Solved "Preparing to configure windows" problem, possible hdd corruption

computerguy1

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"Preparing to configure windows" problem, possible hdd corruption

A couple days ago, I lost access to the networking tab of the control panel. I tried accessing it because as of that point, I couldn't load certain pages, so I thought I'd reset my wireless adapter, which has worked in the past for this sort of thing. However, by entering safe mode with networking, I was able to reset it there, and everything was working just fine.

This was about a week ago. 3 days ago, it says it needs to update windows. I do it, then turn it off for the night. Next time I go on, its preparing to configure windows. I, needing to get on ASAP at that time, restarted in order to avoid this, which has worked in the past with seemingly no problems. It boots up again, same message. Fast forward to several attempts of screwing around with safe mode with and without networking, and nothing has changed.

I give in and let it update, which ends up taking about 3 hours. I log in, and networking control panel is still messed up, and apparently now my copy of windows is no longer genuine (was purchased legally several years ago, no longer have the disc). Internet worked somewhat, with things like Facebook working, but not much else. I restart again, and it goes right back to the original "preparing windows" screen. Hell, I cant even access safe mode with networking anymore because I've started getting the message there too.

My question is: is my harddrive beginning the process of kicking the bucket? Is my windows install corrupt? The hdd is almost six years old now, and has seen heavy use.
Any and all help/advice is appreciated, as it is essential to my work.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom build
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
i5 4690k
Motherboard
Z97 Gigabyte, forgot which exact model
Memory
16gb HyperX Fury
Graphics Card(s)
GTX 980 ti
Hard Drives
WD Black ( WD1002FAEX) 1TB
Antivirus
Mcafee
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox
Just right click the network icon in the taskbar and choose troubleshoot problems.

By the way, that icon will take you to the same place as the Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center.

The troubleshooter will tell you what your problem is.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Skylake Special #666
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
Memory
GSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition
Monitor(s) Displays
AOC G2460PG
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 144Hz
Hard Drives
Samsung 860 Pro 256GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
PSU
EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
Case
Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
Cooling
Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Keyboard
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
Antivirus
Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Free 3.8.3
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp, Corsair H2100 Wireless 7.1 Headset
Just right click the network icon in the taskbar and choose troubleshoot problems.

By the way, that icon will take you to the same place as the Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center.

The troubleshooter will tell you what your problem is.

Thank you for replying.
I get no response when I hit troubleshoot problems.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom build
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
i5 4690k
Motherboard
Z97 Gigabyte, forgot which exact model
Memory
16gb HyperX Fury
Graphics Card(s)
GTX 980 ti
Hard Drives
WD Black ( WD1002FAEX) 1TB
Antivirus
Mcafee
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox
I ran an HDD diagnostics program and it turns out it was indeed corrupted.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom build
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
i5 4690k
Motherboard
Z97 Gigabyte, forgot which exact model
Memory
16gb HyperX Fury
Graphics Card(s)
GTX 980 ti
Hard Drives
WD Black ( WD1002FAEX) 1TB
Antivirus
Mcafee
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox
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