Start up Freezes

[cat ryan]

Hello WSF,

I have a problem, My Dell 430 Vostro is new and running W7.

Last night the screen went a little odd whilst on my browser, next thing is that It will not start up, gets as far as login, into the welcome screen and then just sits doing nothing!

I can enter in safe mode and have gone to system restore but this still does not help.

I have created a repair disc.

I am about to use the system repair tool, by using this will damage/loose any of my files, I do have a back up.

Any help/advice would be appreciated, I only have a basic knowledge but don't like pressing keys if it's going to do more harm.

cheers

 

[LiquidSnak]

Do you have an installation disc?

 

[cat ryan]

I have an OS re installation DVD

but do I lose anything by using this?

I can get to the startup repair screen via F8 and following brinks instructions on your forum

just a bit paranoid after experiencing an ext. HD crash!

 

[LiquidSnak]

if you run it from boot do you get a repair option? If so, you should have, under that, startup repair option which would detect problems with starting windows and attempt a repair. This will not change any of your settings or files.

 

[cat ryan]

OK, just run the startup repair (three times as recommended) it keeps coming up with a message "if you have recently attached a device to this computer camera/music player remove and restart, if you continue to see this message contact your admin or PC manufacturer for assisitance.

just tried to re boot and it still stops at welcome.

I only have Ext. drive/printer/wifi connected to the usb's not had any other connections

................................................................

stop press, I am back in! it's working again, phew!

Many thanks for your support Liquid snake, appreciated.

 

[LiquidSnak]

My pleasure Come back for all your issues

 

[cat ryan]

I have placed the WSF in my bookmarks but will hang around

 

[cat ryan]

Spoke too soon!

It's started again, just freezing after login.

I start repair, same message, this time I disconnected all usb's but no response.

Any further suggestions?

 

[LiquidSnak]

Can you run CHKDSK?

I believe you can run it from the command prompt that you can open from the language select screen on the installation disk...

"CHKDSK c: /F /R" is the command (without quotes)

 

[cat ryan]

Just been onto Dell, they have told me to reboot f12 and then boot to utility and perform an express test, is this the same? if not once this has finished I shall follow your instruction LS.

Lucky I have my lappy to continue with.

 

[LiquidSnak]

It's about the same, but fixes errors and is a deep test.

 

[cat ryan]

OK, I have two error codes.

0F00:133C
msg: disk no suitable disc media is present.
.............................................................
4400:01BF
Msg: SCI_0.000_DICK_WD_EXT_HDD_1021
usb device was removed.

I did disconnect my ext.HD prior to the test.

 

[cat ryan]

Just told dell, they say the hard drive needs replacing! not having a lot of luck with hard drives at the moment.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Do you know the HDD manufacturer? Also, the CHKDSK might find a fixable error.

 

[cat ryan]

Apart from it being a Dell I don't know who's LS?

but I shall have a go with the CHKDSK as I have nothing to loose now.

Just backing up my files...again, once that is done I shall report back.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Also, ask dell for a new HD if it is under warranty, as they tend to just send you a new one without asking for the old one back. If that is so, you can have two drives if CHKDSK finds fixables.

 

[cat ryan]

They are going to collect the pc LS, they did ask if I would like the HD sent but there are two in the pc as I understand, would it have been the C drive as the problem lies with the OS?
I might still be able to change the request and it makes more sense as i do not have to lose the old HD and its files.

 

[LiquidSnak]

If it's causing problems with the operating system, then yes, it should be the C drive