HELP - I can't boot.

Photek · 23 Sep 2011 at 23:44

Does it actually try to load the Win 7 DVD? Or just immediately say windows failed to start?

Your RAM seems to be ok, your CPU dont seem the be overheating, and you can boot XP in safe mode using another HDD. So i'd say it's the hard drive and you need a new one. Or do you have another HDD you can install Win 7 on instead?

BigBoy · 24 Sep 2011 at 00:21

I would use the hard drive tools from the manufacture to check over you hard drive first!

Drunkenmassacre · 25 Sep 2011 at 15:53

ok, hard drive tools have shown up no errors. I've even gone so far as to use a different dvd drive, but that (not surprisingly) didnt help. Is there any way to test the motherboard without buying a new one?

Photek · 25 Sep 2011 at 19:57

This is odd... only last things i can think of:

Connect the hard drive to another SATA port on the motherboard.
Reset the BIOS physically by taking the battery out the motherboard for a couple of mins or using the reset pins, then set the DVD drive back as the first boot device.
Use your XP hard drive and see if it will let you install windows to that (dont actually have to install win 7, just see if it lets you).
Unplug everything including the mouse apart from the keyboard.

Also try booting to XP safe mode and running some stress tests on the hardware, like Prime 95 for instance.

BigBoy · 25 Sep 2011 at 23:41

Also grab a hirens boot disk as it has a mini version of XP on it if that boots then I see no reason for it not to install windows other than the hard drive

Drunkenmassacre · 25 Sep 2011 at 23:51

Just had a thought - it wouldn't be a corrupted bios or something could it?

BigBoy · 26 Sep 2011 at 00:01

gv_of_e said:
Just had a thought - it wouldn't be a corrupted bios or something could it?

I would doubt it,but to be honest a BIOS refresh would do no harm!

Drunkenmassacre · 26 Sep 2011 at 00:37

i've reset the bios using the jumpers, also taken the battery out. I'll try flashing the mobo tomorrow as I have little else I can try. What's the worst it will do? I can't use it now anyways lol

Drunkenmassacre · 26 Sep 2011 at 14:11

It would seem that the bios was fubar'd as i am now installing windows. i'll let you know how it goes from here on in.

Edit:

All is good. Windows has fully installed and the computer is working as per. Just updating drivers etc now

Drunkenmassacre · 26 Sep 2011 at 16:59

I'd like to say thanks to everyone who's posted in here - your help has been greatly appreciated. I know whos ears to bend next time I have an issue

BigBoy · 26 Sep 2011 at 20:33

Glad to hear your got it sorted mate, There is nothing worse than not being able to finger a problem like that.

Just a question but how old is the motherboard? and how long was it in storage for? Could be battery on the board be dead? as that might of caused the problem in the first place, what does the bios/Open Hardware Monitor say about Vbatt voltage?

Happy your all sorted