Computer Startup Troubleshooting (CD, RAM, hard drive, bios)

[jmjordan]

Hello, I'm out of my league here - was hoping someone could guide me the right way.

My computer, when starting up gives says "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause of this."

Then gives me the option of Launch Startup Repair (recommmended)
Start Windows Normally

No matter what option I choose, "Windows is loading files..." and then it gets stuck on the generic Windows screen with the extra large mouse. It won't budge from there.

Not sure what to do from here.

Would really appreciate any input. Thank you.

[NickySantoro]

I had a similar problem that got progressively worse. It was a bad RAM chip.
FWIW
YMMV

[plwhit]

What you could do is remove (one by one) the memory sticks and using an eraser (like found on a pencil) gently scrub the contacts, wipe the stick clean and replace it.

Also do the same to any pluggable PCB's.

Reseat all the ribbon cables (both ends).

If you have access to another system download the Ultimate Boot CD for Windows, burn it and see if the system boots off of it... (might require you to change the boot order in the BIOS)

The Boot CD has numerous tools you can run to diagnose your hardware...

UBCD for Windows

[NHDave]

To get down to some actual diagnostics, determine the brand of hard drive, then on another PC download their diagnostic software, you usually download an iso to create a bootable CD.

If the hard drive passes then test the RAM using Memtest PassMark MemTest86 - Memory Diagnostic Tool

[jmjordan]

Darn, this all seems to be a little past my knowledge. May have to go to a pro.

If it means anything - I bought a new HD, tried to install windows to it - and couldn't get very far. It tried to install but wouldn't make any progress past 0%.

**Edit
Someone recommended using the a Windows 7 Recovery Disk. Before I buy this - would that really solve my problem?