Solved Windows failed to start

[rustyfrog666]

Hi, after recently installing a new hard drive I decided to go for a fresh install of Vista and separate my documents onto a separate partition. Everything has been going well until today installing an application which crashed during install.

After reboot I get an error from the Windows Boot Manager saying Windows failed to start and that I should insert the installation disk and restart the PC.

When I run the disk and click on "Repair your computer" I get a Systems Recovery Options box, but there is no operating system listed to choose from.

There is a note at the bottom of the box which says "If you do not see your operating system listed, click Load Drivers to load drivers for your hard disks". I tried that but I'm not sure what I am supposed to be loading.

I also tried the System Restore but there haven't been any restore points made since I installed Vista.

Any help would be much appreciated as I don't want to do a fresh re-install if I can help it.

Cheers

 

[rustyfrog666]

Hi, I'm really stuffed. I have followed these instructions to get Vista to boot, including option three "Nuclear Holocaust" Recovering the Windows Bootloader from the DVD - EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki

I don't actually get very far with these options as Vista does not recognise "bootsect.exe". However, having tried this option I've now formatted the OS partition.

So I was resigned to reinstalling Vista, but I get a message "Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation". I've tried these microsoft instructions Error message when you try to install Windows Vista: "Windows is unable to find a system volume which meets its criteria for installation" to deal with this (which suggest changing BIOS settings so that HD is first) but still get the same error message.

The hard drive is new and I've tried another OS on it so I think it is fine. What are the other likely causes? Happy to buy new hard drive, PC, OS but want to be sure that I've eliminated the problem. Any ideas gratefully received.

Cheers

 

[usasma]

IMO this sounds like either a malware infection or a borked Windows installation.

For the malware, try the free stuff here to rule it out: Free Online AntiMalware Resources

For the Windows installation, try a repair install: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

PS - make sure that you've installed all the drivers. Check Device Manager to be sure (you can download any missing drivers from your Dell support webpage.

 

[rustyfrog666]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I never really got to the bottom of the problem. After using Gparted to reformat the drive many times followed by attempts to install Vista, the error message finally stopped, and it let me reinstall.

As it has just taken me the best part of two days reinstalling to get back to where I was, I've since invested in a purchase of Acronis. Not that that would have helped with the dodgy Windows message, but would have had me up and running again quicker once the message went away!

Cheers

 

[usasma]

Sorry it took so long for us to get back to you and thanks for letting us know what you did to stop the BSOD's.