Win7 doesn't start: shows error 0xc000000f

ArnoJ said:

I'm sorry for the delay. When I rebooted, the computer got past the "starting windows" screen, but now the screen is black (though I have a moveable cursor). These commands sure did help, but the problem isn't completely solved yet.

EDIT: I left the computer running, and after one hour or so, I was logged in and could see my desktop! But, whenever I try to open a directory, windows gives the following message (translated):
"Could not start the server process because the configured identity is not correct. Check the username and password." Running SFC /scannow at the moment.

Glad to know you were able to reach the desktop!

One of my friends had an exact similar problem like that of yours - things taking ages. It turned out to be the hard disk - the LED would keep on glowing constantly and it took around 2 hours to install Windows. He had to get the hard disk replaced.

What about the hard disk indicator in your case?

The LED light is indeed glowing (almost) non-stop! Is there some kind of test I can perform to be sure the HDD is broken?
Thanks again for your help!!

I would backup what you NEED ASAP.

How old is the drive and brand/model? If it's 5+ years old, I would replace once a backup is done, and toss it.

Put Computer Management in the Windows 7 search box off a START button click and go to Storage | Disk Management to see it once the Computer Management tool loads in say 10 mins

There are performance tools you can use to check HDs but this one is acting up, and I never want to recommend continuing with one misbehaving like this, especially if it's aged.

You can reformat and play with it later, like install a version of Linux on it, which will in effect wipe it, too, but for now BACK UP!

Computer management tool is loading, so I'll get back to you in a while
The only way to back-up right now is to connect the HD to another computer. (I have no access to any kind of files)
I'll do that once I checked the HD's specifics.

Computer Management says it can't connect to the Virtual Disk Service.. Anyway, I'm going to back-up everything using an ATA to USB device, I knew that would come in handy one day :)

Try temporary hard disk replacement (borrow one) and install Windows on it if its not already there and see if things go fast and then report back. The culprit can be some other hardware as well.

Is it possible to use a bootable ubuntu USB stick as "hard drive"? Also, the data copy from the HD is extremely slow (10-200kb/s) so that makes me think the HD is indeed the problem.

ArnoJ said:

Is it possible to use a bootable ubuntu USB stick as "hard drive"? Also, the data copy from the HD is extremely slow (10-200kb/s) so that makes me think the HD is indeed the problem.

Disconnect your HD totally and boot using Ubuntu. How is your system performing?

It might not necessarily be the HD, it could even be the cables, etc, so just put your hard disk out to see if things improve.