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

Emuchops

NiftyDigits wrote: »

How is it going?

Thanks for your help-just downloading now.

Emuchops

waddler_8 wrote: »

From the F8 menu do you see the option

"Repair your computer"

If so, choose that option, and at the System Recovery Options, choose "System Restore"

Restore to an earlier date.

Thanks-Yes, I get the 'repair your computer option' but when selected it just goes back to the black/white screen and the 2 options' launch startup repair' or 'start windows normally'-both of which do nothing except send me back to that screen again.

Emuchops

Johnmcl7 wrote: »

What do these coloured squares look like exactly and when do they occur, is it only briefly while trying to load windows or are they more constant?

John

They last for about 20 seconds-look quite promising, like normal Windows startup, then disappear and back to black screen with white type advising "The AC power adapter wattage and type cannot be determined, The battery may not charge. The system will adapt to match the power available. Please connect a Dell 65WAC adapter, or greater for the best system performance. Strike the F3 key (before F1 or F2 key) if you do not want to see power warning message again. Strike F1 key to continue and F2 to run the setup utility'-I think we get this message as the battery is not working (not worked for months) and it's used plugged into mains only.
F1/F2 options just lead back to 'launch startup repair/start windows normally' options, which just lead back to that same page again.

Stooby2

Emuchops wrote: »

Thank you-Possibly an option but no idea how to transfer laptop keyboards... The keyboard seems perfectly responsive-just not giving the options I need.

Ah sorry I missed the word "laptop" in your post. Dell Inspiron keyboards are actually very easy to get out, but if you can select F8 and move between start modes then it's not likely to be the problem.

Emuchops

NiftyDigits-trying to pm you but you're 'full'.

Emuchops

To remedy the problem I reinstalled Windows 7, but unable to get Internet connection as 'Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter', so I got the 'Drivers and Devices' disc that came with the Dell laptop and ran that-but it made no difference. Then I went to the Dell website (using other HP laptop) to burn a disc with new driver info on it, but it won't do it (I'm downloading it, saving it to desktop, putting a DVD in slot then 'sending it to DVDRW F'-but its saying it 'can't read from the source file or disc'. When I try and save it directly to 'DVDRW disc' it sounds like it's doing something then I get a message saying 'Data error-cyclic redundancy check'
I'm really losing the will here so if anyone has any advice (in simple language please)-I would be really grateful. Dawn

Emuchops

Right, I've sorted the disc-burned the Dell driver details to it and installed it in the laptop and it still isn't connecting. Now it says 'a network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken'-Ive checked and can't see any problems with the cable. Any suggestions much appreciated....Its telling my to put an Ethernet cable in it, but we use it wirelessly?

NiftyDigits

Emuchops wrote: »

Right, I've sorted the disc-burned the Dell driver details to it and installed it in the laptop and it still isn't connecting. Now it says 'a network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken'-Ive checked and can't see any problems with the cable. Any suggestions much appreciated....Its telling my to put an Ethernet cable in it, but we use it wirelessly?

Plug the Ethernet cable in between the laptop and the Router.... when you have an Internet connection.

Once connected, click here and go to 'Get Drivers' and then;

'Let us tell you which drivers you need and guide you through installation.
'Analyze Now'

Emuchops

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Plug the Ethernet cable in between the laptop and the Router.... when you have an Internet connection.

Once connected, click here and go to 'Get Drivers' and then;

'Let us tell you which drivers you need and guide you through installation.
'Analyze Now'

Right, don't want to speak too soon, but think I've sorted it. Another big 'thank you'. Dawn.

HereToday

Have a look here and confirm there are no Unknown Devices.

Usually when you re-install, you install from Boot, choose Custom Install and then Drive Options(Advanced) in order to delete the System Reserved and the partition next to it. But in this case you can leave it until you may have the need to run a clean install again.