Can't boot (normal or safe mode) after multiple updates

[captjoe777]

HI all...

I had my computer in storage for 7 weeks (on a boat being shipped back to US from the Middle East) and just got it unpacked a few days ago.

It started normally (a BIG relief) then wanted to do updates...48 of them!! So I started the update process but after the updates it will not boot...not normally, not to safe mode. The PC ran a CHKDSK on its own but couldn't boot after the CHKDSK.

I did manage to get Startup Repair to run once and the machine restarted to the Windows splash screen then that disappeared and now all I get is a black screen with a mouse pointer which I can move but nothing to point it at.

I cannot get to Sys Restore, safe mode, AV programs, etc.

I DO have a brand new Win 7 disk I got in Dubai a few months ago after having a tech there rebuild the machine with a new HDD and more memory...but it says "OEM System Builder Pack intended for system builders ONLY"...I suppose I could do a clean install with that and I also have a complete backup on an external drive that I made just before leaving Dubai...butI don't want to do that unless I have to.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Joe

 

[Sir George]

HI all...

I had my computer in storage for 7 weeks (on a boat being shipped back to US from the Middle East) and just got it unpacked a few days ago.

It started normally (a BIG relief) then wanted to do updates...48 of them!! So I started the update process but after the updates it will not boot...not normally, not to safe mode. The PC ran a CHKDSK on its own but couldn't boot after the CHKDSK.

I did manage to get Startup Repair to run once and the machine restarted to the Windows splash screen then that disappeared and now all I get is a black screen with a mouse pointer which I can move but nothing to point it at.

I cannot get to Sys Restore, safe mode, AV programs, etc.

I DO have a brand new Win 7 disk I got in Dubai a few months ago after having a tech there rebuild the machine with a new HDD and more memory...but it says "OEM System Builder Pack intended for system builders ONLY"...I suppose I could do a clean install with that and I also have a complete backup on an external drive that I made just before leaving Dubai...butI don't want to do that unless I have to.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Joe

See if the following helps;

Try running Command Prompt from the repair menu and then Check Disk:

1. Insert the Windows 7 Disc and boot from it.
2. In the recovery menu, choose Command Prompt .
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

Chkdsk /r /f

Please also try the following commands and press Enter at the end of each line:

Ren C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old

Ren C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution SDOLD

HTH

 

[captjoe777]

Well I walked away from it for an hour and when I got back it was booted up albeit running slow...most processes are "not responding" and Task Manager took about 3 minutes to open up...and it shows NO applications running...which I know is wrong. It seems like the whole PC is running very sluggish...

I can't even get IE or Chrome to open up...it says they're running in TM processes but still don't show in applications as running.

Should I try the steps in the previous post?

 

[captjoe777]

I just tried to open a folder on the Desktop and the wallpaper turned white and all the icons look like they have an opaque film on them...then after 30 sec or so that went away and the Desktop now looks normal.

Still can't open a folder though.

 

[Sir George]

Well I walked away from it for an hour and when I got back it was booted up albeit running slow...most processes are "not responding" and Task Manager took about 3 minutes to open up...and it shows NO applications running...which I know is wrong. It seems like the whole PC is running very sluggish...

I can't even get IE or Chrome to open up...it says they're running in TM processes but still don't show in applications as running.

Should I try the steps in the previous post?

It may help, but certainly won't hurt. Visit the following link for running SFC while in Windows 7;

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
(choose option #2)

HTH

 

[captjoe777]

The folder opened after 4 minutes but now it won't close when I click it...I suppose it will close on its own in a few minutes or I'll get a "not responding" message....sigh....

 

[captjoe777]

The folder eventually closed...I am running the scannow process now...

 

[Kaktussoft]

So system is running now (although very slow). Do a "system restore" to a date time when all was still fine. I think a week ago all was still working fine. The first time you powered on the computer (so before the 48 updates) windows did boot fine.. .did it? After system restore post back is system is working fast and fine.

After that install the updates 4 at a time and reboot. And write down which ones you did install. Post back which update causes all these problems.

 

[captjoe777]

I ran the scannnow process three times and still have some unsolved issues after those scans. I then downloaded and ran the System Update Readiness Tool (KB947821) but it would not completely install...it hung at about the 90% level.

I had to use Task Manager to try and stop the install (I was able to hit cancel updates but it never "took" the command until I used TM to kill it.

Will download and try another install.

Joe

 

[captjoe777]

The second download would not install at all...probably because the first one is still kind of there?

Anyway will try the system restore idea later.

Joe

 

[Kaktussoft]

I ran the scannnow process three times and still have some unsolved issues after those scans. I then downloaded and ran the System Update Readiness Tool (KB947821) but it would not completely install...it hung at about the 90% level.

I had to use Task Manager to try and stop the install (I was able to hit cancel updates but it never "took" the command until I used TM to kill it.

Will download and try another install.

Joe

How can you install the System Update Readiness Tool if your system doesn't boot at all?

I ran the scannnow process three times and still have some unsolved issues after those scans

chkdsk/scannow cannot fix the problem? Most likely the disk is faulty.

 

[captjoe777]

If you re-read my second post you will see that it booted on its own after I got tired of waiting for it...about an hour after I left it during the boot/hang up process.

The disk was brand new in October and was running just fine until the updates I did last week.

Will try a sys restore and update 4 at a time.

 

[captjoe777]

Couldn't get Sys Restore to run...took it to a tech for his inspection and he couldn't even get it to boot...not on his machine, not on my machine, nor in an enclosure...going to get a Samsung 840 Pro SSD.