Can't follow BSOD post instructions because cannot get to desktop

Stop 0x7B does not allow the user to boot to the desktop.

STOP 0x0000007B: INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE

Usual causes: Hard drive, File system, Boot sequence errors, Device driver, Virus infection (in particular check the MBR)

Do the following:

► Scan the system for possible virus infection with a bootable antivirus.

• Windows Defender Offline

► Test the HDD with a bootable disc check tool.

• Seatools for DSO

► Do you have access to another computer right now? If so, download Partition wizard Bootable CD (the last one in the link). Burn it in a blank CD or in a USB flash stick.

Boot into Partition Wizards GUI following this instructions. When you are on the last screen, take a camera snap of the screen and upload the snap here.
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

We need to see the partitions and parameters.

After knowing these results (at least the result of seatools test. If there is no error, the easiest fix is a clean reinstall) we can guide you towards the solution of the issue.

Somehow the System Reserved partition is wiped out and converted to logical. It is the second time I am seeing it here within a week. There is a great possibility that the system is/was infected.

• Set the 101 MB partition as primary: How to Set Partition as Primary | MiniTool Partition Wizard Tutorial
• Mark that partition as active: How to Set Active/Inactive | MiniTool Partition Wizard Tutorial
• Run Startup Repair for three separate times, with restarts after every single run.
  Startup Repair: Run three separate times.

Now try to boot the computer, let us know if it worked or not.

[QUOTE=Arc;3079989]Somehow the System Reserved partition is wiped out and converted to logical. It is the second time I am seeing it here within a week. There is a great possibility that the system is/was infected.

• Set the 101 MB partition as primary: How to Set Partition as Primary | MiniTool Partition Wizard Tutorial

QUOTE]

Don't see that option for that partition
Do I need to set the 119 GB partition to logical first?
This is what I see

Now I am assuming that what converted that partition to logical is blocking the partition to set back to primary.

It would be the best to wipe the entire HDD. Before doing that, back up any necessary user data externally, following Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console.

Then perform a clean reinstall. Clean Install Windows 7

Husaberger said:

Bummer
Will do
Any way to find out what the infection is?
I'm afraid my other machines are vulnerable

It is a rootkit or a boot virus, bootkit. That kills the boot sector.

If you want to check the other machines for a rootkit, use TDSSKiller by Kaspersky. Download Kaspersky TDSSKiller - MajorGeeks

Husaberger said:

Thanks Arc
Interestingly other machines which are at greater risk from downloads are clean
Doing the clean install...

Clean reinstalls are painful, but the end results are always good. :)