Unknown Bugcheck

[crystalmist1]

My desktop has had issues for a while but now it won't even boot up. It's a HP Pavilion p6142p with an AMD Phenom X4 9650 processor 8GB system memory and 640GB harddrive. It had Vista Home Premium 64bit but also came with a Windows 7 upgrade disc. I don't remember if it has the upgrade instlled or not. Anyway, I've tried the startup repair to no avail. Any idea what is wrong or how to fix it? Thanks in advance. The errors it's giving me say:

Root Cause Found

Unknown Bugcheck Bugcheck 1e parameters = 0xffffffffc, 0000005, 0xfffff800037c5a9a, 0x1, 0x18

 

[richc46]

Do you have stuff that you want to save?

 

[crystalmist1]

Uh oh, I bet you're going to suggest a clean install right? Well to be honest, there's probably stuff on there that id like to have but I just don't know what seeing as its been months since I was able to Get it to at least boot in safe mode. That being the case, it wouldnt be a huge deal to lose my files.

 

[richc46]

OK try this first
During boot tap zero key quickly and many times
Does not work
Try the same with f8.
If it does not work, post and will try another method.

 

[crystalmist1]

Tried that. It won't even boot in safe mode. I've tried system restore as well with no luck. I can bout from myupgrade cd tho

 

[crystalmist1]

When I hit 0, it gave me the windows memory diagnostic tool to run and I ran it but it didn't find any errors. When I hit F8 the advanced boot options come up.

 

[richc46]

You have a vaid install CD, with key number?

 

[crystalmist1]

Yes sir. I have the key. On top of the sticker that has the key it says Win Vista HmPrm - Win 7 HmPrm UPG Fulfill HP So I am assuming I can use this to do a clean install but it will install 7 instead of Vista. What do you suggest I do now?

 

[richc46]

Unless you have a hardware problem, (hard drive, memory, cpu, etc)
You will be very happy with the results. Your stuff will be lost.
Read carefully
ask questions,
then act.
I may be gone until tomorrow morning.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums[2]=General Tips
Will work only if you have a valid Seven product key number. I THINK that number is for the free upgrade to Seven if you bought an HP during certain dates.
You will then have Seven on your computer rather than Vista.

 

[crystalmist1]

I am thinking option 2 so I can see what files I can keep. What do you think is the option most likely best for me in your opinion?

 

[richc46]

I understand what you are saying, but especially since you have problems, you want to do option one. Yes your stuff will be lost, but any problems are formatted away.
Option two may not remove the problem. Option two takes the basic Vista and transforms it into Seven, we do not want that.
Option one starts from scratch.

 

[crystalmist1]

Wait a minute...I was just reading the link to how to do a custom install and I don't think that will be possible because I can't get into my computer? I'm not sure if the pc is connected to the internet. I've never set this computer up for highspeed if it matters or not? Or can you just plug in the ethernet cable?

 

[crystalmist1]

I'll go with what you suggest. Option one sounds the easiest and and reformatting is always a sure fire fix anyway right?

 

[crystalmist1]

Ok now I am in the process of doing the clean install. It's asking where do I want to install Windows. Which do I choose? Partition 1:C: Total Size 582.3GB Type-System OR Partition 2:Factory_Image Total Size13.9GB Type- Primary?

 

[richc46]

Just going off to bed, but before I do, you pick C.