Windows 7 won't start

Greetings All:

Computer Info:
Dell Studio 1555
Windows 7 (not sure which one)

Here is the issue, The computer won’t start. Windows Error Recovery window appears with two options:
• Launch Startup Repair
• Start Windows Normally

If Startup Repair is launched, it appears to launch and start the recovery \ repair. Once started it runs and runs and runs (I have let it run for as long as 3 hours) with no result. You can’t cancel it, only option is to power down.

If I choose the Start Normally option it appears to start and it hangs on the screen "Starting Windows" (with the picture of the Window in four colors, it doesn’t quite freeze as the four color picture is pulsing). The same deal when using safe mode.

This computer belongs to a friend; she failed to make the recovery disks so I don’t have them available.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

 

If you hit F8 a few times during the Dell splash screen do you get a longer list of startup options including "Last Known Good Configuration" if so try that first.

If that doesn't work then also from the F8 list do you have "Repair your Computer" and does that take you to a list like below?

http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/windows-7-recovery-disc-1.png

 

If you hit F8 a few times during the Dell splash screen do you get a longer list of startup options including "Last Known Good Configuration" if so try that first.

Did that yesterday, although there are several restore points none work……

If that doesn't work then also from the F8 list do you have "Repair your Computer" and does that take you to a list like below?

In addition to what is listed there, Dell has their Dell DataSafe option. I also ran that yesterday to backup the documents and pictures she (the owner) wants to retain. That process took almost three hours. Once the backup was complete I attempted to restore the operating system. Restore ran for a few minutes and then came up with an error, I neglected to record the error (stupid me). Anyway, I am running that again using an external hard drive. Once complete I want to check to see if the files actually did backup on to the drive then I will try the restore again. If the error appears again I will be sure to record it.

 

If you get that list of 5 options you can try command prompt to check the filesystem for errors and (r)epair them--that might be causing the hang at the four color window screen.

Get a directory/filelist to find the drive letter of the Windows drive.
So, at the prompt X:...> type in dir c: and hit <enter>
dir d: <enter>
dir e: <enter>
dir f: <enter>
etc. until you see a WINDOWS and Users in the list of files. That drive letter is the one you want.
Then at the X:..> type in chkdsk /r letter: ie. chkdsk /r D:

Note if it finds any errors.

 

Update…..

Dell DataSafe completed the backup and “Files” were written to the external hard drive, I will need to do some research as to how to restore them.

Next, I hit “Restore My Computer” (17 hours ago). “Formatting Your Partition” (the first step) is complete and “Reinstall Your Original Content” is still currently running (6% complete). I assume, nothing more is going to happen, it has been @ 6% most of the time (it is not locked up because the icon is still turning).

At this point I am at a loss; I don’t want to shut it down but I really don’t know what else to do!

 

Sach2:

Thanks for your help…..

I shut it down, no other choice. Afterwards I was able to run chkdsk/r, lots of repairs. Next I was able to run the DataSafe Restore My Computer. It completed so I assumed things were good.
Windows took forever to set up, somehow it didn’t seem quite right. Long story short, it never finished setting up correctly.

I ran the Dell Diagnostics tests and basically the Toshiba hard drive (POS) is toast. Big issue at this point is a recovery disk for the system, she never made one. I can see the Recovery Partition on the Toshiba hard drive but am unsure if I can trust the data…….

 

I'm uncertain but it looks like Dell will provide a set of recovery discs (for free?). http://support.dell.com/support/top...=19&l=en&s=dhs&docid=DSN_347576&isLegacy=true Most companies charge a shipping and handling charge of less ~$20, so I don't know if there is a hidden charge there but you/friend could fill the form and find out.

Other than that all I can suggest is getting a new HD and using something like Todo backup or Macrium Reflect to clone the old HD to the new one and then try to initiate the restore process from the new drive and see if it completes.

I can't think of any other options with a possibly corrupt HD. I would definitely inquire about the recovery CDs because they very well may be necessary since the data on the recovery partition might be corrupt as you mention.

 

I think I gave you the wrong link for the disc info so try: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form