Unable to boot...at all

My computer BSOD on me the other day and when I try to restart, it freezes on the Windows screen. I then try to restart and it takes me to the repair screen. I tried to repair, but then it freezes. I tried booting from my Windows disc but was unsuccessful. Safe mode was also unsuccessful. I searched these forums and followed the instructions to use the FRST64 scan tool but as I go through the instructions, it randomly freezes. What else can I try? This is infuriating.

UPDATE: This was my original post in the malware forum. They directed me here because they don't think it is malware. Any suggestions as to how to begin this...again? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Here is the reference thread: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=256732

 

In the other thread you said you would have not problem doing a clean install. Sometimes Windows gets messed up if it sees a corrupted MBR. You can try the clean command first as that will just delete the MBR. Clean all will zero the drive.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/682-command-prompt-startup.html

Because you cannot boot the computer, you can use the System Recovery Disk or Install disk to get to a command prompt. If those do not work, the bootable iso of Partition Wizard will let you zero out a drive.

 

should I clean or clean all on a SSD?

 

What is the best process for reformatting using partition wizard?

 

Can I assume that after wiping the drive and trying to boot from my windows DVD and still no luck that a) my original disk no longer works b) my SSD is toast or c) some other piece of hard ware is done for?

 

What happens when you have the CD in the tray and start the computer and hit F12 to get to the boot menu and choose CD--what do you see on the screen?

 

It tries to boot but goes to the screen with EMS.

I've since tried to troubleshoot my RAM by taking each stick out and only using one slot. It worked for each slot. I then put two sticks in, it worked. I then put all four in and it did not. I took the fourth out and it works. Does this mean the stick in the third will not be read/used? Does this mean my motherboard is going out?

 

I haven't looked at your logs in your malware thread so I don't know about your hardware. I wouldn't worry too much about using all your RAM. If two sticks work that is fine for troubleshooting. But what do you mean by works?

When trying to boot to CD/DVD you should see a BIOS or manufacturer's logo screen and then a black screen with a line of text that says "Hit any key to boot from CD/DVD".

You say you go to the screen with EMS. What is EMS? Is that a computer/motherboard manufacturer? Does it freeze at that screen? Does it give you any choices of keys to hit to enter BIOS? Do those keys work to enter BIOS?

 

By "working" I mean I am able to boot from CD and get past the "Starting Windows" screen with the windows logo. Before, it would freeze on that screen before the logo would appear.

The EMS screen I was referring to before was the screen that appears that has the Windows memory test at the bottom.

Yes, I am able to enter the BIOS. I am currently in the process of reloading windows and drivers. What should I be looking for to find out if my motherboard is no good. I'd hate to get too far if I have to get a new one.

 

I will read your other thread tomorrow. There seemed to be confusion whether you were able to boot from the Windows DVD and I was just troubleshooting that.

I would say if you are in the process of installing Windows let that proceed. See if you can get get a working/stable copy of Windows. That would tell us if your basic hardware is working. Then we could troubleshoot RAM as to whether it is a bad module or a bad slot on the motherboard. How many RAM sticks are using during install?

 

I currently have three in right now. The fourth slot is empty, which was required in order for the computer to boot properly. That's why I have a feeling it's the slot. I don't necessarily think it's a bad stick because I was able to get past the starting windows screen with each stick in slot one (four tries).

 

With that being said, if one of my memory slots was bad, why would my computer recognize all my memory (in the BIOS)?

 

I would think if the board boots to BIOS with all four slots used then it is more likely a bad module than a bad slot. I could be wrong, but I think memory in a bad slot is more likely to cause POST to fail entirely.

Often a computer can POST with a bad memory module since it only needs a tiny amount of memory to complete POST. When the OS begins to load it uses much more memory and any faults become more likely to show up.

Were you able to complete an install with the three modules?

 

Yes I was. I will try switching around the stick that isn't in with a good one on my lunch break.

My other question is if the stick was bad and I was able to get into windows (while troubleshooting), why was I unable when all four were in?

 

Sorry, for the rushed post but I have to go. I can't give you any real answers. I've never had a bad memory stick. The errors can be erratic.

I'm not entirely sure your original problem was bad memory. Since Windows is already loaded, you could try booting it with all four modules in place and see if it boots. That shouldn't effect the Windows files but it could verify a memory problem.

You might also try running memtest86 and see if it comes up with any errors. It is available on the parted magic ISO which you burn to CD and boot from, under the Extras menu. If you get any errors then you have a memory problem and can stop the test. Otherwise, let it run for a couple of hours to make sure you get no errors. If you get no errors, I am not sure where to go next. Something was apparently preventing you from booting from the installation CD.

 

Hardware info might help here; motherboard make/model, RAM make and details. Overclocking or BIOS defaults ...