Solved Windows fails to boot

[BJC1992]

I'll try the boot winpe media as I don't have an installation disc to reinstall windows. Thanks for the step by step instructions.
But will experiment with Avast first as that could possibly be the cause.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi BJC1992,

I'll try the boot winpe media as I don't have an installation disc to reinstall windows.
But will experiment with Avast first as that could possibly be the cause.

Yes, it is worth a try!

If you do decide to re-install Windows, then please let me know and I will provide the instructions for downloading an ISO and the installation process.

I hope this helps!

 

[SIW2]

I think the OP has this setup ( except he has 4gb ram)
UKT Support - Advent SE1101 PC

 

[SIW2]

I suggest you use dism++ to delete those recalcitrant drivers.
They seem to be copy protection drivers from a game.

Then use dism++ export the remaining 3rd party drivers into a folder - somewhere you can get at later - either an external HD or a usb stick.

Then after installing windows, you have your machine specific drivers backed up.

 

[dc8flyer]

If you want to try and fix corrupt W7 files try this.

Use the command prompt running it as administrator (right click on command prompt/run as administrator) the type after the command: sfc /scannow

There is a space between sfc and the /scannow

This can take several minutes to complete and depending on the corruption may take several runs. After each run you need to reboot computer. I have had to run through this procedure as many as eight times before all corruption was fixed.

I would still recommend installing W10.

 

[SIW2]

dc8flyer,

Not everybody considers it an upgrade. :sarc:
Why did you buy a copy when you could have "upgraded" for free?:shock:

 

[Vineet Garg]

Hi All,
Greets,
BJC1992 : Sir,
1. You have 4gb ram then why are you using 32 bit system on it ?

2. Going for a clean install, you may want to consider :
Create An Integrated Up To Date Windows 7 Install Disc • Raymond.CC
(Want more information about this : Final Windows 7 Ultimate x64 ISO - Windows 7 Help Forums )

3. If you plan to have an all fresh system, you may want to consider :
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Help Forums

Thanks & Regards. ...

Edit: It seems SSD/HDD optimization meant for Legacy Bios + MBR !

 

[dc8flyer]

dc8flyer,

Not everybody considers it an upgrade. :sarc:
Why did you buy a copy when you could have "upgraded" for free?:shock:

SIW2,

Just like you I am offering the OP a suggestion to help, nothing more. You come across rude so let's focus on helping the OP and not your personal preference of W7 over W10 because that is plain juvenile.

I know your personality type and offer you the last word while addressing your post.

I did upgrade to W10 initially but because my system has certain bells and whistles along with three monitors and proprietary software/hardware it did not work well. I tried once again a year or two later because W7 was acting up again but not all the kinks could be worked out and went back to W7. I noticed however that certain W7 issues were corrected by the attempted W10 install which corrected the W7 issues I was having.


A couple of years later W7 was having problems I believe were associated with nothing more than being outdated and not working well with websites and general performance issues. I bought W10 as a last hope and am extremely happy. The performance is better than when the system was first bought in 2009, works much better with my system upgrades, and he kinks with the proprietary software/hardware are non existent.


Also, W10 works better with online streaming, has DirectX 12 which allows my few games to run and look better and as MS Edge continues to work out the small details it is running much better than ie11. W10 coupled to a new router has also improved performance to the point my system will now last for at least another five years all for 120 dollars and not at the expense of a new system.


In conclusion, the OP was worried he might have to buy a new complete system and is still having issues correcting W7. I have offered a couple of suggestions, like you, to help the OP with his current W7 while suggesting the simplest solution of installing W10. In fact I stated he could install W10 to correct his W7 along with a software link that would give him the ability to emulate W7 UI (which I use) if he didn't like the W10 UI. Then lastly I suggested that if he did not like W10 he could revert back to W7 while benefiting from the W10 install that would correct his W7 issues all within 30 minutes as opposed to spending days/weeks trying to correct his W7.


Just two points related to W10 install for the benefit of the OP. If you have music or movies downloaded from years past, those downloads may no longer be supported as they use outdated formats. Windows Media Player for W10 will allow you to either reinstall or by right clicking on the dead music title search and install the album from the web. Any movies however will be lost. W10 will examine your system and see all of this before installing and alert you to these issues. You can then either proceed or cancel the install and return the W10 purchase.


As for SWI2, you have the last word but I hope you have the maturity to direct your efforts to the OP.

 

[BJC1992]

Throughout this topic I have seen many options that could be able to fix my problem, I'm happy to upgrade to W10 if all else fails, but if that happens to be the case I may need to buy a whole new PC as I purchased this computer when W7 was first released and am not sure how well it will cope with W10. I also want to thank everyone for their advice, with problems like these it helps me to gain extra computer knowledge.

I have tried to make progress with the computer today, here's what happened.
I still get various blue screen messages, even when attempting to run it in safe mode, sometimes I go round in circles and can't get Windows to boot normally or in safe mode. But if I come back to in later it will boot normally, and when I was on it today the computer made a strange noise, as if its just shut down, then I get a blue screen message saying that windows was forced to shut down to protect my computer, I can reboot the computer a few times and get it to boot again, but after a short while I get the same message, this even happens in safe mode.
Sometimes when I reboot the computer I simply get a message saying to insert boot media or to select a boot device.
So I thought I would try and launch the startup repair tool, but this found no errors. And then I see an option in the list to re-install windows from the disc that I had previously made when I bought the PC. The option I selected was the "Destructive Recovery Option" which it said it would return the computer to factory settings, as it was when I got the PC, so I went for this as all my files and programmes are backed up. But 5 minutes into the process and I hear the computer "shut down" inside, then it gives me the following error message:
ERROR: X:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DISKPART.EXE /S
X:\TGM\UTILS\DISKPART_CREATETWOPARTITIONS.TXT
PATH NOT FOUND

I repeated the process and the same thing happened.
Now of course the PC is unusable, so unless I can install a version of Windows from somewhere else I reckon I will need a new PC, and with the W7 Microsoft support to end Jan 2020 I will only be using it until then anyway if my system won't support W10.

 

[dc8flyer]

BJC1992,

Sorry to hear this.

If you can get it back into the command prompt I hope you try the sfc /scannow command as it is imbedded in Windows for the sole purpose of fixing corrupt window files.

Any attempt to alter the registry in an attempt to fix your type of issue is asking for more trouble. Digging around into the computers OS usually ends up right where you are today. Best to use the resources provided by the OS (such as sfc /scannow) to attempt repairs or the programs on the recovery disk.


That said, it still doesn't resolve your problem. Unfortunately, not knowing what was actually going on, not knowing what or how you attempted repairs, or the condition of your components, it is doubtful a repair can be posted here for you in my opinion. Again, never mess with the registry when having OS issues even if you back up the registry since there is no guarantee your system will reboot.


IF you can get back into command prompt try sfc /scannow before doing anything else. One last thought. As old as your computer is, have you ever replaced the CMOS battery on your motherboard? Other issues can range from a bad drive to bad memory.


NEVER edit the registry.

 

[SIW2]

unless I can install a version of Windows from somewhere else

As there seems to be problem with your recovery media, you can get the regular installation media easily enough. Check your PM.

 

[dc8flyer]

Try starting over with this link.

Download Windows 7 Disc Images (ISO Files)

 

[BJC1992]

BJC1992,

Sorry to hear this.

If you can get it back into the command prompt I hope you try the sfc /scannow command as it is imbedded in Windows for the sole purpose of fixing corrupt window files.

Any attempt to alter the registry in an attempt to fix your type of issue is asking for more trouble. Digging around into the computers OS usually ends up right where you are today. Best to use the resources provided by the OS (such as sfc /scannow) to attempt repairs or the programs on the recovery disk.


That said, it still doesn't resolve your problem. Unfortunately, not knowing what was actually going on, not knowing what or how you attempted repairs, or the condition of your components, it is doubtful a repair can be posted here for you in my opinion. Again, never mess with the registry when having OS issues even if you back up the registry since there is no guarantee your system will reboot.


IF you can get back into command prompt try sfc /scannow before doing anything else. One last thought. As old as your computer is, have you ever replaced the CMOS battery on your motherboard? Other issues can range from a bad drive to bad memory.


NEVER edit the registry.

I have tried to run SFC / scannow but everytime I try it it says that a check has been scheduled and that I need to reboot the computer and run SFC again, but when I do I am presented with the same message.
There are other options available such as check disk and memory diagnostics tools, but can't get anywhere with anything. You asked about the CMOS battery, I can tell you that it was only replaced a few weeks ago.

I reckon my only option now is to install a new copy of windows.

 

[dc8flyer]

I have tried to run SFC / scannow but everytime I try it it says that a check has been scheduled and that I need to reboot the computer and run SFC again, but when I do I am presented with the same message.
There are other options available such as check disk and memory diagnostics tools, but can't get anywhere with anything. You asked about the CMOS battery, I can tell you that it was only replaced a few weeks ago.

I reckon my only option now is to install a new copy of windows.

When you attempt to run SFC /scannow (space only between SFC /) you need to right click on the command prompt and select run as administrator. Once it starts it should then show a progression in percentage completed until reaching 100 percent. Then it will summarize the findings and if faults are found will tell you to reboot.


As I mentioned in an earlier post about scannow, it can take numerous attempts to correct all the errors as it can not correct them all at once. The most I had to do at one time was about eight scans and reboots. With the errors you have in your system it could take many more attempts.


Grab a Windows ten Home 64 bit and mention to the seller what problems you are having and have a go at it. You have the minimums for W10 and it should get you back up and running.

Good luck.

Windows 10 System Requirements Specifications | Microsoft

 

[BJC1992]

When you attempt to run SFC /scannow (space only between SFC /) you need to right click on the command prompt and select run as administrator. Once it starts it should then show a progression in percentage completed until reaching 100 percent. Then it will summarize the findings and if faults are found will tell you to reboot.


As I mentioned in an earlier post about scannow, it can take numerous attempts to correct all the errors as it can not correct them all at once. The most I had to do at one time was about eight scans and reboots. With the errors you have in your system it could take many more attempts.


Grab a Windows ten Home 64 bit and mention to the seller what problems you are having and have a go at it. You have the minimums for W10 and it should get you back up and running.

Good luck.

Windows 10 System Requirements Specifications | Microsoft

The computer no longer boots at all, so when accessing the command prompt I'm doing so through the recovery disc, which is giving me all of the options such as reinstall windows, check disk etc, on this menu it doesn't give me an option to run command prompt as administrator.

I think the best and easiest option is to grab the W10 64-bit and take things from there.

 

[Vineet Garg]

Hi All,
Greets,

BJC1992 : Sir,

1) with problems like these it helps me to gain extra computer knowledge.
That's the best part. I am impressed. Please maintain.

2) Windows 10 is good to go with. But you can't avoid some steps for eg. you have to even install win 10. We know that if your hardware is a problem, even windows 10 can't do anything. Windows 7 is still good enough to go with. Probably your installation is corrupted and you need a reinstall. I think you never did any clean installation apart from using your recovery discs. Installing windows is a little different thing. When you use manufacturer made recovery disks its much easier as you need very less to configure ! So, whether you go for 10 or 7, you have to go for some basic understanding and advanced preparation. I suppose you have another pc at hand to do all of that there ?

3) To be very clear windows 7 is still the first pick for many. And if your pc came with windows 7 preinstalled , you have a valuable license key for it. Did you find that ? It probably rests somewhere at the back body of your laptop on a sticker in the format :
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
I fear its erased as for many ! Note it down & don't share it with anyone. Whether you go for windows 10, the key is still valuable & you can use that on other pc.

4) You said that you had problems using recovery disks which you made earlier. Can you tell us whether you still have a recovery partition on the original internal disk. Actually, it is not removed unless we remove it ourselves and you can directly boot into that referring your laptop documentation.

5) One thing to say is : Did you contact your laptop manufacturer for recovery disks for your model ? In my country, that is available for a little 500 or 600 INR.

6) You said that you were not able to run Command Prompt,etc. from recovery disk But that's the limitation of manufacturer's recovery media. You can make all those steps from a standard windows 7 installation disk/pen drive.
Though you need a retail license key (which is on the back body of your laptop) to download it directly from microsoft but there are 100% safe ways to download it and verify its integrity. You only need to know the exact edition of your windows 7 32/64 and you can prepare installation media with a little knowledge. One such download source is :
TechBench by WZT (v4.1.1)

7) Even if your windows 7 retail license key is erased, you can still use genuine windows 7 the genuine way.

Let us know what you decide.

Thanks & Regards. ...

 

[BJC1992]

Hi All,
Greets,

BJC1992 : Sir,

1) with problems like these it helps me to gain extra computer knowledge.
That's the best part. I am impressed. Please maintain.

2) Windows 10 is good to go with. But you can't avoid some steps for eg. you have to even install win 10. We know that if your hardware is a problem, even windows 10 can't do anything. Windows 7 is still good enough to go with. Probably your installation is corrupted and you need a reinstall. I think you never did any clean installation apart from using your recovery discs. Installing windows is a little different thing. When you use manufacturer made recovery disks its much easier as you need very less to configure ! So, whether you go for 10 or 7, you have to go for some basic understanding and advanced preparation. I suppose you have another pc at hand to do all of that there ?

3) To be very clear windows 7 is still the first pick for many. And if your pc came with windows 7 preinstalled , you have a valuable license key for it. Did you find that ? It probably rests somewhere at the back body of your laptop on a sticker in the format :
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
I fear its erased as for many ! Note it down & don't share it with anyone. Whether you go for windows 10, the key is still valuable & you can use that on other pc.

4) You said that you had problems using recovery disks which you made earlier. Can you tell us whether you still have a recovery partition on the original internal disk. Actually, it is not removed unless we remove it ourselves and you can directly boot into that referring your laptop documentation.

5) One thing to say is : Did you contact your laptop manufacturer for recovery disks for your model ? In my country, that is available for a little 500 or 600 INR.

6) You said that you were not able to run Command Prompt,etc. from recovery disk But that's the limitation of manufacturer's recovery media. You can make all those steps from a standard windows 7 installation disk/pen drive.
Though you need a retail license key (which is on the back body of your laptop) to download it directly from microsoft but there are 100% safe ways to download it and verify its integrity. You only need to know the exact edition of your windows 7 32/64 and you can prepare installation media with a little knowledge. One such download source is :
TechBench by WZT (v4.1.1)

7) Even if your windows 7 retail license key is erased, you can still use genuine windows 7 the genuine way.

Let us know what you decide.

Thanks & Regards. ...

I do have another computer in the house that I can use to use in the meantime, if I wanted to download anything to run on my own PC I am able to do that.
I don't believe I have a recovery partition though, but as for the recovery disc it's one that my computer promoted me to make when I got the PC, the sticker with the retail licence key is on the side of the tower so I can use that, I think for now I would be happy to stay with W7, so I will take your advice from the above comments and try and prepare new installation media.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Bjc1992,

not sure if SIW2's PM gave you an iso download file or not so here's another,

https://software-download.microsoft...1531390559&h=6a6254570cceb0b9354a8d0ee5ad504f

W7 Home Premium OEM SP1 32bit -- only valid for 24 hours


download it to your desktop, then use Rufus or this to create install media and perform a clean install
Windows USB/DVD Download Tool - Microsoft Store
dc8flyer as this is an OEM machine the MS download site option will not work - invalid key


Roy

 

[Megahertz07]

When selecting the system repair option and I'm taken to the next menu there is a list of options, one of which is a heading that says 'reinstall windows', if I did that would I have to erase the hard drive first or will the setup take care of that?

Most OEM computers have a Factory recover Option. I think it's the case.
Before you begin, backup all your data on another disk as it will format the C: drive and load a backed up image from a Recovery partition.
Although a Factory recover is faster then a clean install (and you don't need to look for drivers) it isn't clean as a Clean Install from a installation disk (Factory recover also reinstall a lot of useless or out dated programs)

When you reinstall win 7 (by Factory recover or clean install) you'll need to do the ~250 updates. My suggestion is to install SP2 and then the Security Only updates.
MS releases SP2 for Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums

If you decide to downgrade to Win 10, as SIW2 mentioned, you don't need to buy a license.
- If you once have had Win 10 activated on the computer you don't need a license (M$ "remember" it)
- If you haven't had Win 10 activated on the computer but If you have a Win 7 key, just put it on the field when asked to when installing Win 10.

 

[Vineet Garg]

Hi All,
Greets,
Sir(s),
BJC1992 : Sir,
1) I would like to give a try to the recovery media. Would you like to tell me exactly how you tried that ? Did you use recovery discs ? just tell me & not perform anything ! i hope there is a recovery partition on the internal hard disk !

2) Are you 100% sure that your system had windows 7 32 Bit & 4GB Ram ? Did you upgrade the RAM from 2 GB to 4GB ? If you have 4GB ram, you should certainly go with 64 Bit version ?

3) Can you just tell how long you can run the effected computer ? If we can do something there for 5 minutes or so ? ( See at Below Link)

@ Sir(s) :
4) @dc8flyer as this is an OEM machine the MS download site option will not work - invalid key
dc8flyer is right. The retail key is there on the tower. In fact that's the way to check your product key & know the version against it. Actually Windows 7 comes with two licenses (Below Link) ! But BJC has to decide between 32 & 64 Bit ! He can go for anyone !
Link: 3 Tools to Backup and Restore Windows 7 and Vista OEM Activation License • Raymond.CC

5) If you haven't had Win 10 activated on the computer but If you have a Win 7 key, just put it on the field when asked to when installing Win 10.
That's wonderful if works ! What BJC Thinks ? My choice is windows 7!

Thanks & Regards. ...