Boot Problems after Factory Reset

TheRealSlimLaddy · May 26, 2014

I have a Dell Inspiron 14z-N411z that I recently inherited from my cousin after her graduation. I've been told that it was broken so I've done what's fixed another laptop of mine, factory reset. It went smooth at first but then it says "Setup is preparing Windows for first time use". It does its Windows Welcome load screen then turns into a gray message box that every 30 seconds or so says a different Setup-like messages. One day I've let it go on for 6+ hours and there's no change. What do I do?

Beezy · May 26, 2014

sounds like some corrupt files on the HDD keeping the recovery partition from working as it should. I could be very wrong of course. To make sure its not a problem with RAM or another part failing I would try running Memtest 86 from a disc, and also a Linux LiveCD (like Ubuntu) from the CD/DVD-Drive (youll have to set CD/DVD drive to boot option #1 to do either of these). If you can run Linux with no problems, I would say the HDD needs replacing, or windows has to be FRESHLY installed. that means you need an installation disc, not a recovery media (like HDD partition or recovery CD from manufacture of laptop). The installation disc needs to be in .iso format and burned to a CD/DVD. you can re use the windows key from the sticker on the bottom of the laptop (as the key is likely tied to the motherboard, and okay for re-use in this case).

Run HDD disk checks from the Linux live CD to make sure its not the HDD failing, because I still personally think its old/corrupt files.

TheRealSlimLaddy · May 26, 2014

Beezy :

sounds like some corrupt files on the HDD keeping the recovery partition from working as it should. I could be very wrong of course. To make sure its not a problem with RAM or another part failing I would try running Memtest 86 from a disc, and also a Linux LiveCD (like Ubuntu) from the CD/DVD-Drive (youll have to set CD/DVD drive to boot option #1 to do either of these). If you can run Linux with no problems, I would say the HDD needs replacing, or windows has to be FRESHLY installed. that means you need an installation disc, not a recovery media (like HDD partition or recovery CD from manufacture of laptop). The installation disc needs to be in .iso format and burned to a CD/DVD. you can re use the windows key from the sticker on the bottom of the laptop (as the key is likely tied to the motherboard, and okay for re-use in this case).

Run HDD disk checks from the Linux live CD to make sure its not the HDD failing, because I still personally think its old/corrupt files.

I went on boot from CD/DVD drive and it still brings me to windows
I luckily booted once and I could check files

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Boot Problems after Factory Reset

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