Ask a new question

Windows 7 "unable to start" and automatic repair doesn't find a reason__

Hi,

My 64 bit computer suddenly won't start Windows 7.  This computer is about 1 year old and hasn't had any problems like this before.  I've run through several attempts to solve the problem and here are some of the results I get:

Problem signature:

Problem event name:   StartupRepairOffline

Problem Signature 01:   6.1.7600.16385

     "           "         02:   6.1.7600.16385

     "           "         03:   unknown

     "           "         04:   1201007

     "           "         05:   AutoFailover

     "           "         06:   3

     "           "         07:   NoRootCause

OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1

Locale ID: 1033

------------------------

I performed another series of tests and got that all tests were performed successfully, with the Root Cause Found being: Unspecified changes to system configuration might have caused the problem.

------------------------

Another place recommended running these commands at the command prompt which I did:


BOOTREC /FIXMBR

BOOTREC /FIXBOOT

BOOTREC /REBUILDBCD

BOOTREC /SCANOS

These were all indicated as performed successfully.  The /rebuildbcd and the /scanos commands did indicate "0 identified windows installations", however, which sounds like a problem.

---------------------------

I obviously don't want to lose all my programs and data.  What would be my next step?  What can be done?

Thanks,

Steve

 

Answer
Answer
There are several disks that can help in the recovery/repair process:
  • The Windows installation DVD . You can use it to install Windows or to boot into Repair Mode. When in Repair Mode then you can do the following:
    - Perform a System Restore.
    - Perform an Image Restore.
    - Save your files (if you are skilled with console commands).
  • The Windows Repair CD . You can use it to boot into Repair Mode. There are two ways to get a Repair CD:
    - Via the Control Panel /Backup and Restore (takes two minutes)
    - By downloading it from here: http://neosmart.net/blog/2009/windows-7-system-repair-discs/.
      This can take a lot of time.
  • A Factory Restore CD or DVD . This disk is supplied by the manufacturer. It resets the machine to factory condition. The process is often destructive.

About the System Image : This is something that you need to create yourself. You can find the tool again in the Control Panel / Backup and Restore. If you never created an image then you won't be able to restore Windows from an image.

About System Restore : By default Windows creates Restore Points automatically once a day or so. This is what I referred to in my initial reply.

To save your files before reloading Windows you could boot your machine with anUbuntu boot CD (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/) and use its GUI to save your files. Note that downloading the Ubuntu CD image of 720 MBytes can take a long time. If you are skilled with console commands then you could save your files while in Repair Mode (see above).

The overall message is: If you keep important files on your PC and if you wish to protect your investment in setting up Windows just the way you need it then you have to take suitable precautions, e.g.

  • Burn a Repair CD.
  • Create a System Image.
  • Update the System Image once or twice each year.
  • Check that your System Restore facility is working.
  • Back up your files regularly to an external medium.
  • Do not wait with the above measures until disaster strikes.

25 people found this reply helpful

·

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 

Question Info

Last updated December 14, 2022 Views 37,100 Applies to: