Hi mru88,

It seems like the Integration between the recovery image and system is corrupted. Partition table is corrupt on the hard drive. You can try the following steps. Please follow the steps mentioned below and then try reinstalling the operating system.

Boot into your Windows 7 or 8 install DVD

Select repair your computer, it will fail and then select the command prompt after a few windows.

Type into command prompt (NO QUOTES)

"diskpart" (enter)
"list disk" (enter)

find your HDD (in my case disk 0)

"select disk 0" (enter)
"clean" (enter)
"exit" (enter)

Note: Please backup all data from the system to perform the above steps.

Please let me know if this helps.

Ravi, I'm afraid it doesn't seem to have made any difference.

Ravi, there is no raid option in the BIOS it is either AHCI or ATA.

Hi mru88,

The system should be under AHCI mode. Ideally the previous steps provided by me should have fixed the issue. I would suggest that you run the diagnostics on the computer after the above steps by following the steps mentioned in the video below and check if there is any issue with the hardware on your system.

http://dell.to/164l6g4

Hi, the diagnostics all completed fine but still couldn't boot from the hard drive.  I have now installed a new hard drive and re-installed windows.

Fortunately I found the MigRestore utility which allowed me to restore the backup from the old drive so at least I haven't lost any pictures etc.