How to re-install Windows 7 on a hard drive with a logical failure

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  1. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Home Edition
       #1

    How to re-install Windows 7 on a hard drive with a logical failure


    I have a Toshiba Satellite notebook computer running Windows 7.

    The computer I suspect has a virus and it is not booting (black screen with a cursor) issue that many have experienced.

    I have tried all the following and have been unsuccessful:

    - F2 while booting gives me two options:

    1) Windows Setup [EMS Enabled]
    2) Tools: Windows Memory Diagnostic

    When I choose Windows Setup, Windows tries to boot and gets back into the black screen with a cursor.

    When I choose the Windows Memory Diagnostic option, I get a message saying Windows failed to start - a recent HW/SW change might be the cause. It asks me to insert a Windows installation disc and restart my computer. The following information is also provided on this screen:

    File: \boot\memtest.exe
    Status: 0x000000f
    Info: The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt

    - Hold the 0 key while rebooting to reset the computer to the factory settings: the Toshiba logo shows up but this also goes to the black screen with cursor.

    - F8 while booting: tried every option provided on this screen to boot but all end up in the black screen with cursor issue, even in safe mode

    - reboot from a Windows 7 boot CD via the CD/DVD drive - does not work as I cannot change the boot order

    - Hold the F10 and F12 keys while rebooting - both end in a black screen

    I have exhausted all the options I know and seeking advice on a cost effective way to revive the laptop. I have already recovered the data from the hard drive.

    Any help will be appreciated.
    Motasim
      My Computer

  2.    #2

    Download, burn to CD or write to flash stick, boot and run a full scan with Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper

    If Win7 won't start after cleaning up infection, boot into DVD/Repair CD System Recovery Options
    to run Startup Repair repeatedly. If this fails, open a Command Line to run SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot to try to repair damaged System Files - you may need to run this 3 times.

    Is there an installation showing when you boot into DVD Repair console or Repair CD? If not access the Command Line again to run bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /fixmbr to try to jumpstart Repair.

    Make sure Win7 or its 100mb System Reserved partition (preferred) are still marked Active: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two).

    You can also do this using free Partition Wizard bootable CD to rightclick 100mb or Win7 partition>Set to Active, OK. Then click on HD to highlight it, from Disk tab select Rebuild MBR, Apply all steps. This may preclude the need to run Repairs after marking Win7 Active.

    If these all fail, you can copy out your files using this method: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

    Then try running Factory Recovery again, or boot the Recovery disks you've made or order from Tech Support. Or find a Win7 installation DVD to clean reinstall Win7 following these steps to get a Perfect Reinstall.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Home Edition
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Unfortunately, I am not able to force the computer to boot from the CD-ROM drive or a USB drive by changing the boot order since hitting F2 during the boot sequence is not displaying the option to change the boot order.

    I was wondering if there are ways that I can remove the internal hard drive and clean it up by attaching it to another computer and re-install Windows 7 and place the hard drive back into the laptop.

    Thanks.
    Motasim
      My Computer

  4.    #4

    Yes, but you can also boot free Partition Wizard bootable CD which will autostart, try the suggested repairs I posted above from PW CD, then if Win7 won't start from PW Disk tab Wipe the HD. This will force the DVD to autostart to reinstall.

    The OD should boot. It is a concern that it doesn't since the BIOS could be infected. But if it is the HD blocking BIOS from booting correctly you can determine this by unplugging the HD or swapping in another. However the known fix for this is to wipe the HD to clear the boot sector of code anyway.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Home Edition
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I downloaded PW bootable CD which came as a bunch of files in a Zip archive. I could not find instructions on how to burn this folder of files into a bootable CD. Can you please help?
      My Computer

  6.    #6

    Scroll down to Bootable CD and download the ISO file, double click on it to burn to CD with Windows Image Burner.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Home Edition
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I did - it gets downloaded as a ZipX archive and when I double click on it it shows a list of files in the archive. See attached images.

    THanks.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How to re-install Windows 7 on a hard drive with a logical failure-capture-1.jpg   How to re-install Windows 7 on a hard drive with a logical failure-capture-2.jpg  
      My Computer

  8.    #8

    You downloaded the Home Edition not the CD which is the last download in the list - scroll down.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How to re-install Windows 7 on a hard drive with a logical failure-capture.png  
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Home Edition
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I downloaded exactly what you highlighted in your reply - this is the one that downloads as a ZipX file. Please see attached.

    Motasim
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How to re-install Windows 7 on a hard drive with a logical failure-capture.jpg  
      My Computer

  10.    #10

    Rightclick on the Download and Open it with Windows Image Burner.

    By choosing ZipX to open it, it is extracting the files.
      My Computer


 
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