Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

Failed startup/ reformat

Tags:
  • Windows
  • Windows Vista
  • System Restore
Last response: in Windows Vista
Share
December 16, 2013 4:22:05 PM

I had some issues with my computer today so i did a system restore only it got stuck on shutting down for a good hour so i had to shut down manually, when it restarted it stalled on windows starting screen and i could not get past it. I've tried to use a usb with a copy of windows on it to reformat but yet again it loads the windows files then gets stuck on the windows starting screen.

When i disconnect the hdd and restart it loads the windows files and brings me to the setup page however when i reconnect the hdd while in setup it shows no hdd available to format and install on.

I beleive my issue is all down to the failed system restore however i have no clue how to fix it, ive also tried windows recovery with the same issue, any help would be appreciated

More about : failed startup reformat

December 17, 2013 2:48:33 AM

If it can't "see" the hard disk, there may be a BIOS setting you could change. Have a look for an option AHCI and if there is, go into it and change to IDE. Alternatively, the disk may be flawed and could have caused the original problem. If you can slave it to your other machine, run the Checkdisk facility with the /r switch to find and try to fix any disk errors.
December 17, 2013 3:33:16 AM

I solved it myself by using linux (ubuntu) bootable usb. I didn't even have to install it, you can access the os straight from the usb. I went in and saved all my files and reformated the hdd since i couldnt access it at all with windows. Then i just used the pen drive with windows on it to reinstall, hope this helps anyone in a similar situation.
December 17, 2013 3:36:39 AM

Yup - there's nothing like a Linux LiveCD to fix problems that Windows causes and can't cure.
!