Computer won't boot to windows - Fail in Start-Up Tests - Possible Hardware Issue

My mate has given me his laptop to try and fix but when i runf the hp start up tests id comes up with this:
can anyone help?

Hi,
Now the image is viewable, it would look like the Hard Drive has failed and will need to be replaced.
As a further test, if you wish to rule out a possible ( although far less likely ) problem with the sata controller, you try the following.
1. Create a bootable Ubuntu CD - a guide on creating an Ubuntu CD and the download can be found Here.
2. When created, follow the guide on the link below to Try Ubuntu.
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/try-ubuntu-before-you-install
The 'Try Ubuntu' option runs the OS from the CD without the need to install on your HDD. If this runs Ok ( it will be slow running from a CD ), this would tend to confirm that the problem is just with the HDD.
Regards,
DP-K
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****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

Similar Messages

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware of software change might be the cause.

Hello,
Last night when I was finished using it for the day I went ahead and shut it down. Prior to shutting it down it was working perfectly fine. When I went to boot it up this morning, I kept getting the error that windows was unable to start normally and it took me to startup repair multiple times. I don't have the operating system disk (Windows 7) anymore I'm not sure if my computer just didn't come with a windows 7 disk. All I know is that I don't have it anymore. I tried basically everything I could find on the internet that was supposed to help with it and nothing works. I tried going into safe mode and using the command prompt, still nothing. It's now just showing up with a screen saying "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware of software change might be the cause. But like I said, this comes as a problem seeing as though I don't have my windows disc. I would really like to now if there is a way to fix this problem. I am requesting your help to fix this issue.

try to download and burn a copy of win7 from forums.MyDigitalLife.info
match your version and bits of windows
then run repair / Startup Repair 3x off the win7 dvd without letting it try to start into windows. rebuilds your partition tables and fixes a lot of things.
if that doesnt get you into windows... read up and run SFC /offwindir /offbootdir from the win7 dvd
you dont say much what you've tried .. i assume you tried from the F8 menu / startup repair / an older system restore date ?
You need the windows7 dvd !!!

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

I'm using HP dv6 7043 cl. My system was really slow. It was taking almost 7 mins in startup. I tried to reboot but I think I chose the wrong option while doing it. I pressed F9 button. It asked me to choose DVD-R or usb. I chose dvd option as my recovery was made on discs. Later it gave me the hp recovery menu options. There, I chose system recovery. It did it successfully but now the windows is not starting. It says Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. Can someone please help and tell me how can I solve this issue and again get back my original windows?

Hi,
Assuming this may just a problem with the recovery media/process, here's an alternative option you could try.
Before trying the following, make sure you can still read the 25 Character Product Activation key on your Windows COA label ( 5 blocks of 5 alpha/numeric sets ).
An example of a COA Label can be seen Here.
You can create a Windows 7 installation disc yourself using another PC - just download the correct Disc Image ( this must be the same version that originally came with your notebook - this is listed as Windows 7 Home Premium ) from the link below and use an application such as ImgBurn to burn the ISO correctly to a blank DVD - a guide on using ImgBurn to write an ISO to a disc is Here. These Images are clean and from a well-respected source - Digital River.
Windows 7 Images.
Use the disc to perform the installation, enter the Windows activation key found on the COA Label when requested and when the installation has completed, use the 'Phone Method' detailed in the link below to activate the OS - this method supported by Microsoft and is popular with people who just want a clean installation of Windows 7 without the additional software load normally bundled with OEM installations.
http://www.kodyaz.com/articles/how-to-activate-windows-7-by-phone.aspx
Any additional drivers and software you may need can be found Here.
Regards,
DP-K
****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

Satellite L300-19F doesn't boot up - Windows failed to start

My notebook doesn't start up, "Windows failed to start. To fix the problem: restart with recovery CD".
I may do this, but first I do want to try to save data (and pics) from hard disk.
Is it possible, for example, to go to DOS during start up with recovery CD, and copy data to USB-stick?
By the way, all my data is on E:\ partition. Will this be overwritten when installing from recovery?
Please advise. Regards.

> Is it possible, for example, to go to DOS during start up with recovery CD, and copy data to USB-stick?
No, this is not possible!
If you would boot up using recovery disk then the recover procedure would be started and the whole HDD would be formatted!
You can try to boot using an WinPE
http://www.livecd.com/
This will allows you to boot up the unit and to get access to the data on the HDD
You could also built own Windows live CD
Check this:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-create-your-own-custom-windows-live-cd/

Computer won't boot after windows 7 install.... :( [Solved]

I have 2 hard drives. The first drive is my main arch linux install. The second drive I use to install various operating systems. My school was selling windows7 for $30...I couldn't resist the cheap price...now I'm paying for it ><
I unplugged the hard drive with my arch linux install from my computer. (sda) Then installed windows 7 on the second hard drive. I reattached the first hard drive to my computer. (this was so i could avoid having to re-install grub)
My computer would not boot. I decided to install linux mint -- something I was going to do anyway -- that way I could boot into arch linux and fix things. Mint installed fine. But my computer STILL won't boot. I get grub error 22. What's up with that? Is this something to do with windows7?
Hard Drives:
/dev/sda1 ext2 /boot 100 MB
/dev/sda2 extended
/dev/sda5 ext3 arch / 130 GB
/dev/sda3 ext3 arch /home 166 GB
/dev/sda4 swap 1.72 GB
/dev/sdb1 ntfs windows7 65 GB
/dev/sdb4 ext3 mint / 19GB
/dev/sdb2 swap 1GB
/dev/sdb3 ext3 media 900 GB
Should I install grub to the MBR?
I checked to make sure that nothing in my arch linux install was erased using the arch install cd... I really need to get this fixed before classes on monday so any help would be appreciated.
Last edited by Meskarune (2009-10-31 04:26:39)

Xyne wrote:Then again, when you buy Windows, I suppose you're looking for the authentic Windows experience.
I was going to say, even at $30 you still managed to get the full windows experience at first boot!
Meskarune wrote:PS. I heard that windows will override the MBR when it updates... so consequently it is bad to install grub to the MBR in a dual boot system. Will I have to be reinstalling grub all the time?
God i hope not. just stay away from windows if that happens
just thinking about tihs is giving me headaches.
Last edited by toxygen (2009-10-31 03:06:12)

Computer won't boot - Long DST : FAILED

Computer won't start.
When I run HD Diagnostic I get:
SMART CHECK : PASSED
Long DST : FAILED
FAILURE ID : OU7ALM-0007KT-X87T1F-61A003
PRODUCT ID : B7J37EA#UUW
The computer was bought in dec 2012 so I guess no warranty left.

Computer won't start.
When I run HD Diagnostic I get:
SMART CHECK : PASSED
Long DST : FAILED
FAILURE ID : OU7ALM-0007KT-X87T1F-61A003
PRODUCT ID : B7J37EA#UUW
The computer was bought in dec 2012 so I guess no warranty left.

Computer won't boot up, Windows 10.

Yesterday I was using my computer as a monitor for a friend to play a PS3 on. I have the Acer Aspire 5600U All-in-one PC so it has the HMDI ports for need. When he left, i just switched the screen back to the PC only to find an error code, I didn't catch what error it was but my computer was frozen, i let it sit there for maybe 45 minutes stuck on 100% so I force turned it off, when I tried turning it back on, it just turns on the power, & everything works, the hard drive the fans the external devices connected but the screen just turns back off after maybe 10 seconds, I don't have a mouse cursor or anything, just black screen turns on, then turns off, but power remains on & that's it. I have disconnected all the external devices to see if anything was bugging it but nothing worked. I've let the computer sit like that overnight thinking maybe it was just booting itself into a repar, nothing. I don't get a logo i don't get anything, just powers on, then screen turns off. If i power on the PS3 the screen turns on & works, & i have full functionallity of the buttons on the side, but the second i switch to PC it say's "PC No Signal?". No idea what to do.

ComputerGuy,
A dirty shut down is holding the power button down while it is booting up into Windows. Not seeing the display means you will need to time it a bit.
We have a 5600U here, so I went and hooked up a desktop to it via HDMI with the 5600U powered off. The 5600U will power on when it receives a signal from the desktop, but the 5600U is not actually powered on itself. Once the desktop is shut off it display a message that says HDMI no signal and then PC no signal. We pressed the power button on the 5600U and turned it on, repeated the process, and when the external desktop was powered off it changed over to the 5600U itself.
I think that you might be having a hardware problem, possibly the hard drive itself. Like I said, you can try the steps I listed and see if you can get that repair going, otherwise you might want to think about swapping in a different hard drive and loading it to see if that is the problem.

HP Pavilion dm4. Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause

Hi,
I have an HP Pavilion dm4-3114TX running Windows 7.
The laptop went to sleep during a windows update then froze, so I pulled the battery out to restart it. Each time it restarted it kept taking me to a grey screen. I've tried F8, F2, F10, F11, going to advanced settings and no matter what I click on it takes me back to the grey screen with no options (the cusor does move though). It did let me run memory tests though and they seemed to be fine.
I then pulled the internal hard drive out (probably shouldn't of done that) and put it back in. It does the same thing, only this time it's a black screen (cursor moves but is over sized).
I've got file's on there that I do want back, but at the point where I don't care and will wipe it all to factory settings, but unable to even get to those options. I have brought recovery disc's but they don't seem to help either.
Any help would be much appreciated,
Thanks.

Hi @DannyLongLegs ,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I would like to take a moment and thank you for using the forum, it is a great place to find answers. For you to have the best experience in the HP forum, I would like to direct your attention to the HP Forums Guide First Time Here? Learn How to Post and More.
I understand that while doing a Windows update the computer went to sleep and then froze. You removed the battery to restart it but you only get a grey screen.
You were able to access the diagnostics and test the memory and it was fine. You removed the hard drive and reinstalled it.
Now when you boot up you have a black or blank screen but it is oversized.
There are some recent Windows updates that have been causing some issues.
First I would try to boot into safe mode to remove the most recent updates. Please look for these and remove them if found.
KB2982791, KB2970228, KB2975719 and KB2975331.
Another program that may be causing this issue is "Search Protect" if that is located please remove it also.
Entering Safe Mode (Windows 7)
See which Windows updates are installed ( from window.microsoft.com)
Here is a link to Troubleshooting Black Screen Displays with No Error Messages During Startup or Boot
If the issue is not yet resolved I would do a recovery back to factory. Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 7)
During the recovery process you will see an option to backup your personal files to prevent loss. As you stated you have files you would like to retrieve, I would do the backup.
Restoring Files that were Backed Up Using HP Recovery Manager (Windows 7)
Please let me know if this has helped.
Sparkles1
I work on behalf of HP
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change... Bootcamp

Hello everyone, I really need help...
I have a MacPro, Snow leopard, BootCamp 3.1. I installed Windows Vista Ultimate on Bootcamp. I also use Vista home on Parallels 6 (this might be a factor, I don't know yet).
Everything was fine. After a few days, when I tried to start up my mac in Vista via Bootcamp, I get a black screen from windows (windows boot manager), telling me a recent hardware or software change might be the cause. File: \Boot\BCD Status:0xc000000f An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data.
After that, the system freezes.
When I start back up in OS X, I open the BootCamp Drive... and nothing is on there. Unmounting and mounting doesn't help. Before I was able to see the files. The only way to repair is to delete and make a new partition. I have 3 HDDs so I decided to dedicate a complete single, physical drive to Windows. Same thing after 3 days. Programs I used under Mac OS X were Parallels, Dragon Age, Steam. But nothing which should write or delete the Windows Boot.
What is the problem, anyone else experiencing the problem? It is a pain, cause re-installing it every 4 days and updating it all takes half a day.

At this day and age, I'd dump Vista.
You can:
try safe boot
run sfc /scannow
restore to last restore point
rollback driver update
run chkdsk and attempt to fix bad blocks
boot from your Vista DVD and use System Repair features
run out and buy Windows 7 Pro x64
Ask Paralells forum
I have been using Windows 7 Beta, RC and release rock solid on Mac Pro and two PCs.
You tried Bing I hope. Quite good hits.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=Boot%5CBCD+Status%3A0xc000000f
There are currently two ways of repairing the Windows Vista bootloader:
1.With EasyBCD via the Diagnostics Section.
(Recommended, Easy to use and guaranteed results)
2.By booting from the Windows Vista DVD and using the recovery console.
(Use if you cannot boot into any version of Windows to use EasyBCD)

0xc000025 - Trying Recovery System via Recovery Manager: Windows failed to start.

Name: Pavilion dv4-2161nr
Prod. Number: WA691UA#ABA
Windows 7 64-bit
I splitted original Hard Disk Partition in three partitions. I formatted those two not containing O.S. Now I want to format the partition containing the O.S.
1) If I choose "Recovery System", will it format all three partitions? Or will it format the partition I choose to?
2) I tryed "Recovery System", but it failed. What can I do?
     2.1) I made Recovery DVDs when first used the PC. It loads but it never runs. It's like theres no AutoRun, and there's no ".exe" to execute when I open the first DVD Recovery via Windows Explorer. What am I missing?
     2.2) I tryed Recovery System via Recovery Manager. System shuts down and starts reiniciating but it gives the following message "Windows Boot Manger: Windows failed to start. A recent hardware of software change might be the problem. Status: 0xc000025. The boot selection failed because a required device is inacessible". What can I do?
     Regards,
     Rafael.

I tested the Hard Drive and it passed 100% ok.
I tested the Memory and it passed 100% ok.
My PC runs a Win 7 Home Premium.
I've just run a Win 7 Ultimate CD Installation. It formatted the System Partition, but I couldn't get Win 7 installed because when I filled in my Product Key it said the Product Key wasn't right. Is it because Product Key for Win 7 Home Premium wouldn't work on a Win 7 Ultimate installation?
I hoped the Hard Drive would be ok after it had been formatted while I tryed Win 7 Ultimate installation. So I tryed once again to boot with HP Recovery Disc. It stopped at 23% once again. Until 23% there are all noises that get me thinking PC is running ok. When it get up to 23% all noises just stop.
Any ideias?
And thanks once again.
Rafael.

Boot Up Error 0xc0000034 - windows failed to start

I came back from work yesterday and found my laptop displaying a black screen saying that "windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause" and to repair using the windows 7 installation disc.
However windows was pre-installed on my machine so i dont have a disc. I left it on during the day so i can only assume it restarted due to an auto update.
I only got this computer the other day and i really dont need this hassle.
Any ideas??
Ta

> However windows was pre-installed on my machine so i dont have a disc.
You didnt receive any disks because there was preinstalled software called Toshiba Recovery Disk creator.
This allows you to create recovery disk which would help to restore the OS.
But usually there should be a HDD recovery option too.
Try this:
Press F8, choose Repair my Computer, HDD recovery.
If this will not help, then you will need the recovery disk. You can order this here:
https://backupmedia.toshiba.eu/landing.aspx

Windows Failed To Start

Hi,
I own a Lenovo Ideacentre All-in-one A700. OS is Windows 7 64 Bit. Recently I did a bluetooth software update which got stuck in between and I restarted the system. Ever since that, I get a message from Windows Boot Manager saying "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.
To fix the problem:
1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart the computer.
2. Choose your language settings and click next.
3. Click "repair your computer"
Status: 0xc000000f
Info: The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible.
I do not have the OS CD nor have I created the system restore disks. What I do have is the backup of all my data in drive D. Now, when I contacted lenovo through e-mail, they asked me to use One Key Recovery (OKR) and repair my system. I tried using that but then when I tried to take the backup of my files I get a message saying "The Image file is not valid." I did a bit of research in lenovo forums and found out that those whose OKR version is older than 7 face this issue. I checked up my OKR version and found it to be 3.
Here is the link : http://consumersupport.lenovo.com/hk/en/HintsandTips/hints_show_13263616724030.html
I have tried all the other options to load my OS including safe mode, safe mode with command prompt and last known good configuration but it comes back to the same screen. I am also unable to update my OKR to the latest version. I have a lot of important files located in my system. Now, can someone please help/guide me as to what I should do in order to use the backup created already in D drive and restore my system.
Thanks for all the Help !!

Well sorry to say this, but if you look that error up in Microsoft or a internet search it means the HDD is bad.
The only thing I can recommend is to try and take the HDD out and pull the Data from another PC or boot Linux and see if you can copy your Data that way.
Hopefully you can still save your data.
Good luck.
IT Specialist and Consultant
Lenovo Tablet Evangelist
Current Machines: IdeaCentre A300, ThinkPad Tablet, IdeaPad U410, and Yoga 3 Pro Touch
Deutsche Community Comunidad en Español
Lenovo - the latest in DOtabs, DOpads, DOcentre's, DOstations and DOservers!

Windows failed to start. winload.exe corrupt

Been having a few problems with my Equius so decided to boot, do F8, and do a toshiba system restore.
Started up, and began formatting the disk. All of a sudden it blue screened.
Trouble is now I cant even boot that far to get the recovery/restore option. I get :-
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the
cause. . .
File: \Windows\system32\winload.exe
Status:0xc000000f
Info: The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is
missing or corrupt.
Not sure how it all works but I assume the recovery stuff is stored on a separate partition. Trouble is I guess you need to be able to start to load windows before you can even get to this?
I've downloaded and tried a vista boot recovery disk with no joy, and of course, toshiba dont supply a vista disk. How on earth do I recover from this situation?

Hello
At first I must say that I cannot understand why you didnt write which Equium do you have exactly?
Such info is always good for better understanding and discussion.
So, if recovery media was not delivered I think you have newest notebook model. Recovery media is not delivered with new notebooks and it must be created using preinstalled "Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator". This software is preinstalled on all new Vista notebook. it can happen that people don't think about it and because of that Toshiba has designed small reminder with follow content:
+*Important INFORMATION*+
+*your system is equipped with hard disk recovery system. If you need to repair*+
+*your computer by restoring it to original factory state, you can do it directly*+
+*from harddisk (press F8 when you boot your computer, choose "Repair your computer"*+
+*and follow the menue instructions) or create a bootable Recovery Disc Medium for this purpose.*+
+*Toshiba recommends you to create Recovery Disc Medium using the "Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator"*+
+*to ensure that you are able to restore your computer to the original factory installed state, even if your computer gets seriously damaged.*+
So now the question: Have you seen this reminder? Have you ignored it? Have you started preinstalled OS at the first day?
What you have done exactly?
Sorry for all those questions but lot of people make big mistake: they don't even start preinstalled Vista and install WXP immediately.
On this way you will not be able to create recovery DVD and you will also loose F8 option to install Vista from HDD.
To be honest I don't know why this thread was posted under WXP category. As I wrote before after WXP installation on new notebooks you will not be able to use F8 and HDD recovery option.
So if you want good answer please explain to us exactly which notebook model do you have and what you have done in the past.
Bye my friend. Just stay cool we will find some solution or good explanation why this happen
Have a nice day.

Windows failed to start: Insert Windows installtion disk?

Satellite A205-S5843
Windows Update the night before. Next day, the browser was stalling. Eventually Task Manager reported Web Site Browser was not running. I closed down all programs and hit Restart. At the restart all that came on was a small image like when an image is loading. It continued for 20 minutes. None of the buttons would do anything, not even the power button or escape button. I finally unplugged the machine. Now when I turn on the power, I get the following message...
=============
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:
1. Insert your Windows installation disk and restart your computer.
2. Choose language settings. Click next.
3. Click "Repair your computer"
file: \Boot\BCD
Status: 0xc0000001
Info: An error occurred whi;e attempting to read the boot configuration data.
============
Things I have tried:
Disks. I do not have the Windows disk. The recovery disk I made and filed when I purchased the machine gave the same error.
Various button combinations. F8 key + power button. 0 (zero) key + power button. F2 and F12 are the only buttons I can access. I tried Reset to Defaults. Same results on power start.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Recovering to the factory default setup, and rebuilding from there, while not always necessary, is still a good thing every now and then, especially if your system has become quite messed up or corrupted.
I am glad you were able to work it out with your Toshiba Recovery disks. In double checking your specs, it would seem your system never came with the Recovery Partition on your hard drive. Otherwise, there would have been the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator program listed on your pre-installed software, which it is not. So, keep those Recovery Disks safe, and maybe think of making disk copies of each to have a spare.
See these instructions to aid in the upgrade to Windows 7, if any problems persist try the Toshiba Windows 7 Software Installer
How to upgrade to Windows 7 with the Toshiba Upgrade Assistant
Toshiba tools to simplify the Windows 7 installation process (Toshiba Upgrade Assistant for Win7 and Toshiba Win7 Software Installer)
You are very welcome. And, thank you for letting us know what worked. We very much appreicate it when people get back to us, as most do not.
Let us know how it all turns out. Good luck.
Mike

Windows failed to start on Satellite L510

Hi :)
I am not very tech savvy, I have only had my laptop a month. And yesterday when I turned it back on I got this message....
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem: Insert your windows installation disc and restart your computer
If you do not have this disc, contact your system administration or computer manufacturer for assistance.
file: \boot\bcd
status: 0x000000f
info: an error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration
I have been all over these forums and the internet searching for a solution but no luck. It is the weekend so I cannot contact the service line.
I would appreciate a step by step process of whatever it is I need to download or reboot. I do not have the windows installation disc as it did not come with my laptop.
I really do appreciate your help in advance ;)

Hi
Well, the error message says everything for me. Insert the Windows disk *or* contact the manufacture (Toshiba). ;)
By the way: It would be interesting to know if you can boot in safe mode. Check this!!
If yes you could start the HDD recovery. Therefore select Repair my Computer in advanced boot menu and follow the screen instructions.
Yes, with the notebook didnt come a disk but you can create one!!!
Please read the user manual always first.
Now its too late to create such a disk but you can order a new one from Toshiba directly:
https://backupmedia.toshiba.eu/landing.aspx

Computer won't boot to windows - Fail in Start-Up Tests - Possible Hardware Issue

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