Windows7 fails to boot, resetting at "Starting Windows" splash

You should replace the motherboard before making any other changes if it has a failing slot. It is possible the problem has spread. It could well be a memory error. You cant really proceed with any certainty with a motherboard in that condition.

Hi Wamphryi,
Thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking it might not be the motherboard because I was able to boot livecd's, but I definitely see your point.

Yeah, and check the RAM sticks too.

Ok I have rma'd the board. Hopefully will post some results when it comes back!

Keep your fingers crossed!

Are you sure the restart is not because it is applying updates and changing registry?

@Nikorr
*Crosses fingers as tightly as possible* lol

@Pyree
That's what I thought originally, but the machine is just powering off and resetting whenever it tries to boot windows from the Hard Disk. I left it to do its own thing for a few runs to no avail. Formatting the partitions and reinstalling windows just led to the same problem. After unpacking, expanding and installing windows the computer will ordinarily restart and boot from the hard disk to set up windows, but my computer just resets during the "starting windows" splash. This never used to happen >.<.

The last thing that happened was I was resetting my computer, BAM couldn't turn it back on again. Very sad times.

I tried booting after taking out most of the unnecessary PCI stuff and peripherals attached to no avail.

I ran the segate HDD integrity testing tool and found no errors and ran Memtest86 on both my ram chips with no problems. I took the last ditch effort as suggested to return my Mobo to the manufacturer, hopefully that solves the issue. If not, I'm thinking maybe HDD needs replacing or PSU?. I'll post back when I get the mobo back  

have you tried "fail safe default" or "optimized default" settings of bios

Hey truegenius,

Yeah I tried booting on Optimized default and the regular default, not sure if there was a "Fail safe default" mode. I'll need to check that out when/if I get my mobo back!

i think it is software error, check your dvd of windows 7, have you tried it earlier, if yes then try it on other system,
and what about window xp
try to install window xp if 7's dvd is ok

I tried 2 different Windows 7 discs. One Windows 7 disc works for sure, I used it to install Windows on a new computer I built for my Dad. I should probably try install a different OS though.

try to use xp as it doesn't show any splash screen of registry,
if xp fails try another hdd, since it fails at boot time it suggests that the sectors of hdd that stores boot info may be damaged (that is starting sectors of hdd), but other sectors may be ok (as you are able to retrive data from it)

have you got your new motherboard

Sigh, unfortunately I have not gotten the board yet >.<. First time having to RMA something, I was hoping it would be back within 2 weeks.

I'll give XP a go when I get the board back  

no problem.
Try your hard disk drive on other system, as i think your hd has failed.
If it came to be hd problem then you can try this link
tips4pc.com/articles/computer%20troubleshooting/how_to_repair_a_damaged_boot_sec.htm

or you can try low level format using raid utility of bios

Hi guys,

Sorry about the extremely delayed response, I hope someone still gets a message from this update or I'll have to repost  .

I finally got my motherboard back after about 8 weeks or so. I've put the motherboard in and it now detects the appropriate amount of RAM. I set the motherboard to fail safe defaults.

I've also tested my hard drive in a friends computer using the same windows cd and the same SATA cable. The hard drive appears to be functioning perfectly with my friend's PC.

Windows 7 still wont boot on my computer, I get the same issue with rebooting at the "starting windows" splash screen after first restart during installation. The only other relevant information I have to give is that I have been able to install a copy of Ubuntu 11.10 on the hard drive which booted perfectly.

I was originally thinking it might be the power supply if it was not the hard drive, but now I cant be sure because ubuntu 11.10 boots fine?

Once again sorry for the late reply, any help would be greatly appreciated  

Edit: I've also been able to successfully install Windows XP. Running Chkdsk C: /f /r at the moment

use your psu on your friends pc to check if it is psu or the unchecked part which is cpu.

You should have posted a list of your hardware.

or you can try your friends psu

Gutted and tested every component in the end, I was just so stuck on this problem.

Ended up interchanging every part but the motherboard and it still didn't work, so its back in RMA >.<. Another 8 weeks with no skyrim haha.

Well, good luck to u marshalllaw,

But what takes 8 weeks? That is way too long.

have you tested gpu
if yes, tested all component and still culprit is unknown, i am kinda out of suggestion

Yep tested the GPU. Put my one in another computer to test it. I also used a friend's working one to no avail.

This problem really is mind boggling isn't it haha.

Thanks for the help everyone!

yes it is