System hangs after install

[LAC3429]

Hello,

After hours of pulling my hair out, i am unsure what i can do.

I had a copy of windows on my computer for about 3 months (non legit key) and with being happy with the O/S i decieded to go out and buy a copy and do a fresh install.

Since installing, my 200gb HDD will no longer boot past BIOS post. I dropped it from the system and left my other 300gb HDD in and installed it to the HDD no worries, boots up fine and can use win 7. I then did a software update and now it gets stuck on the windows startup screen....

I'm not sure what i can do, it was all working before and now im at a wits end

Could this mean that both HDD have died?

Thanks for any help!

 

[gregrocker]

If you used a BIOS mod for the "non-legit key" then you need to wipe the HD before installing a legit copy of Win7: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Check that you have the latest BIOS version update as you may need to flash your BIOS to repair it if wiping the HD doesn't work.

 

[LAC3429]

thanks for the reply.

my bios was never modded for install as the key i used was pre activated.

i will try flashing the bios with the latest version though it is a beta version:huh:

i also tried clearing the bios last night (took battery out and then put back in) with no such luck

 

[gregrocker]

I would try wiping the HD first. It may not be necessary to flash the BIOS. I have no experience with a beta BIOS and would avoid one myself.

Reinstall is also a good time to test your hardware: 5-6 passes wtih booted memtest86 CD, chkdsk /r and the HD maker's full diag/repair CD scan: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.URL