Windows 7 won't start up :(

Originally Posted by Scythe92

Can you find a windows 7 disc to download? Pretty sure they are available legally on the internet.

If you can, get it (it'll be a .iso file) and BurnISO (its a program). Use burniso to burn the iso file onto a dvd and start the computer up using the cd.

From there, select repair your computer and do a repair install. This will replace or repair all system files, usually fixes stuff like this.

If the CD key on the d/load doesnt match that of the existing copy on the HDD it may not work. (least the ones i tried didnt)

EDIT; i even tried the 'unattended' versions and no key is needed for those!

[DarrenSV650S]

Tried safe mode already and it's the same black screen. It was a fresh install of 7, not an upgrade. Ive downloaded a new copy of 7 so I'll see if i can get it to do a repair later today

how old is the laptop - IIRC laptops often have more problems on Windows upgrade due to driver conflicts - check to make sure that all components are compatible with Win 7, if not search for appropriate drivers - Win 7 with updates should recognize most setups but then again I have an iMac........

edit:- it is always better to do a clean install when upgrading a Windows system - format and then fresh install

Have you tried feeding it yet?

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by no_akira

Be brave take the plunge, download Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) never have to worry about malware, virus's or getting hold of a license key from some dodgy russian site. With Android / Meego OS (same family) on the current mobile devices being the latest buzz in IT.

Its the beginning of the "Year of Linux baby!"
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

I've just switched to that... spooky stuff. Can't use it yet though... but getting there...

First off, NEVER upgrade an old install of an OS to a newer one (with windows at least), ALWAYS fresh install. Although it should work there are often things that dont work out

Originally Posted by no_akira

Be brave take the plunge, download Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) never have to worry about malware, virus's or getting hold of a license key from some dodgy russian site. With Android / Meego OS (same family) on the current mobile devices being the latest buzz in IT.

Its the beginning of the "Year of Linux baby!"
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Im using that right now, and man it is FAST! Boots in no time and shuts down almost as soon as you press the shutdown... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4qG_ID-3rg thats it booting on ssd, fully usable in 14 seconds.

The only reason my other computer is running windows now is because I play games on it. If you just surf the web and play solitaire get ubuntu!!!! It might take a little getting used to but man its fast, also you can boot it from a Memory stick until you feel you want to take the plunge to fully install, or you can install it dual boot along side windows...

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

Press and hold F8 it should put you into recovery mode

(when booting^^)

You should also be able to restore to previous version through that which is what I would advise.

Eventually get Windows 7 freshly installed somehow, it will get rid of any bloatware crap (you will no doubt have got it) with the computer and will make it run SOOOO much better it will be like a new computer. Its silly that MS let some companies spoil these computer manufacturers put the crap on them... tbh Im convinced this crap is the only reason apple can brag being better out of the box. Apple crap... ha ha.

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by martin15s

how old is the laptop - IIRC laptops often have more problems on Windows upgrade due to driver conflicts - check to make sure that all components are compatible with Win 7, if not search for appropriate drivers - Win 7 with updates should recognize most setups but then again I have an iMac........

edit:- it is always better to do a clean install when upgrading a Windows system - format and then fresh install

It's only a couple of years old. It has been fine for at least a year so no problems with drivers.
It was a fresh install of 7

Originally Posted by ThEGr33k

First off, NEVER upgrade an old install of an OS to a newer one (with windows at least), ALWAYS fresh install. Although it should work there are often things that dont work out



Im using that right now, and man it is FAST! Boots in no time and shuts down almost as soon as you press the shutdown... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4qG_ID-3rg thats it booting on ssd, fully usable in 14 seconds.

The only reason my other computer is running windows now is because I play games on it. If you just surf the web and play solitaire get ubuntu!!!! It might take a little getting used to but man its fast, also you can boot it from a Memory stick until you feel you want to take the plunge to fully install, or you can install it dual boot along side windows...

(when booting^^)

You should also be able to restore to previous version through that which is what I would advise.

Eventually get Windows 7 freshly installed somehow, it will get rid of any bloatware crap (you will no doubt have got it) with the computer and will make it run SOOOO much better it will be like a new computer. Its silly that MS let some companies spoil these computer manufacturers put the crap on them... tbh Im convinced this crap is the only reason apple can brag being better out of the box. Apple crap... ha ha.

hmmm not sure if I've mentioned this already but.....


It was a fresh install of 7

Sorry if you already said it... didn't manage to read it all.

F8 help at all?

[maviczap]

My PC did this, although I was running XP not Windows 7. The problems were almost indentical, I'd done all the reinstalls & formatting the drive so it was a clean install.

I took out one of the 2 memory modules, which cured the fault.

Until I took out one of the memory modules it would not boot past the black screen.

After that it was fine, until the PSU went. Replaced that and everything is hunky dory.

I know I'm referring to a PC and not a laptop, but your fault maybe a hardware fault, not software.

Also make sure all the vents are clear so the cooling fans can disipate the heat. I read about a laptop that refused to boot until the owner sucked a load of crap out of the vent ports with a hoover, which then allowed the intenal fan to blow out the rest of the carp that was stopping the fan from working

[DarrenSV650S]

Startup Repair doesn't work. I haven't made any system restore points so that doesn't work.

Safe mode doesn't work

If I tell it to run from the "last known good configuration" it loads up the log on screen, but when I sign in, it goes to a white screen for a few minutes then goes to the blue screen and says "A problem has been detected and windows is shutting down bla bla bla"

"Directory services restore mode" and "Debugging mode" just go to the black screen again