Windows failed to start

[AshesFox]

I recently restarted my computer and the following error message appeared.

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:

1. Instert your windows installation disk and resart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings and then click "Next."
3. Click "Repair your computer."

If you don not have this disk, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.

File: \Boot\Bcd

Status: 0xc000000f

Info: An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data.


I have followed all the instructions to no avail. I also entered the command feature and attempted to rebulid the bcd but it gives the error message "the requested system device cannot be found." I have a lot information on the hard drive so i would really like to be able to fix it without loosing any of the information. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[acdcfan]

I think the command to fix the boot loader is fixmbr or fixboot...
try is and see how you'll go

 

[AshesFox]

I have tried both those commands and they say that they work but when i restart it gives the same error message. I have looked through a lot of different threads on this problem and i have tried everything they say to do but nothing seems to work. I have even tried to re-install vista but that doesn't work either.

 

[roy69]

Fill out your system spec.
Click on user cp
at the top let you will see Edit Your System Spec, this will give us more info.
How many HD`s do you have?
Can you access your HD files in command mode?

 

[AshesFox]

I have entered all the spec that i know into my profile like you asked. I am unsure if i can access my hard drive in the command feature as i dont know how.

 

[SIW2]

Have you run startup repair from the Vista DVD?

Do you mean you couldn't reinstall Vista?

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

Another alternative:

You can download the Windows 7 RC from here (use your live ID )

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

It is a big download ( just over 3gb)- burn it to dvd with an .iso burner - do not format the dvd - if Autoplay pops up, just close it.

View attachment Burn CDCC.zip



Boot the 7 dvd to system recovery options and run startup repair - it works very well on Vista.

System Recovery Options - Windows 7 Forums

 

[AshesFox]

I have the re-installation disk and the retail disk but neither one can install.

I have used the retail version vista to try and repair it but it just says "Failed to save startup option"


The system recovery option can't see any OS installed.

 

[SIW2]

You could try this:

How to Fix Error Status 0xc000000F in Windows Boot Manager? - Yahoo! Answers

 

[SIW2]

Did you try a system restore from the system recovery options?

You could d/i the Paragon free rescue cd - burn it to cd - boot it.

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-express/

Use the File transfer option to get your important data off.

See If any of the Boot corrector options on that help.

If you can boot the reinstall disk, but not the retail disk - indicates there is something wrong with the retail dvd.

 

[AshesFox]

I have already tried the methods from that post. Nothing seems to work!!

 

[AshesFox]

This is a new computer that came with vista x64 installed i never had xp on it.

 

[AshesFox]

I restored it to a previous time and it doesnt correct it.

I have almost 400gb of information on the drive so it isn't easy to back it up.

I can boot from both disk but neither of them can repair it.

 

[AshesFox]

I downloaded the windows 7 RC disk and i used the "repair your computer" option and it fixed it. I am so relieved.

Thank you so much to all of you that helped me, especially SIW2 for telling me about the windows 7 disk.:D

 

[SIW2]

You're welcome. Glad it worked for you. :D

The Win 7 repair options are similar to the Vista ones - but include more automation - avoiding the need to use the command prompt.