Continuous boot loop error

[SakunaM]

Hello,

I'm in the process of repairing a computer and I cannot seem to figure out the issue. The computer I am repairing is a Dell Inspiron M5040 laptop. The error is strange, the computer gets stuck in a boot loop every so often. The only way to access Advanced Startup Options(F8) is to insert a disk and attempt to boot to it, and then back out of the boot process and restart the computer. Then when I select the disable automatic restart on system failure option, it works fine. I also select that option in the control panel.

The computer works for a little while after that. However, if I turn the computer off and let computer sit for a few hours, it starts the loop error again, leaving me to do the same troubleshooting method. This error is very frustrating and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[MilesAhead]

It sounds like a hardware issue that kicks in when something is cold. Does it have a spinner or SSD?

 

[SakunaM]

Spinner. Definitely not a SSD.

 

[MilesAhead]

I would try running some diagnostics on the drive. But it could be one of those things where once it gets a retry it is initialized and seems ok. But the diagnostics may show something. There may be a specific diagnostic for that drive you could get free from the manufacturer's page. If not then I would try any that shows S.M.A.R.T. info.

 

[gregrocker]

Please post back a screenshot of Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image

From the Win7 disk or System Repair Disk run a few Startup Repairs to see what it reports.

What kind of disk is it that will allow it to boot? If Win7 disk then it may need boot files repaired or replaced.

Everything possible is here for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start