windows 7 error recovery, windows failed to start

Question

My Sons Dell Inspiron 15R N5110 Service Tag:<ADMIN NOTE: Service tag removed per privacy policy>

, Windows 7 It hasn't been used in a month, Battery was dead, charged over night (Batt at 100%) & started. and get the following....

"Windows error Recovery" Windows failed to start. A Recent hardware or software change might be the cause.it would keep doing this...even in Safe Mode.

I then launched start up repair, then I get this message "windows startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically"

"System restore", I tried a system restore but had no restore points saved. I then restored to "Factory Install". Every thing went smooth but still goes to the same message "Windows error Recovery" at startup.

I then ran the ePSA diagnostics and everything passed. Rebooted & back to the "Windows error Recovery" screen

I then went to F2 at start up to check the boot sequence,

"Main" System time & Date are wrong. If I try to change them or anything it says "Setup is Locked! Enter the admin password into security -> Unlock setup to enable changes. I don't know this password & it wont let me Set Admin password on security page. I got password & fixed the date & time but still does the same thing.

Current boot sequence is

1- Diskette (which I dont have)

2- Hard drive

3- USB sorage device

4- cd/dvd/cd- rw drive

5- eSATA

6- Network

Any ideas??

Thanks!

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

If you haven't yet run the full (extended) hard drive diagnostic, that's next - F12 at powerup. This is not the quick 10-minute drive test -- it will take you about two hours.

It sounds like the hard drive is very much suspect (the quick test does not test the hard drive media).

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

If you did not prepare a recovery disc, you'll either need to contact Dell for that, or use a Digital River WIndows 7 ISO download (you can use your product key on the label in the battery compartment) -- you cannot download the recovery media from Dell.

Manual install instructions

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=DSN_362048

On this model, the replacement of a hard drive isn't trivial (see below):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0OM7cothHU

David Mayger · Answer

Hey Ejn63,

Thank you kindly for a reply mate. I have since determined that the hard drive is bad. Apologies for getting pissy in last post, just thought it sad that I had to get help outside of Dells website. Not to mention an admin could take the time to edit my post but not direct me with any info I seek? Anyway, I have the new hard drive here now but now will need to download my dell digital...which in itself is being difficult as it keeps wanting to register the other Dell computer im on.

Any Ideas on how I can download the software &need for this laptop on a flash drive to reinstall on the new hard drive?

Thanks

David

David Mayger · Answer

Seriously? How does it go this long without an answer or at least a reply, yet an admin can edit due to service tag being in post? This is what Dells customer service has come to? Sad as I have bought thousands of dollars of Dell computers in last 10 years but guess this will be my last.

David Mayger · Answer

Ejn63, Thank you so much for the help...Vid was great, I have a windows 7 disc & the product key on laptop. Will do a fresh install from it. They should pay you here! Thanks again!

Philip_Yip · Answer

See my set of guides which will help assist with the Windows install:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/

Note if you are looking for factory preinstalled software from My Dell Downloads it seems not to be working at the moment.

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windows 7 error recovery, windows failed to start

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