New
#1
Another missing bootmgr (although slightly different)
EDIT: EDIT: correction, it's fixed again
Ok, I have a problem, and I know exactly how I caused it, problem is. I don't know how to fix it. It will be a long read so I'll try to explain things chapter wise:
Hardware/OS
OS: Windows 7 Pro 32-bit
Notebook model: HP Elitebook 8530w
GPU: Nvidia Quadro FX 770M
CPU: Intel Dual Core T9600
RAM: 4gb
Chipset: Mobile Intel® PM45 Express Chipset ICH9M-Enhanced
Harddrive: 1x SATA II 250GB (5400 rpm)
The problem
I can't boot my windows anymore, when I try to startup it fully loads the loading bar, then when it gets to the screen where it says "Starting windows" (or something) it freezes. I tried to fix it by using the menu I got when pressing esc during startup, which gives the missing bootmgr message. I tried solving it by using the Win7 Upgrade CD first, but it got stuck on loading exactly the same way as booting windows normally.
Then I downloaded the Win7 32-bit recovery CD and burned it to a cd. Tried to boot it on the CD. It goes through the loading bar, then the screen turns black and freezes again.
I only have 1 harddrive and only one OS installment, I'm reluctant to send back my notebook to HP since I need a fix ASAP (and 2 weeks obviously isn't) since this is also the pc I use for university stuff (assignments which have deadlines before that).
One thing I did not try was installing an OS on an external harddrive and booting from that. I will try this later today
How I (think I) caused it
I installed a BIOS driver update which I downloaded from the HP support website. (NOTE: I did back up my BIOS before the update, but saved it on the OS harddrive and didn't know how to actually use the backup so I tried the following -> ) After I rebooted, my pc would not connect to the internet. I rebooted again, went to BIOS and used the "reset to factory defaults" option and voila, I got my problem.
So, I'm pretty much out of options. I got my BIOS backup, but it's on the harddrive that will not boot. I could try to boot my pc from an external harddrive OS (and I know how to boot from different harddrives mind you) but I don't know how to fix the problem even if that would work.
So, please help S.O.S. etc. etc.
and preferably don't tell me to send the notebook to HP anyways since as I stated before, I need the notebook (or at least the files) before I'd get it back.
Thanks in advance,
-i1
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EDIT:
The story continues
During the process of restoring my internet I used system restore to go back to an earlier version (before it had any problem). However, the windows update gave a message that 13 important updates were to be installed (mostly ms office updates) and 1 optional, the optional one being a driver update for my wireless internet. I installed those updates, then restarted my pc when prompted, and I got back to square one, windows not booting, CD not booting. Tried solving it the way I did before (by starting over ethernet) and it didn't work.
Also, as for Ken's suggestion, I'd rather not reset bios manually since I'm pretty sure it will void my warranty.
EDIT2:
Changes in the issue
Also, I think the problem changed slightly, now everything gets stuck before it gets to the "windows is starting" screen. When I try to use the regular startup (or startup repair) the screen freezes showing the fully loaded loading bar.
The CD gets past the loading bar, then shows the little flashing underscore ( _ <-this one), then goes to blackscreen.
The only CD's I have are the upgrade cd which upgrades from vista to windows 7. The Windows 7 recovery CD I downloaded (vista was preinstalled). Both Windows 7 CD's don't work and I assumed the vista CD would be useless. I could download a new install CD for windows 7, but this obviously takes time and I doubt it works. Any ideas?
EDIT3:
FIXED AGAIN
I fixed it this time by doing a hard reset thus clearing the ram. Basically this is Ken's (second post on this thread) suggestion without actually having to touch the internal hardware. On hp notebooks at least (probably also works on other notebooks) this means the following:
1: Turn off pc
2: Remove the battery and the power cord
3: Hold down the power button for 20 seconds (this depletes any remaining power)
4: Done
For notebook users I'd recommend trying a hard reset first for every startup issue, since it's easy and safe.
As for desktop users, you could try (minus removing the battery) but I doubt if it works. If it doesn't you can clear the RAM as suggested in the second post.
Last edited by InnocentOne; 07 May 2010 at 02:10.