Windows 7 not starting

[Richard Wright]

When I switched on my PC this morning, the message came that Windows could not start. It went to Startup Repair but that did nothing. I also tried System Restore, but just got the "failed"message. I do have a so-called recovery CD but that just loads up the same tools. This actually happened to me a year or so ago and I managed to get it back up and working after a lot of hassle, but I can't remember what I did. Of course, I can't access the internet​ with the PC, am using a laptop to get here.

 

All suggestions gratefully received.

 

Thanks

Richard

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Richard, this problem sounds like hardware problems, which could be the hard drive, the RAM or just a simple poor connection. Lets check that last one first. Turn off the computer and turn off the mains power and then remove the side panel. Then one by one pull off every connection and then replace it. Also pull out the RAM sticks and replace, making sure any catches are released first before pulling out. Let us know if that works or not.

 

Nev.

[Richard Wright]

Hi Nev

Tried that, no effect. I'm not convinced that it's a hardware issue as last time I had the same problem I fixed it without doing anything to the hardware. I can't remember what, but I seem to remember it was something I did from a DOS command. Yesterday, I used System Mechanic, an application which I've found useful over the years. It recommended a registry defragment and compression. I started this off, it needed a restart at which point it locked up. I rebooted and everything seemed to start up OK and I used the PC all day. However, as it was today when the problem arose, and this is the only change made recently, I'm wondering if the registry has become corrupted .....................?

Richard

[Plastic Nev]

Hum, registry problems due to cleaners. This is why we do not recommend any sort of registry cleaners or any program that messes with the registry.

 

OK, have you tried booting up in safe mode, if you can, try a system restore from safe mode.

 

If it then does boot up OK, the command you may be thinking of would possibly be the sfc /scannow

 

To run the sfc /scannow, you need to type cmd.exe into the search box, then right click on the cmd.exe icon in the search pane and select "Run as administrator" You may get the UAC box opens, just click yes or OK to run. Once the black DOS like box opens copy and paste this into it at the flashing cursor :-

 

sfc /scannow

 

then hit the enter key to run it.

If nothing wrong is found after that it should be OK., however if it reports it cannot repair some files, run the sfc /scannow command at least three more times as sometimes it needs a couple of runs to repair them.

 

Nev.

[Richard Wright]

Unfortunately I can't boot up in Safe or any mode, in fact I can't even get a DOS prompt. I've tried the Esc key when booting and the F8 key and all of the options I get lead to the same result, the Startup Repair which doesn't do anything.

Richard

[Starbuck]

Hi Richard,

 

If this was caused by malware, we have tools that could be used to boot the system, we could help remove the malware and get your system running again.

But if as thought, that this was created by the use of a registry cleaner... there may not be much we can do.

It's difficult to know where to start is entries in the registry have become corrupt or removed.

 

What make/model is the laptop?

[KenB]

It recommended a registry defragment and compression.

As Nev said - it is not recommended to use any software that "cleans" or otherwise changes the Registry.

 

I assume that this is a desktop machine.

Do you get any POST beeps when you switch on ?

If so - what is the pattern of beeps?

( 3 short ...repeated ...for instance )

 

One beep is normal.

 

What is the make and model number please ?