How do I fix a Windows 7 that wont boot up?
This guide details how you can troubleshoot and fix a computer that won’t start (or won’t boot). Show
This guide goes through various solutions and fixes that you can apply for most Windows versions: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. Contents
Fix with Easy Recovery EssentialsUsing Easy Recovery Essentials (EasyRE) and its built-in Automated Repair process, you can find and fix various boot errors that prevent your computer from starting. Everything is done in one single-click:
Download Easy Recovery Essentials by clicking this link. General fixes if Windows won’t startFix #1: Boot into Last Known Good ConfigurationIf Windows doesn’t start, booting in the Last Known Good Configuration mode usually fixes this. To boot into this mode, follow these steps:
Fix #2: Boot into Safe ModeHere are the steps you need to follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your computer:
You can now try to uninstall recently added hardware drivers or software applications. Fix #3: Remove recently added hardwareIf you recently added a new piece of hardware, follow these tips:
Fix #4: Run chkdsk and sfcThe chkdsk and sfc utilities, part of Windows, can detect issues with your HDD. To run chkdsk and sfc, follow these steps:
If you don’t have the original Windows disc, use Command-line from Easy Recovery Essentials (our recovery and repair disc) to run these commands:
To download Easy Recovery Essentials, click here. Fix #5: Run msconfigIf Windows won’t start because of a recently added software that runs at startup, you can use the msconfig utility to disable startup services or software applications:
Fix #6: Check for virusesIf you don’t have an antivirus software that you can use, get Easy Recovery Essentials and use built-in antivirus scanner which can run outside Windows, if you can’t boot into your computer: The Professional Edition of Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows features a powerful antivirus and rootkit scanner that can normally resolve this and similar errors caused by viruses, rootkits, trojans, or spyware. EasyRE is currently available for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 and can be downloaded and created on any PC.
You can download Easy Recovery Essentials from here. Fixes if Windows Vista or 7 won’t startBefore following these fixes, go to General fixes if Windows won’t start. Fix #1: Run Startup RepairTo run Startup Repair, follow these steps:
Fix #2: Restore the MBRRestoring the MBR of your computer might fix the computer to boot again. To do so, you need to run the bootrec utility:
Fix #3: Disable Automatic RestartDisabling the Automatic Restart option on a Windows Vista or 7 system might work and make the computer boot again. To do so, perform these steps:
Fix #4: Use System RestoreWith System Restore, you can revert your computer to a working state earlier in time. Since you can’t start Windows, you can run System Restore from Safe Mode:
If you can’t access the Advanced Boot Options menu, Easy Recovery Essentials also lets you access restore points from an external DVD or USB drive. Fixes if Windows 8 won’t startBefore following these fixes, go to General fixes if Windows won’t start. Fix #1: Restore the MBRSimilarly to the Windows Vista or Windows 7 steps to restore the MBR, use the Windows 8 DVD or USB to perform the same bootrec commands:
Fix #2: Refresh or ResetWindows 8 or Windows 8.1 can be refreshed or reseted. These 2 operations – Refresh or Reset – can be used to fix a non-working Windows. To perform a Refresh, follow these steps:
To perform a Reset, follow these steps:
Fixes if Windows 10 won’t startBefore following these fixes, go to General fixes if Windows won’t start. Fix #1: Restore the MBRSimilarly to the Windows Vista 8 steps to restore the MBR, use the Windows 10 DVD or USB to perform the same bootrec commands:
Fix #2: Refresh or ResetWindows 8 or Windows 8.1 can be refreshed or reseted. These 2 operations – Refresh or Reset – can be used to fix a non-working Windows. To perform a Refresh, follow these steps:
To perform a Reset, follow these steps:
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Propose an edit How can I fix my PC when Windows 7 won't boot?Verify the Computer Finishes Initial Power-Up (POST) ... . Unplug All External Devices. ... . Check for Specific Error Messages. ... . Reset the BIOS to Default Values. ... . Boot to the Hard Drive Using the One-Time Boot Menu. ... . Run a Computer Diagnostic. ... . Boot the Computer into Safe Mode. ... . Attempt to Boot to the Last Known-Good Configuration.. Why is Windows 7 not booting up?In many cases, having Windows 7 fail to boot may be as simple as having your BIOS set with an incorrect boot order sequence. It can be quite common if you have more than one hard drive installed in your computer and your BIOS gets reset.
What is the solution when Windows won't boot?On the Install Windows screen, select Next > Repair your computer. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot. On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair. After Startup Repair, select Shutdown, then turn on your PC to see if Windows can boot properly.
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