I can't log on, even with the installation CD

jillianb · 15 Dec 2012

I have a Dell inspiron 4010 laptop with Windows 7. I am unable to log on. It appears to be starting up, i get the windows is starting up splash screen, but then it will go to the screen that says that windows failed to start, recent hardware or sofware change might be the cause and to insert installation CD and also lists the safe mode options. This screen keeps looping. None of the safe mode (or regular mode) options work, and when i try one of them the screen shows the loading windows files before restarting the safe mode options screen again.

I had a similar problem a couple of weeks ago, and was somehow able to boot from the DVD, but it doesn't seem to be working this time. when i try to boot from the repair DVD, the repair your computer option doesn't work (start up repair cannot repair this computer automatically and if i want to send information on this problem), nor do any of my system restore points. I just get a message that says an unspecified error occurred during system restore 0x800700b7 or an unspecified error occurred during system restore 0x8000ffff

I have been trying various times to boot from the DVD, pressing f8, etc. but nothing seems to be working. I am not sure how but at one time the screen said file fwpkclnt.sys 0xc00000f failed to load because the required file is missing or corrupt. but that hasn't shown up again.

Is there anything i can do? I would prefer not to lose all of my programs, documents, pictures, etc.

thanks in advance!

bagavan · 15 Dec 2012

If you have created a system image you could restore from it

Saurabh A · 21 Dec 2012

Hi jillianb,

The failure to boot into 'Windows' may be due to a software or a hardware issue. I recommend you to run 'diagnostics' to check the 'hard drive functionality'. If no 'hardware' related issue is detected, you may want to try the 'restore options' to fix the system software.

You may find the following steps useful:

1. Run 'Diagnostics' (Pre-Boot System assessment)
- Power off the laptop
- Power it back on and at 'Dell splash screen', repeatedly tap < F12 >
- Use 'arrow keys' to highlight < Diagnostics > and tap < Enter >
- Capture the error code details, if any (and report)

2. If no errors are observed, try 'Dell Datasafe Restore and Emergency Backup' software to see if you are able to save 'important files/folders'. As you've mentioned that your system still allows you to access the 'Advanced Recovery Options' in WinRE, try 'backing up' the 'important data' before performing the 'factory image restore'.

Dell laptops are generally shipped with a 'recovery partition on their hard drive', that allows you to 'restore factory settings' within a few minutes. However, this functionality may work only if the 'recovery image' is still intact and is accessible.

'Factory Restore' may lead to complete data loss; please refer to the following thread for step-by-step information on using the 'Dell Datasafe Restore and Emergency Backup' tool to see if you can save the data also: windows 7 c drive crash

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.