PC will not Start Up

[Barnum]

Okay, I am not a whiz at "fixing" things like this. I do have a HP "D" or "Recovery" drive (I assume that's what you mean by partition). I do not think I have to do a clean install...I just don't know a lot about the info you folks are throwing at me.

As for cleaning my PC. I used canned air and blow out the back part of it from time to time. I do not "open up" the case however.

What I am asking is why doesn't Scannow work the first time? Why does it take three times? I have no problem giving it a shot......just doesn't make sense to me that's all.

Please bear with me I am not a PC guru.

 

[MourningStar]

.....just doesn't make sense to me that's all.

Please bear with me I am not a PC guru.

you are not alone. I have often resolved problems with a simple re-start!

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Barnum,

I hope the various processes suggested above get the rig up and running again but as soon as it does or if it doesn't then ask us how to clean your rig if needed because computers are excellent air cleaners and room heaters. When you blow the rig out to clean it you best take it outside and have a method. I can almost guarantee that you'll be forced to walk away a couple of times as you hit it with air and the cloud of dust, dust bunnies will amaze you !

 

[DavidE]

What I am asking is why doesn't Scannow work the first time? Why does it take three times? I have no problem giving it a shot......just doesn't make sense to me that's all.

Sometimes not all errors can be found and fixed in a single run, so more errors may get found/fixed in a subsequent SFC run, after other errors have been fixed by the previous run...
When SFC finds and fixes problem #1, then next time SFC can find problem #2 that was not possible to be found with problem #1 unfixed...

Windows Update works the same way...
If you haven't installed all prior updates, newer updates may not get offered to you.

Anyway, see Step 1 in this tutorial to get a valid Win 7 ISO, and Step 2 if you want to use a USB flash stick.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

If you want a Win 7 DVD disc, you may need to use another PC so you can burn it, as it sounds like you can't boot this PC into Windows...
With what you said in post #1 I wasn't sure if you could boot Windows...

Last night I shut it down, gave it ten minutes and it started up fine. I thought okay it was just a one time glitch, but this morning the same routine all over again. Repair attempt, system restore (at least an hour total), and I am using it again.

 

[MourningStar]

... and because I am not a guru I have learned to not question the excellent advice provided on this site. Although welcome and helpful, most explanations when given were over my head, so best just to do what is suggested, move forward and provide feedback with clarity.

 

[DavidE]

I agree with what Alan (linnemeyerhere) says about hardware/cleaning troubleshooting.
To that, I'll add Malware could be the issue, and often is from what I've seen "lurking" in SF...
Here is a tutorial by gregrocker you should look at for your issue
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219533-troubleshooting-windows-7-failure-boot.html

 

[Knife Collector]

I have similar problems. Mine kept saying shutting down for a long time, till I hit the power button. On restart, showed 'loading' but never loaded. After working on it and trying things, it finally loaded windows, but took about 15 minutes to start any programs. Tried Chrome browser, and it would freeze.
Right now it's going what seems to be about 1/25 as fast as normal, and some things will still cause it to freeze.
This thread is a lot like my problem, so I am trying what has been suggested. And as mentioned, I can use one in general work and online, and can do general replacement of parts, but software is over my head.
So I am following this thread, and thanks to those who have offered solutions and help.

 

[Barnum]

Okay I ran Scannow three times, rebooted after each and I still got the message "unable to repair some of them". So I guess I am back to square one. Hate to leave the PC running all the time but it may be my only option, short of buying a new PC and this one is not that old.

Can someone explain why it started up after being shut down for ten minutes, but would not start up after being shut down over night (8 hours)? Why would the time have anything to do with it?

 

[MourningStar]

... Hate to leave the PC running all the time but it may be my only option, short of buying a new PC and this one is not that old.

Why would you choose to buy a new pc over a fresh s/w install? Your solution would only work for me if I were filthy rich!

 

[MourningStar]

Can someone explain why it started up after being shut down for ten minutes, but would not start up after being shut down over night (8 hours)? Why would the time have anything to do with it?

Temperature?

 

[DavidE]

If it's a temperature issue, not ever turning it off would be worse...
linnemeyerhere already advised on good cleaning...

Now it's known that SFC finds errors and can't fix all of them, right?

Assuming malware has been eliminated as the cause, I would try a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html
If that doesn't help, I would try http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html
If I still had problems I would http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html before giving up on the PC...

 

[Barnum]

Ah temperature, didn't think of that. It is in an upstairs room and we do turn the AC down at night. Why suddenly though...it's been very hot here for the past couple of months. I am in Texas. Perhaps turning up the air in advance in the morning?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Barnum,
Your killing me, just take the cables off the back switch off the PSU and unplug everything and move the rig to a nice flat surface with good light. Open up the computers side panel by reading the owners manual and have a look around. If it's dirty on the fans and inside then the PSU is going to be slammed with dust. Dust when it builds up not only makes everything run hotter but also can cause electrical paths to jump or be compromised. Clean PC's are happy PC's ! What ever you do don't blow it out unless your outside or someone will have your you know what !

 

[MourningStar]

... Can someone explain why it started up after being shut down for ten minutes, but would not start up after being shut down over night (8 hours)? Why would the time have anything to do with it?

I only mentioned temperature because it started up after ten minutes (unit still warm), as opposed to ~8 hours (cooled down).

I would comply with David's advice.

And most definitely open it up and blow out all dust first off.

 

[DavidE]

Yes, check for dust as suggested by Alan...
Get a program to check temps.
I like HWMonitor (free) because I can see Temps, Voltages, and Fan speeds in one window.
HWMonitor CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

 

[Barnum]

I will definitely do the "cleaning" suggestion tomorrow...no time for that tonight. I appreciate all of the suggestions here very much and have saved them in a folder as well. I will keep you posted on how it goes. I guess I will not know without turning it off and giving it a whirl again.

One more question....I have not been able to use the arrows in the safe mode screen. Nothing works and I always have to do the fix as opposed to the "start windows normally" How can I fix that? Would a different keyboard help?

 

[Barnum]

My PC started this morning, but now I get the following message:

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

 

[Knife Collector]

I tried a lot of things, and finally found this and decided to try it as nothing else worked. I ran it couple times and all of my problems were solved. Even Chrome which was froze and wouldn't work, started working. SFC/Scannow couldn't do it after numerous attempts.
This comes with a performance monitor you can pin to your desktop.
Advanced SystemCare - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[Barnum]

This morning I didn't think my computer was even going to turn on. I got the repair screen and of course WAS NOT able to use the down arrows (no one has answered that one yet) to start Windows normally. Eventually the repair thing started and I was able to do a restore again. When I look back here over all the suggestions and tips I am at a loss and just thoroughly confused, not to mention depressed.

I have no idea why this problem suddenly appeared, nor do I have any clue as to what caused it since I didn't download any new program or software, nor make changes to anything. Apparently the only answer at this time is to keep my PC on 24/7, and hope.

 

[MourningStar]

... Apparently the only answer at this time is to keep my PC on 24/7, and hope.

No, that is NOT the only answer. You have been provided many excellent suggestions.

... When I look back here over all the suggestions and tips I am at a loss and just thoroughly confused, not to mention depressed.

People have described solutions in the simplest terms from what I have reviewed here. However, based on your reply here and your emotional condition as confessed, your best solution would be a repair shop, imho.