Windows failed to start, unable to run system repair, help!

[lilliputian]

Ok, I have been combing through threads here hoping to find a solution, but none of the things I've tried have worked, so I'm going out on a limb hoping for some suggestions!

I have a Samsung netbook (n145) which has had a few issues starting up over the past couple months - it would prompt to run chkdsk before booting, I would let it run, and it would boot. However, yesterday I got the 'windows failed to start - a recent hardware change may be responsible' error message, and giving the option to try starting windows normally (which fails: there is a flash of BSOD and then screen goes black, and computer restarts, arriving at same 'failed to start' error). The other option is to run system repair, which also does not work: it takes ages to bring up a dialog box that searches for errors, but I have let this run for hours and it remains stuck. Tapping f4 to bring up samsung recovery also results in a stuck screen. Tapping f8 to boot to safe mode does not work either.

My main concern is having a working computer, and I can't really afford costly repairs or a new netbook. I got this one used about 1 1/2 years ago and it has no cd drive/OS boot disk (windows 7 starter came already installed). What should I do? Can I fix the hard drive, or should I replace? I am not at all technically skilled and have limited knowledge but an endless capacity to learn. I called samsung and they suggested I replace the hard drive to the tune of $100-$300 for parts alone, which is too expensive for a $100 netbook. I may be totally out of my depth but if anyone has any advice, it would be warmly appreciated.

Best wishes,

Lilliputian

 

[Pauly]

You could try a bootable disc utility to check the HDD for you
Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

If your disk checks out ok you could try booting from installation media to access recovery console
Steps 1 & 2 in this tutorial will explain how to create bootable install disc
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[lilliputian]

Thanks for the info, I hope I get the chance to try those suggestions... Computer is now completely unresponsive and does not even start the boot process - no lights lighting up, nothing powering on whatsoever. This might be the end for it!

 

[Pauly]

Try unplugging power, removing battery press power button to discharge any remaining power then reinsert battery and reboot (try with and without power lead) see if you can get machine to post or beep or anything if it stays completely dead then it doesnt look good