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Cannot Boot to Windows 7 or Command Prompt

Anonymous
2016-03-20T21:07:41+00:00

I am unable to boot Windows 7 or get to dos command prompt.  I am running Windows 7 Premium, 64 bit on an HP Pavillion DV&t CTO Entertainment laptop.  This is due to the drive letters having changed themselves.  The C: drive is only 585 mb.  The D: drive used to be the system recovery to restore the computer to original factory but this is now a G: Drive.  Windows is located on Drive E:.

I've tried the windows repair disk and system image disks and also booting to Safe Mode with C: prompt, all of which result in a blank screen. 

I need to get into Dos to be able to change the drive letter to the correct files and hopefully run system recovery which should allow me to access the once named D: that contained the Windows 7 factory reinstall software.   

I have seen help for changing drive letter and also have seen help for recovering the system, but I have seen no assistance when both problems exist. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am running Windows 7. 64 bit, Premium.  I have an HP Pavillion.  There is no Windows CD.  D: is the "Recovery" drive.  Now I can't boot up to windows or to command prompt.  The C: drive has 545 mb.  The D: drive is now what had been the C: drive.  G: now contains the "Recovery" data.  Since C: is not large enough and the "Recovery" is set to resurrect the C: drive, I am unable to get the laptop back to out-of-factory condition.  I would appreciate any help you can provide.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-21T15:07:49+00:00

    There is no Windows 7 Disk.  On an HP, there is a partition that contains the Windows 7 upload software.  However, since the letters have changed and C: is only 585 mb. I cannot Recover.  I can't boot to Safe Mode or Command Prompt. 

    When I boot it goes to a blank screen.  When I hit f11, I do get options and one is to Recover, but C: is now so small, I cannot use that option.

    I need to be able to change the letter back to the original and then Recover should work properly.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-03-28T13:11:37+00:00

    Hi,

    It could be due to the display drivers or resolution. So, I would suggest you to try the steps provided below and see if it helps.

    Method 1

    Try to boot the computer in safe and with low resolution mode and see if it brings any difference. For booting the computer in this mode you may refer to the article mentioned below.

    Advanced startup options (including safe mode)

    Method 2

    If issue persists, try to update display drivers by following the steps provided in the article mentioned below.

    **Update drivers: recommended links**

    Do keep us updated.

    Regards,

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-03-22T23:45:59+00:00

    I also have an HP Pavilion that just totally died.  However, unlike others, nothing ever appears on the monitor.  None of the function keys respond (e.g. <F10> doesn't get to bios) and neither of the BRay drives's indicators are active nor do they attempt to run the repair disc.   The only active status lights are on the power supply and monitor.  The monitor's status light even flashes, like it normally does when booting up.  Other things:  disconnect power for 30 min.  Swapped out monitor and it works fine on another desktop.  Bottom line:  Pavilion's monitor remains 100% dark while appearing to boot but never does, even after leaving overnight.   Any ideas?

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-03-21T08:31:26+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for visiting Microsoft Community.

    As per the description, I understand that you can’t boot to your PC running Windows 7. I will certainly help you with the issue.

    I would suggest you to use bootrec.exe tool and check if it helps.

    Refer this article:

    Use Bootrec.exe in the Windows RE to troubleshoot startup issues

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/927392

    You may create Windows 7 installation media using this link.

    Refer:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

    if the issue persist Boot from a Windows 7 Bootable Media.

    1. Click on “Troubleshoot”, click “Advanced Options”
    2. Then click “Command Prompt”
    3. Type these following commands and hit enter after each line of command:

    bootrec /scanosbootrec /rebuildbcdbootrec /fixmbrbootrec /fixboot

    Restart the computer and check.

    Hope this information helps.

    Reply us with the status of the issue.

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