Boot always into repair mode - Can't get safe mode

[bsmith52]

I recently replaced the motherboard on my computer. I replaced the Asus M4A785-m with an Asus M4A785TD-M EVO. It worked initially. Then I rebooted it twice in succession. Windows wanted to do the "repair itself" routine. I allowed it (my bad: I allowed Windows to "restore to previous configuration" - which was the old motherboard settings). Now, no matter what I do, it takes me to the "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change..." I only have 2 choices: Start normally, or go into repair mode.

It will always come back to this screen.
If I start Windows normally, go back to motherboard splash screen and boot from scratch. Then it will come back to this screen.
If I allow repair, it will try, and then give up and shut down.
If I attempt safe mode, it will start to reboot, go back to the motherboard splash screen, and come back to the "Windows failed to start...."

What I have tried:
1. Did a chkdsk /r - after 3 hours - disk OK
2. Booted up with AVG restore disk - but can't connect to internet (but did get rid of 13 threats)
3. Booted up with Avira Rescue System - attempted repairs, but got message from Avira "Internal problem detected", I tried to send it back to Avira, then "Could not determine the package or source package name"

The hardware seems OK - I've replaced the Win 7 HD with a Ubuntu 14.04 HD. No problems.

I'm running out of ideas. Thanks in advance for any help and a fresh perspective.
Bill

 

[GokAy]

First thing first, there has been a problem with AVG recently. So, try uninstalling it (if you have it)http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/373216-windows-7-stuck-starting-windows-screen.html, there is a method to uninstall when safe mode doesn't boot

Then if you still have a problem see if this will help you (your two motherboards are similar but can never know): http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/292068-make-windows-7-bootable-after-motherboard-swap.html

 

[bsmith52]

Thanks for your suggestions.

The first one may not apply, as I get past the "Windows Starting" screen to the screen that detects an error due to hardware change and only give me the repair option or the normal boot option. Also, I am unable to get my PC into safe mode: it will go back to the same error from hardware change screen.

However, your second suggestion may be worth trying. I'll download the prep software and see if it helps.

Will keep you advised. And thanks again.

Bill

 

[GokAy]

Well, do you have AVG installed? If so, try https://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?l=en_US&urlname=Disabling-AVG-when-Windows-cannot-start. It was in the link I gave, if not, nevermind it.

 

[bsmith52]

Thanks again for your suggestion. I was able to download your Adaptive Restore .iso. I booted on the disk, did the automatic update, rebooted, and got a BSOD "process terminated unexpectedly 0x00000000 (0xc0000001 0x00100448)."

No worries, as I am still able to boot with my install DVD, and all my files are still visible. So I'm no worse off.

Maybe a next step would be to download the drivers from AMD, and manually install then with your Adaptive Restore boot disk.

BTW, I did not have AVG antivirus loaded, though I did boot from the AVG emergency boot disk and wiped out 13 threats. Hope that this action was not harmful.

It just seems odd that I am unable to repair this OS. Did I bugger this up that badly?

Any more ideas would be welcome.

 

[Ztruker]

See if this tutorial can help: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/139576-startup-repair-infinite-loop-recovery.html

 

[GokAy]

Tried Last Known Good Configuration in F8 menu yet?

 

[bsmith52]

That startup infinite repair may have worked. But all the things that I did prior to that must have messed things up. It this ever happens again, I will definitely try that first.

The f8 and Last Known Configuration I tried the first time that I had the problem. This might have been my problem - the last known configuration was the old motherboard. In any case, I doesn't work now.

I have the original Windows 7 CD (pre-service pack 1). I will install another HD or USB (will DOS recognize a USB drive?) so as to transfer whatever data that I can salvage. Then I will reload from Windows 7 DVD.

Thanks to all who gave me ideas. I'm a little bit older, and hopefully a little bit wiser...

May God bless your life as you submit your will to Him.

Bill

 

[GokAy]

You can download Linux Mint MATE and create a bootable DVD or USB (can use rufus) flash, no installation needed, just boot with it and copy all you need to a second HDD or flash drive.

Also if you have a retail copy, you can download SP1 version of installation ISO from Microsoft Software Recovery site.

 

[Ztruker]

Even easier, see here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html

 

[bsmith52]

Thanks for the ideas on how to copy my data to the data stick. Using the repair CD to move the data is really slick! No need to make a bootable live linux USB drive (though that might be a good idea anyway).

Since I have a tower and an unused HD, I have a simpler option. I will install Win 7 on my spare drive, make my old drive unbootable, then copy my data directly. Then use Steam Mover to move my applications to my new Win 7 drive.

I'm hopping that this will work. I will keep you advised.

Thanks again for all your ideas!

Bill

 

[gregrocker]

Did you use the PAR CD to Adjust the OS to boot on the new hardware? Did it complete? The only reason it will not work is if the OS is infected and/or corrupted too much to start after adjusting and then if necessary attempting repairs to jumpstart boot.

Then did you confirm the Partition Marked Active and then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times
which is the bare minimum that needs to be run to be sure its configured correctly and initiate repair attempts?

If so then everything else is here for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start leading up to if necessary doing a perfect Clean Reinstall.

 

[bsmith52]

I haven't actually had the time to do the clean install. So I can try out your suggestions before I "pull the plug" and do the clean install.

Thanks for the threads with the information to do a good clean install.

Best regards and many thanks,
Bill