Windows failed to start, cannot boot installation CD?

Question

Hey.

I've recently encountered a problem with my Windows Vista. It says "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause." It tells me to insert the Windows installation disc and click "Repair your computer." Safe mode doesn't work, either.

The error is as follows:

File: Windows\System32\Drivers\mkfckwyt.sys
Status: 0x00000225
Info: Windows failed to load because a critical system driver is missing or corrupt.

But the thing is, I can't access the installation disc at all. When I try to boot the CDROM from the F12 list, it just brings me back to the same black "Windows failed to start" screen. I tried setting my first booting device to the CDROM in BIOS, but it doesn't change anything and it still brings me to the same error screen.

Help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Would you believe I had almost the same problem last week. Cost me £30 to get it fixed, but I'll pass the procedural details on to you for jack diddly, but it'll probably end up costing you to get it fixed none the less.

You need another computer for this though. You need to take out the hard drive from that system and install it as a secondary drive on at least a win xp computer. Next thing you need to do is boot up into that XP OS, check which drive letter your faulty hard drive is, open cmd under the start menu, and run the command 'chkdsk x: /F' - where 'x' equals the appropriate letter of the drive that's faulty. It'll scan the hard drive for errors, and attempt to fix the dodgy part of your faulty hard drive. Don't run it once, run it TWICE. AT LEAST. I ran it once for mine (I helped out, which is probably why it didn't cost me that much!), and it picked up something, but didn't do too much else with it. Ran it the second time, and there was a tiny 20kb (on a 500g hard drive) bit of dodgy data space that was messing up my computer. I still don't know if that 20kb was anything useful or not, all I do know is I had almost exactly the same problem with my laptop as you are having with Vista. It did a good job though, it fixed it big style - otherwise I'd have been looking at getting a new hard drive - considering I got Windows 7, no way am I buying a new computer - yet.

You should see a whole chunk of messages - obviously don't disturb it while it's doing stuff - saying that it's moved stuff and is attempting to recover stuff. I reckon it could be physical damage, not necessarily software damage. Depending on the extent of the damage in the first place, you may want to consider getting a new hard drive. By the way, there is no certainty that this will work, so you might not have a choice in the matter. See how it goes.

Answer 2

Windows Failing To Start

Answer 3

Try booting a linux live CD this will get you working again - online and opening editting and saving your word docs etc and you can check that it isnt a hardware fault. If your HDD isnt damaged, all your files will be accessible from linux for use and backup purposes

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/why-use-ubuntu

The download instructions here are very good - you will need a PC that can download a 650mb (approx) approx file and burn it to a cd

If the file size is a problem, try puppy linux the file is much smaller but not as complete

http://puppylinux.org/main/Overview%20and%20Getting%20Started.htm



Sorry I can't help directly with your windows problem, I stopped using windows when vista came out

I hope you get your PC sorted out one way or another

Answer 4

See if in case you have a healing Partition... Do this one first, if it does not fix it try the next two... 1. Reboot, and again and again press F10 on the HP emblem until the healing display appears. 2. When the recuperation screen seems, press "subsequent" and then "sure" to participate in a non-harmful recovery (all information saved). After the recovery is finished, the laptop will reboot. Or to perform a destructive recovery, (***this may occasionally erase your entire unsaved information!***) click "advanced" and then "sure". After the restoration is finished, the desktop will reboot. Or Reboot, and repeatedly press F11. Comply with on screen prompts. © arou42

Answer 5

Your screwed =P. Try using a different hard drive, boot up with it and then put in installion disk?

Answer 6

Try to remove and reconnect your Sata or IDE hard drive (also your CD-ROM). Then Try it again.



or try a different CD or DVD rom.