When Windows won’t start at all

If Windows won’t start at all, try to start Windows 7 in Safe Mode. This is a special mode in which Windows 7 loads only the minimum services, drivers, and programs it needs to get going. Getting to Safe Mode isn’t always easy. You have to restart the computer and then press the F8 key after the POST (Power on Self Test) but before Windows starts to load. If your keyboard has a Function Lock (F Lock) key, you have to make sure that it’s on before you press F8. In a pinch, you can restart the computer and then press F8 repeatedly for the first few seconds. But again, keep an eye on the Function Lock key because it might go off once or twice during the restart.

When you’ve pressed the F8 key at just the right time, you’ll see a screen that shows several options for starting Windows, as summarized here:

• Safe Mode: Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services so that you can use other tools such as System Restore, Device Manager, Installed Programs, and others to try to fix the problems. For example, you could uninstall known faulty programs and devices and then return to an earlier restore point.

• Safe Mode with Networking: Same as previous, but provides access to the Internet and a private network.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts windows without the GUI (graphical user interface).

• Enable Boot Logging: Creates a log file named ntbtlog.txt that lists all drivers that were loaded during startup.

• Enable Low-Resolution Video (640x480): Starts with low resolution and refresh rates to reset display settings.

• Last Known Good Configuration: Starts Windows with the last successful configuration (an easy fix for many problems!).

• Directory Services Restore Mode: Starts a domain control running Active Directory so that directory services can be restored.

• Debugging Mode: Starts in an advanced troubleshooting mode for professionals.

• Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure: Prevents Windows from automatically restarting during a failed startup. This gets you out of the endless loop of crashing and restarting.

• Start Windows Normally: Starts normally with all drivers and services.

• Disable Driver Signature Enforcement: Allows improperly signed drivers to be loaded at startup.

• Repair Your Computer: Use this option to repair your installation of Windows 7.

Often, choosing the Last Known Good Configuration option will get you back to the desktop. Or you can go into Safe Mode to get to a minimal desktop. Either way, when you’re at the desktop, you may be able to fix the problem. For example, if the problem started right after you installed new hardware, use Device Manager to uninstall the device driver. Then shut down the computer, physically remove the device, and restart.


Source of Information : Windows 7 Bible