Windows 7 Startup repair hangs

[JL9]

Hello,

I have an Acer AX1301, and when it boots, the startup repair screen comes up.

The startup repair loads files, and then, sometimes, I can select input, but then it just hangs on the blue splash screen with the bird.

I have left it for up to 24 hours, but it never goes to the next step.

Safe mode doesn't work, and I have tried doing the repair from a Windows 7 recovery diskhttp://www.tomshardware.com/forum/45527-63-startup-repair-hangs#. No good. The first time I used the disc, it got to the point where it was searching for Windows, but seemed to hang on that.

Any suggestions?

Also, if I press Alt+F10, I can get to the Acer recovery, which has 2 options, one which will completely re-install everything and clear the drive, and another that will retain user data. If I do the user data one, what will I lose on the drive? I have my files backed up, but will I have to re-install my various programs and preferences, email settings, etc., or will all of that be retained?

Thanks.

 

[bassfisher6522]

Try option 2 first, with that option all your files and data is safe and will be exactly as it is where it is. Option 1 is a complete clean install which will wipe the drive "clear the drive of everything" and you will lose anything and everything data related. If option 2 doesn't work for some reason and you decide to go with option 1, back up every thing to an external hard drive for safe keeping and then proceed with the clean install.

 

[JL9]

Seems neither of the 2 options is clickable.

Only "exit" is clickable. I clicked exit, and now it says "please wait a few moments...", and it's been sitting like that for awhile.

Thanks.

 

[F5ing]

Do you have access to another machine so that you can download files and burn DVD's (as I've no clue what kind of device you're posting from)?

Also, there may be some hardware tests that you can run from the BIOS to ensure they're not causing problems. Check to see if it'll check your hard drive, and if so, only do a short test for now.

Is your data backed up?

 

[JL9]

Yes, I have another machine, plus I also booted the broken one with an Ubuntu Live CD so I could back up all my files (a tip I found while surfing around trying to find a solution). Hopefully I got all the important files I need. Windows is so confusing as far as App Data goes.

I will check the BIOS to see if there are any tests.

Thanks.

 

[F5ing]

When you're sure you've got all the data backed up go ahead and run the full (long) test for the HD if it provides one.

A link for memory testing: Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

Best to let the memory test run for 7 passes or so, or overnight.