Resolving Startup Problems in Windows Vista

Resolving Startup Problems in Windows Vista
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This document applies to all desktop computers with Windows Vista.

This document provides possible solutions to many common computer startup issues. Select the closest match from the following list of symptoms to find a solution to the problem. If you cannot find a symptom that matches the condition of your system, use the section Standard steps to resolve most startup problems .



NOTE: *IMPORTANT* Before using this document, make sure that all floppy drives, CD/DVD drives, USB ports, and all memory card reader slots are empty and all non-essential devices (printers, scanners, external hard drives and similar) are disconnected. Only the mouse, monitor, and keyboard should be connected.


The computer cannot be powered on

There is no noise from the case or processor fans, lights on the front of the computer remain unlit, and the monitor is not receiving a video signal.

Use the following support document: Troubleshooting Power Supply Issues .

The computer powers on but makes beeping sounds

Beeps typically sound when a key on the keyboard is stuck, a memory dimm or a hard drive cable is not properly seated, or a catastrophic hardware failure has occurred. Disconnect the mouse and keyboard and try to start the computer again. If the beeping noise stops, repair or replace those devices.

To find out more information about the specific beep pattern, use the following support document: BIOS Beep Codes and Error Message Descriptions .

Computer starts but monitor is blank or unresponsive.

The monitor is on but remains blank when you turn on the computer or a message stating that a video signal is not detected appears on the monitor when you turn on both the monitor and computer.

You need to determine if the issue is related to the monitor, software, or video hardware. Use the following support document: The Monitor is Blank after Starting the Computer .

A message displays on the screen:

Select a message that best matches the message that appears on the display. If your message is not listed, use the section Standard steps to resolve most startup problems .


CPU Fan Failed

To resolve this error please refer to the support document Error: CPU Fan Failed .

Disk boot failure

Use the section Standard steps to resolve most startup problems .

File is missing

For all file missing errors that cause startup problems use the section Standard steps to resolve most startup problems when a hard drive is detected .

OS not found.

Use the section Standard steps to resolve most startup problems .

Non-system disk error.

Use the section Standard steps to resolve most startup problems .

Real time Clock Error

Windows should still be able to be opened by pressing F2 after this message, but the time and date will be incorrect and should be reset. The battery for back up has most likely run out of power. Just like a battery on a watch, the computer has a battery on the motherboard to back up time and settings when the computer is off. Remove and replace the CMOS battery and then correct the time to prevent this error from occurring.

Smart Failure (or similar)

Also may display as Smart failure Imminent, S.M.A.R.T. Status BAD, Backup and Replace. to understand this error and what you can do, please refer to the
support document Error: Smart Failure Imminent Back Up Your Data .

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause

To resolve this error and to help prevent it from occurring in the future please refer to the support document Windows Error Recovery: Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause .

Windows Product Activation

Windows is expecting you to enter a product key for authentication purposes. Enter the product key from the side panel of the computer. If problems persist or you want to learn more, please refer to the support document Windows Product Activation .


All other startup problems

Use the Standard steps below to resolve the problem.


Standard steps to resolve most startup problems
First, use the following steps to determine if the hard drive is being detected in the BIOS:


Before you begin, remove everything (like USB drives, and CD and DVD discs) from the computer and connect only the original mouse, monitor and keyboard.

Turn on the computer and press the F10 key repeatedly at the first screen to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

Verify that a hard drive name is listed from the general screen.


Figure 1: Example of a hard drive name listed in the BIOS (Western Digital)




If the hard drive name is listed, refer to the steps in the section Hard drive detected .

If the hard drive name is missing or the text Auto or None is listed, refer to the steps in the section Hard Drive is not detected .




Hard drive is detected


Use the following procedure to repair the file system on the hard drive:


Turn off the computer and wait at least 5 seconds with the computer in a full off state.

Turn on the computer and press the F8 key repeatedly as the computer starts.

An "Advanced Boot Options" screen opens.

Select Repair Your Computer and press Enter.

Select a keyboard layout that matches your country/region and click Next.

When the login prompt appears, select the user name with Administrator rights (not Administrator) from the User Name drop down. The user name with Admistrator rights is most likely the first user name that was entered during the initial computer setup.

Type the logon password into the Password field and then click OK.



NOTE: If you do not know the password, leave the Password field blank and click OK. If you are unable to get past the password window, notify the system administrator for the password or perform a system recovery to restore the system to its previous state.

A System Recovery Options window opens.


Figure 2: System Recovery Options



Click Startup Repair.

A Startup Repair window opens and automatically scans for startup problems.


Figure 3: Startup Repair



Perform the actions suggested by Startup Repair: system restore, correct damaged or missing files, or other action.



NOTE: A window may appear stating that Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically. If an Internet connection is active, click Send information about this problem to help Microsoft better understand and react to these issues. Otherwise, continue to the next step.

After Startup Repair has been used, try to open Windows.


If Windows Vista opens, you are done.

If Windows Vista does not open, perform the first portion of this section again to open the Startup Recovery Options window and continue.


From the Starup Recovery Options window, click Command Prompt.

Enter the following at the command prompt:

bootrec /fixboot

Enter the following at the command prompt:

bootrec /fixmbr


Figure 4: Command console



After the bootrec tool has been used, close all open Windows to restart the computer and open Windows.


If Windows Vista opens, you are done.

If Windows Vista does not open, continue using these steps.


Perform a full system recovery using recovery discs. For more information refer to the support document Performing an System Recovery in Windows Vista .

If the recovery cannot be completed from recovery discs, replace the hard drive



Hard Drive is not detected


Perform the following steps when the hard drive is not detected:


Step 1: Resetting BIOS


First, reset the BIOS to make sure the BIOS settings are correct:


Turn on the computer and press F10 repeatedly to open the BIOS setup screen.

Press the F5 key to reset the default BIOS settings. Use the arrow keys to select Yes or OK and press Enter.

Press the F10 key to save settings and exit. Use the arrow keys to select Yes or OK and press Enter.

Turn off the computer.

Remove the power cord.

Press and hold the power button for five seconds.

Reconnect the power cord and turn on the computer.

If the startup problem is gone, you are done.

If the startup problem still exists, continue to the next section.



Step 2: Disconnecting and reconnecting hard drive cable


Use the following steps to remove and reseat the hard drive cables:



WARNING: The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.



CAUTION: This product contains components that are easily damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a non-carpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (like a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap that is connected to a grounded surface, like the metal frame of a computer.


Remove the side panel by loosening the side panel screws and sliding the panel to the back of the computer.


Figure 5: Example of one type of side panel. Your PC may be different.



Find the power cable connected to the hard drive. Disconnect and reconnect the power cable.

IDE power and data cable location
Serial ATA (SATA) power and data cable location






Find the IDE or SATA data cable connection to the hard drive. Disconnect and reconnect the IDE or SATA data cable from the hard drive.

Find the IDE or SATA data cable connection on the motherboard. Disconnect and reconnect the IDE or SATA data cable from the socket on the motherboard.

Replace the side panel.

Plug the power cable back into the computer.

Turn on the computer and wait to see if the startup problem still exists:

If the problem has been resolved, you are finished.

If the problem still exists try the following, depending on whether or not the hard drive is IDE or SATA:

IDE: Make sure the jumper setting and cable connections are correct. For more information refer to Jumper Settings for the Installation of IDE Hard Disks and CD, CDRW, and DVD Drives

SATA: Try a different SATA connection on the motherboard.


If the startup problem still exists, replace the hard drive.