hiya--I've read the BSOD posting instructions but I can't do anything on the problem computer. Since a power failure while my Dell Vostro (Pentium 4, 3G Ram, 13 mos old) desktop was operating, my computer has completely locked up. When it's turned on, the Dell boot screen is displayed and the progress bar shows it's loading until it stops about half way thru and the Windows Resume Loader screen appears. While the Dell page loads neither the F2 or F12 buttons work. Clicking either of the 2 options on the resume loader page--Continue with system resume--or--Delete restoration and proceed with boot does nothing. I've tried to load the Windows 7 reinstall CD but the optical drive doesn't run. Is there a secret reset switch somewhere? Any solutions? Thanx

usasma · 27 Apr 2011

This sounds to me like there's a severe problem with your hardware. Most commonly this is a hard drive issue - but it can be the RAM or the motherboard (or even other hardware devices).

Try disconnecting both the cables that go to the hard drive(s). Can you use the F12 key in the Dell splash screen then? If so, then it's probably that the hard drive is bad - and a new one will be required.

Post back if that doesn't work, and we'll try other stuff.

ibjunior · 02 May 2011

SOLVED--Thanks usasma. I opened the case--after going to the Dell webpage for a schematic--and disconnected the 2 cables. F12 worked on the splash screen and I changed the primary boot to CD/ DVD instead of C drive so I could do a reinstall. I hooked up the power and the next thing I knew it booted up. Turned it on and off a couple times and it's good to go. Thanks for getting me started. Junior

usasma · 04 May 2011

That's good to hear. Thanks for letting us know!