Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. Also, F8 doesn't work.

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
mzvirag

mzvirag

Reputable
Jun 3, 2015
12
0
4,510
Hi! This is my first time posting here, so forgive me if I do something wrong.
So I'm having the "Windows failed to start" error message on my Dell Inspiron N5030, and to be honest, given how problematic (and old) this laptop is, this seems to be the current, but not at all the biggest problem. We're in a constant death dance with this computer. So I'm quite familiar with this screen, but here's the twist: F8 doesn't seem to be working. The only options I get access to are the boot order and the boot menu, the latter quite... Unuseful in this laptop. What can I do? I do have a disk, but, of course, the DVD ROM doesn't work properly either. I suppose, given how old this laptop is, that it's dying too. It seems to be working and then it changes its mind: I hear noises and the error screen doesn't appear immediately when the disk is in, but then the driver just gives up. Is my only option an USB drive with Windows 7 on it? Or is it any trick or workaround to get access to the advanced boot options other than hitting F8 angrily and continuously?
Thank you for any help in advance!
 
Solution
SBMfromLA
I've seen that error many times. It usually pops up if you connected something to the computer that isn't compatible but sometimes just come up out of the blue on boot.

Clearing it is easy.. You need the Windows Install DVD. Just insert the DVD and BOOT from it and get to the screen where it asks if you want to repair Windows Startup. It may have to run up to four separate times since it repairs one section at a time. Usually it's repaired on the third try. In case you're wondering, I think it's just your boot loader that's messed up.
Sort by date Sort by votes
SBMfromLA

SBMfromLA

Distinguished
Nov 11, 2011
2,487
1
20,960
I've seen that error many times. It usually pops up if you connected something to the computer that isn't compatible but sometimes just come up out of the blue on boot.

Clearing it is easy.. You need the Windows Install DVD. Just insert the DVD and BOOT from it and get to the screen where it asks if you want to repair Windows Startup. It may have to run up to four separate times since it repairs one section at a time. Usually it's repaired on the third try. In case you're wondering, I think it's just your boot loader that's messed up.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
mzvirag

mzvirag

Reputable
Jun 3, 2015
12
0
4,510
Thank you! Well, since my dvd reader is acting up, I can't do this via the install dvd, but as soon as I get access to a working PC and get the windows installation on an USB drive, I'll try that and report back. And yes, I certainly do hope so. Thank you!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

SaiYuk

Reputable
Aug 28, 2014
21
0
4,520
If you have a USB keyboard, go into BIOS and enable legacy keyboard support, if you can find it. Then you should be able to press F8 and try options like 'Last Known Good Configuration' which restores registry and driver settings to what they were the last time you successfully booted.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
mzvirag

mzvirag

Reputable
Jun 3, 2015
12
0
4,510
UPDATE: Okay, so I made a bootable pen drive with Windows 7 in it, using ZOTAC WinUSB Maker. (My friend has Windows 8 and I think you can't make a bootable pen drive in command prompt using Win8, correct me if I'm wrong.) I'm quite sure it is a bootable pen drive, for my friends laptop immediately recognized it as one. But even with the USB in, the boot order set to USB storage device, I keep getting the same "Windows failed to start" error message. What could be the problem? My USB port is working. Or at least, it was the two days ago. Thank you.
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
mzvirag

mzvirag

Reputable
Jun 3, 2015
12
0
4,510
UPDATE 2: Now I used the trustworthy Rufus to create the bootable USB and it does seem to work. Thank you for all your answers! Given the state of my laptop, I believe we'll meet again sooner or later. Thank you for your help!
 
Upvote -2 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom