Inspiron Mini 1018 wont restore

Question

When I start my mini I get the Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause black page. I did not erase or change anything to cause the change. There are two options on this page, Launch startup repair and Start Windows normally. Both go through a progression and eventually end up back to the Windows failed to start page. I press F8 at boot up to get to the Advanced options page. I choose repair your computer to restore computer, it goes through a progression but eventually ends up on a blank page with a mouse cursor. I've tried all the other options on the page, safe mode, last known good configuration, etc. They either end up on the Windows failed to start page or a blank page. Is there any other way to get to restore function or recovery image partition? Thanks.

DELL-Sujatha K · Answer

Hi loops08,

I appreciate for the trouble shooting steps tried to resolve the issue. I recommend you to run diagnostics on the hardware components of the system. To run diagnostics restart the system and at the Dell logo tap the F12 key every two seconds. This will start the One-time boot menu. Using arrow keys select ‘Diagnostics’ and hit enter. This will run diagnostics on the hardware components of the system which may take around 5 minutes. Please reply to this post in case of any error message.

In case thte diagnositcs test passes, I suspect the recovery partition is corrupted. The next option is to reinstall the Operating system manually. Let me know the Operating system, I will provide the instruction to reinstall the same.

loops08 · Answer

I ran the diagnostic and all systems passed. Also did the memory test and no problems. Thanks

loops08 · Answer

Windows 7 starter

DELL-Sujatha K · Answer

Hi loops08 , Please find the link below for instruction on manual installation of Windows 7: http://dell.to/Qe7jyP Revert for further assistance.

loops08 · Answer

My understanding is I have to purchase a new copy of Windows 7 os; is this correct? Thanks again.

ejn63 · Answer

In the US,   Outside the US, call Dell for the disc.

loops08 · Answer

I received the Windows 7 Starter USB and resource discs. Does anyone know how I initiate the clean install of Windows 7 from the USB? Thanks

msisson · Answer

I have the same problem.  I did receive an error message during the diagnostics.  Error Code 0142. Msg: Error Code 2000-0142 Msg: Hard Drive 1 - self test unsuccessful. Status:70

ejn63 · Answer

You need to replace your hard drive before you load Windows - yours has failed.

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