Windows will not start - can't do a clean install

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  1. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #1

    Windows will not start - can't do a clean install


    Hi all:
    I've been trying to figure this problem out for several days. I would appreciate any advice. My problem started after running Chkdsk overnight. It said I had some errors that it tried to fix. After I tried to reboot windows, It did not start. I got
    PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
    PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM
    No bootable device ----

    So I googled this and saw that a lot of people have had this problem. So I went into BIOS checked the boot order, Then I tried to do start up repair. It would start loading window files, then nothing but a black screen and a large mouse pointer. I then tried safe mode, again a blank screen with the only the words safe mode showing and the large mouse pointer. I then tried to get into recovery, but I couldn't.
    Next I removed the hard drive then re-installed it. Same thing. So I thought the hard drive failed, so I downloaded Parted Magic and made a bootable disk. I changed the boot order and it loaded it into ram and it worked fine. I used it to copy my data to a usb drive and then ran the hard drive test and it passed. The GSmartControl show that that there where errors that occurred at start up it. I then ran the System Stability Tester and everything seemed fine.
    I then downloaded Mentest86+ and burned the iso too a disk. Again I booted from my cd/dvd drive and Mentest 86+ ran and the computer passed. So I figure that my hardware was ok.
    So I downloaded a Windows 7 Home Premium iso and burned it with ImageBurn to a DVD then verified it. I figure I could try to use it to fix Windows or worse case re-install it. I put it in the optical drive restarted the laptop. It said loading Windows with a white progress bar along the bottom of screen, then nothing but the black screen with the mouse pointer. So I downloaded Rufus and made a bootable USB drive of the Windows 7 iso. Same as what happened with disk.
    Anybody have any ideas? Should I wipe the drive the try to install Windows?
    Thanks in advanced,
    WM
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #2

    What is the source of the Windows 7 .iso file? Ensure it comes from this location only:
    Windows 7 Direct Download Links

    Ensure that the USB flash drive is inserted in a USB2.0 port, not USB3.0 port.

    Ensure you have a legible product key on the COA sticker so that you can validate the installation. It looks like this and is usually stuck beneath the laptop:
    Windows will not start - can't do a clean install-coa-stickers.gif

    Here is a guide for installing Windows 7 if you need it:
    Clean Install Windows 7
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    That sounds like your disk is shot. Put another disk in and try to install on that.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I got the Windows 7 link from PC magazine. I just wrote the iso to disk after it was downloaded, with ImageBurn. Was there anything else I needed to do to make it start? If my disk is shot why could I run Parted Magic? I was able to get my data off of it and the stress test had the system running hard.
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    Test the HD with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by a Disk Check from the Win7 installer's Command Line in System Recovery Options .

    A checklist is here for everything else that can be done for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.

    Everything needed is here to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

    Use the latest official installer in Step 2 for your licensed version, burned to DVD or stick using tool in Step 2. If these still won't boot then reset your BIOS to defaults: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS. If this doesn't work then unplug your HD to see if it's blocking OD and Flash stick boot.

    If you have a UEFI BIOS you'll need to confirm the settings for UEFI, Legacy BIOS or CSM depending upon whether you installed to UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #6

    wmsully2006 said:
    I got the Windows 7 link from PC magazine.
    Use the link I posted earlier...thats the only official site to get it.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    How do I knoww if I have a UEFI BIOS or a Legacy BIOS? I have a Toshiba Satallite A505-S6005 with an Intel I3 and a Mobile Intel HM55 Express chipset. I think I bought it in 2009.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #8

    wmsully2006 said:
    I think I bought it in 2009.
    Then it will be BIOS.
      My Computer


  9. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #9

    That is a normal (legacy) BIOS. In 2009 there was no UEFI - those were the happy days where life was easy.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thank You! I will download the ISO from you link, then try the other suggestions tomorrow, for it's late now.
    WM
      My Computer


 
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