I have a Dell Inspiron with Windows Vista. On starting up, it says, "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause." then offers to "Launch Startup Repair" or "Start Windows normally".
When asked to start normally, it tries to start, but fails, returning again to this page.
When asked to launch startup repair, it opens the programme, scans the system for several minutes, and then says "Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically".
When clicking on the diagnostic and repair details, it says:
"Last successful boot time: 10/3/2011 3:42:52PM
Number of repair attempts: 8
Session details
System disk = \Device\Harddisk
Windows directory = C:\Windows
AutoChk Run = 0
Number of root causes = 1
Test Performed:
Name: Check for updates
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: System disk test
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Disk failure diagnosis
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Disk metadata test
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Target OS test
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Volume content check
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Boot manager diagnosis
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: System boot log diagnosis
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Event log diagnosis
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Name: Internal state check
Result: Completed successfully. Error code = 0x0
Root cause found:
Startup Repair has tried several times but still cannot determine the cause of the problem."
Otherwise one can view the advanced settings:
System Restore = "No restore points have been created on your computer's system disk. To create a restore point open System Protection"
Windows Complete PC Restore = "a valid backup location could not be found. Windows cannot find a backup on this computer."
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool = didn't solve anything when scanned
Command Prompt
Dell Factory Image Restore = haven't tried but am avoiding wiping the whole harddisk clean for as long as possible..
It will not go into Safe Mode, and I don't know what's going on. It happened when I shut it down (by holding down the power button) mid update as it had frozen.
What should I do? Thanks.
Hi,
Method 1: I would suggest that you perform startup repair using the Windows Vista installation disk and check if it works.
If you have a Windows Vista installation disc, you need to restart (boot) your computer using the installation disc. If you do not restart your computer from the disc, the option to repair your computer will not appear.
a. Insert the installation disc.
b. Restart your computer.
Click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Restart.
c. If prompted, press any key to start Windows from the installation disc.
Note: If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer. You may need to change your computer's BIOS settings. For more information, see BIOS: frequently asked questions.
d. Choose your language settings, and then click Next.
e. Click Repair your computer.
f. Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
g. On the System Recovery Options menu, click on Startup Repair.
Refer: How do I fix a boot (startup) problem?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/How-do-I-fix-a-boot-startup-problem
Method 2: If above mentioned method fails then run chkdsk command from the WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) and check if it fixes the issue:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-are-the-system-recovery-options-in-Windows-7
Note: Select Command Prompt from the system recovery options and follow the below mentioned steps:
Type the following command and press enter.
Chkdsk /r
Note: Chkdsk /r command erases/fixes any corrupt data on the hard disk drive. Some of your personal files/data may be erased.
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