Win7 Netbook Won't Boot

[Dell Christopher]

Dell Inspiron Mini
Windows 7 Starter

I'm trying to help a friend, whose daughter's Dell netbook has the following
message (white letters on black screen):

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the
cause. To fix the problem:
1. Insert Windows installation disc and restart computer
2. Choose language settings > Next
3. Click "repair computer"

File: \Boot\BCD
Status: 0xc000000f

This netbook does not have a CD/DVD tray so there is no way I can try the
Windows disc option. I have tried to press the F8 key but it won't take me
to the screen with advanced start-up options. I also tried going into
Setup, and loading System Defaults. Still no luck and still stuck on this
message.

Any suggestions? All feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[KCB]

Dell Inspiron Mini
Windows 7 Starter

I'm trying to help a friend, whose daughter's Dell netbook has the
following message (white letters on black screen):

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be
the cause. To fix the problem:
1. Insert Windows installation disc and restart computer
2. Choose language settings > Next
3. Click "repair computer"

File: \Boot\BCD
Status: 0xc000000f

This netbook does not have a CD/DVD tray so there is no way I can try the
Windows disc option. I have tried to press the F8 key but it won't take
me to the screen with advanced start-up options. I also tried going into
Setup, and loading System Defaults. Still no luck and still stuck on this
message.

Any suggestions? All feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

When the computer is booting, is there an option for a Boot Menu/Boot
Options? Maybe this would get you access to a recovery partition. Also,
when trying the F8 key, have you tried tapping it until the Advanced Screen
appears. Holding it down will sometimes result in a keyboard error, and
just pressing it once is not likely to be at the exact moment it needs to be
pressed.

 

[Christopher Muto]

Dell Inspiron Mini
Windows 7 Starter

I'm trying to help a friend, whose daughter's Dell netbook has the
following message (white letters on black screen):

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be
the cause. To fix the problem:
1. Insert Windows installation disc and restart computer
2. Choose language settings > Next
3. Click "repair computer"

File: \Boot\BCD
Status: 0xc000000f

This netbook does not have a CD/DVD tray so there is no way I can try
the Windows disc option. I have tried to press the F8 key but it won't
take me to the screen with advanced start-up options. I also tried going
into Setup, and loading System Defaults. Still no luck and still stuck
on this message.

Any suggestions? All feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

get a usb memory stick and using a working computer make it bootable and
put a copy of windows 7 started on it and then use the memory stick to
boot the dell mini.

 

[G. Morgan]

This netbook does not have a CD/DVD tray so there is no way I can try the
Windows disc option. I have tried to press the F8 key but it won't take me
to the screen with advanced start-up options. I also tried going into
Setup, and loading System Defaults. Still no luck and still stuck on this
message.

This will do it.

http://mintywhite.com/windows-7/7maintenance/download-windows-7-burn-discput-thumb-drive/

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

get a usb memory stick and using a working computer make it bootable and
put a copy of windows 7 started on it and then use the memory stick to
boot the dell mini.

Also, an external USB CD/DVD drive will allow the same choice, so they
can boot from the Windows CD that way.

I should say *should* allow the same choice. The only netbooks I've used
will let me boot from the USB optical drive, and I assume that's
standard these days.

 

[Christopher Muto]

Also, an external USB CD/DVD drive will allow the same choice, so they
can boot from the Windows CD that way.

I should say *should* allow the same choice. The only netbooks I've used
will let me boot from the USB optical drive, and I assume that's
standard these days.

yes, an external optical drive (cd/dvd) would also server as a boot
device for the dell mini, but it is more costly than a usb memory stick.
8gb sticks go for between $10-15 these days and fit an entire copy of
even windows 7 ultimate, drivers, office, and plenty of room to spare.
and 4gb card is not large enough for windows 7 ultimate but perhaps
starter edition would fit on it.

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

yes, an external optical drive (cd/dvd) would also server as a boot
device for the dell mini, but it is more costly than a usb memory stick.
8gb sticks go for between $10-15 these days and fit an entire copy of
even windows 7 ultimate, drivers, office, and plenty of room to spare.
and 4gb card is not large enough for windows 7 ultimate but perhaps
starter edition would fit on it.

Your point is excellent, of course.

My perspective is warped by the fact that I got an external drive for my
netbook anyway, before even thinking about the above use

While we're here, we could even note that the size of a USB stick is
more compatible esthetically with the form factor of a netbook.