I can't get into windows and startup repair doesn't work

[Arc]

The BSOD screen of post #1 says .... STOP 0x000000ED, which means UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME. Startup repair itself will not work in this situation, and no boot option will work, until and unless the root cause of it is determined and eliminated.

It generally causes due to three reasons:

• A failing hard drive
• File system corruption on the hard drive
• Improper boot parameters

Let us check those one by one.

► Test the HDD using a bootable disc check tool. I would recommend Seatools for DOS.
Take both the short test and long test. It will take care of both the first and second possibilities.

(If the HDD tests are free from errors, then either you may go for the next, or you may perform a clean reinstall, because that will be easier.)
​

► Do you have access to another computer right now? If so, download Partition wizard Bootable CD (the last one in the link). Burn it in a blank CD or in a USB flash stick.

Boot into Partition Wizards GUI following this instructions. When you are on the last screen, take a camera snap of the screen and upload the snap here.
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

We need to see the partitions and parameters to suggest you the later steps to be taken.

 

[gregrocker]

Do you know for sure you have UEFI BIOS? Is Windows Boot Manager first to boot in BIOS Boot Priority? What are BIOS settings for CSM, Legacy BIOS , UEFI and any EFI choices in boot priority?

Check Security tab for Secure Boot.

Use only Option One with Rufus to make UEFI media. But you need to know for sure you have EFI. Did EFI System partition show up when you checked Active partition since you did all the Troubleshooting Failure steps?

 

[infiniteloop]

ok, sorry for taking so long. after running the seatools scan, it said no hard drives found. so i assume my laptop is dead, cottect? if not, what now?

 

[ThrashZone]

After confirming Greg's inquiry see about using the Linux recovery suggestion I made prior to see if it reads anything on the drive,

 

[Arc]

ok, sorry for taking so long. after running the seatools scan, it said no hard drives found. so i assume my laptop is dead, cottect? if not, what now?

In most of the cases the recent computers use AHCI storage controllers, which is even more common for laptops using small mSATA discs for memory caching. DOS cannot read AHCI, and so Seatools for DOS does not find any disc.

That is why there is a caution for AHCI controllers. Check it, retry the test.

The bootable disc check is needed as you cannot boot into windows. If your HDD is of Seatools brand by any chance, then the test will attempt for possible repairs, too.

And if the HDD is really dead, there will be no possible fix other than replace it. That is why the test is important.

 

[infiniteloop]

ok guys, thanks again for the assistance. will try to re-seat the drive, then re-run the test. can't run disk check because i can't get into System Recovery Options, but will try Partition surface test with Partition Wizard also. will report back when finished. might be a couple days though.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you trying System Recovery Options from the Win7 disk or System Repair Disk and not F8 which is on the same drive that is in question?

 

[Arc]

No problem, take your time.

But, it is not to re-seat the drive, but to change the storage controller mode in the BIOS. Set it to IDE/ATA/SATA whichever is available.