[Chris Manser]

Extended test - no errors found

Should I do any of the other options?
-write zeros to drive
-view test results
-print test results
-log file open/close
-enter & print RMA information

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Quick test. And back with no errors, running the extended test now.

Good job and yes I would be more interested in the extended test for sure.

[rshaffer61]

Quick test. And back with no errors, running the extended test now.

Good job and yes I would be more interested in the extended test for sure.

[Chris Manser]

No errors in the extended test as well. Whatever the issue is, it's sure being evasive

[rshaffer61]

Well we know it is not a hard drive issue.
I'm thinking it is a faulty OS installation. Did you have issue while installing?

[Chris Manser]

Nope! No hang ups at all.

[rshaffer61]

The errors point toward the OS as being the issue. Lets see if a repair installation will correct the issue.

OK the issue seems to be the Win 7 OS itself that is causing your problem so lets do a Repair Installation by following the steps HERE.
Please read and follow all instructions carefully.

[Chris Manser]

I did the installation repair last night as per your instruction on page 1, should I run it again?

[rshaffer61]

Nope if that didn't resolve it then the issue is deeper then that.
Lets see if a system file is missing then.


Go HERE and read the tutorial that shows how to do SFC or System File Checker and running in a Elevated Command Prompt in Vista and Win7.

[Chris Manser]

"Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

[rshaffer61]

OK though it seems we are stabbing in the dark I am seeing the variables drop out as we do each test. Please don't give up on this as we will figure this out.

If you have more than one RAM module installed, try starting computer with one RAM stick at a time.

NOTE Keep in mind, the manual check listed above is always superior to the software check, listed below. DO NOT proceed with memtest, if you can go with option A

B. If you have only one RAM stick installed...
...run memtest...


1. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip). If you prefer to use the USB version then use this link USB KEY
2. Unzip downloaded /memtest86+-4.20.iso.zip file.
3. Inside, you'll find /memtest86+-4.20.iso file.
4. Download, and install ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/
5. Insert blank CD into your CD drive.
6. Open ImgBurn, and click on Write image file to disc
7. Click on Browse for a file... icon:



8. Locate memtest86+-4.20.iso file, and click Open button.
9. Click on ImgBurn green arrow to start burning bootable memtest86 CD:



10. Once the CD is created, boot from it, and memtest will automatically start to run. You may have to change the boot sequence in your BIOS to make it work right.

To change Boot Sequence in your BIOS

Reboot the system and at the first post screen (where it is counting up memory) start tapping the DEL button
This will enter you into the Bios\Cmos area.
Find the Advanced area and click Enter
Look for Boot Sequence or Boot Options and highlight that click Enter
Now highlight the first drive and follow the directions on the bottom of the screen on how to modify it and change it to CDrom.
Change the second drive to the C or Main Drive
Once that is done then click F10 to Save and Exit
You will prompted to enter Y to verify Save and Exit. Click Y and the system will now reboot with the new settings.


The running program will look something like this depending on the size and number of ram modules installed:




It's recommended to run 5-6 passes. Each pass contains very same 8 tests.

This will show the progress of the test. It can take a while. Be patient, or leave it running overnight.



The following image is the test results area:



The most important item here is the “errors” line. If you see ANY errors, even one, most likely, you have bad RAM.

[Chris Manser]

All RAM sticks performed equally, able to boot up on a restart, yet stuck at the "Starting Windows" screen with a shut-down and power-up.

Thanks for so much help with this

[rshaffer61]

Hmm interesting as everything seems to check out ok hardware wise so we are back to a OS issue.
Is there a lot that needs to be backed up in order to proceed with a full format and reinstall?

[Chris Manser]

Nope, everything that I wanted to back up, I had already done a few days ago so I'm all set.

[rshaffer61]

OK now I know I asked before but is your Windows installation disk the hologram Genuine Microsoft disk?

[Chris Manser]

It is indeed.