Computer won't boot anymore?

[OutCognito]

The power to my house went off. I fixed it and turned on my computer again, and the power went off multiple times after that in succession. After the last time my computer no longer boots Windows. I have attempted to start normally (the Windows logo appears and then freezes). I have attempted to repair Windows (it loads Windows files and freezes in a stasis of loading). I have attempted to open in safemode but the drivers stop loading at classpnp.sys. I've even gone into the bios and loaded optimized defaults but still nothing. I'm guessing it's the motherboard? After attempting to repair the usb's lose power so I'm not sure if that would indicate anything. The only thing I haven't tried yet is installing a fresh version of Windows but I don't know where I put my disk and I have a lot of valuable files that I wouldn't be able to transfer at the moment.

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

Just out of curiosity, did you have the pc plugged into a surge protector?

Could be a bad power supply or

John

 

[OutCognito]

Yes it is in a surge protector. But the power works for the computer and everything else. Could that still be the problem?

 

[genetics73]

One suggestion I have would be to procure a disk with any LIVE distribution of Linux. If the computer can boot from the disk and Linux OS is working, then it is not motherboard (which I doubt anyway because you do see the beginnings of booting.) It is more likely, in my view, that your Windows OS is compromised; or that your hard drive is failing.

As to recovering your data - if Linux works, you may be able to copy the necessary files to an external drive; borrow one from a friend. Then, upon reinstalling Windows, you will have the saved files.

In the future, make sure you back up your data, always on an external drive.

Finally, if you are using Windows 7 and still have its activation key, you can use that key to install and activate Windows 10, free of charge, but you must do it before July 29; after that date, you will have to pay for the new OS.

 

[OutCognito]

Will I be able to restore Windows without the disk? I am not entirely sure where it is.

 

[genetics73]

To install Win 10, you need the activation code that is likely affixed to your machine; you do not need the original disk itself. When you download Win10, as an "iso" file, burn it to a DVD and run installation; when asked for a key, use the Win 7 key. Assuming your hard drive is still functional, you will then be able to recover the data. Win 10 installation will allow you to keep the previous Win OS as "Windows.old" folder, and you should have access to everything in there.

Remember, you have till July 29 to get a free copy of Win 10; after that date, it will cost you about $120.

But, before all this, make sure that your current hard drive is not failing.

 

[OutCognito]

Okay well I had just tested the Linux OS like you suggested and I am given the option to try it without installing, or installing it. If I try it without installing I am unable to locate any files within my computer itself. If I am not missing something then I will have to try the Windows 10 method then

 

[OutCognito]

I am unable to transfer files because I do not have permission?

 

[genetics73]

1.Can you see the files at all? I cannot easily guide you through Linux use, but if the files can be seen (even if you cannot open them) that is a good sign.
2.To have permissions in Linux, you need to log in as "root." Some distros allow you to do it on a "LIVE" system, others may not. Also, you must "mount" volumes (partitions) - generally the recent Linux OS distros permit that - to be able to access them. Often, mounting is accomplished by simply double clicking on the partition letter.

 

[OutCognito]

I can see them. I bought another usb and I am now transferring them over

 

[torchwood]

You do not need the sticker COA code to upgrade to W10, even on a clean install.

I suspect that the power disruption damaged the connection between your comp and a device you had connected via USB.
Before you try upgrading/recovery, unplug all external devices and reboot

Roy

 

[genetics73]

One final note: Before (re)installing Windows OS, use any of the free backup software programs available on the Web. Make sure the backup creates an IMAGE of disk, not just copy of files. An image will restore the whole system; copying will only save files, but not OS as such.

 

[OutCognito]

I have transferred all the files I needed, but when I try to boot from the Windows 7 disk I have it yields the same result as before (the Windows logo appears and then freezes)

 

[OutCognito]

I have also booted the Windows 10 iso from a flash drive and attempted to reset my pc, but it gets stuck at 1%

 

[genetics73]

My suggestion now - since you have saved the files you need - is to go back to Linux Live distro and run GParted. This is a program that will show you all the existing partitions, allow you to resize and move the partitions, and create a new layout of your disk(s). Using GParted, you can reformat the disk so that all data are erased and you'll be starting with a "clean slate." Once you have that, try running a clean install of Windows.