Windows boot manager

[xkjonathanxk]

I have a compaq desktop. The issue started about a week ago I was running windows 7 when I got the message

It says "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:
1. insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and click "Next."
3. Click "Repair your Computer".

Status: 0xc0000225.

Ive tried using a different hard drive and I still get the error.

I traded my xbox for the computer about 2 years ago and the guy gave me a windows 7 disk. So I put in the disk then it goes through the loading files screen then it goes to the windows is starting screen and about 3 seconds later I get the error. I talked to one of the local computer repair guy and hes charging me $175 to fix it. Now im only a senior in highschool and cant come up with that much money. Can you guys help me? I really need the computer.

 

[johnb35]

Did you install anything prior to this happening either software or hardware? Could be a corrupt hard drive. Have you tried testing it?

 

[xkjonathanxk]

No nothing at all. Ive tested the harddrive and it passed I also bought a new harddrive and it gave me the same error.

 

[johnb35]

Most likely a memory issue then if you can't even install windows fresh. Download and create a memtest cd to test the memory one stick at a time. Also could be a hardware issue somewhere. Can you give us a list of your specs?

 

[xkjonathanxk]

Cant really tell you alot since I cant access windows but on the cover it says
3400 AMD Athlon 64 Proccessor 512MB PC3200 memory

 

[johnb35]

So definately an old machine. I would start with a memtest and go from there.

 

[StrangleHold]

Kinda odd the guy would say 175 bucks, when he really doesn't have any idea whats wrong with it. Would stay away from him.

 

[xkjonathanxk]

Cant post the picture but it has alot of errors

 

[johnb35]

Then replace the memory. You still might have to reinstall windows though.

 

[johnb35]

Kinda odd the guy would say 175 bucks, when he really doesn't have any idea whats wrong with it. Would stay away from him.

Exactly my thoughts too.

 

[StrangleHold]

If you have two sticks of memory, try using one at a time.

 

[xkjonathanxk]

My mom said the same thing. I installed the ram and ran the memtest and it did a short beep and im not getting errors now

 

[StrangleHold]

Is that just with one stick? If so then the other stick is bad.

 

[xkjonathanxk]

Haha i had spares from when I go to yard sales one was 1 gig and the other was 256 mb I believe. The memtest is at 47% and still havent had any errors. What should I do now ?

 

[johnb35]

Let it run for a couple passes to be sure. Wouldn't run XP with less than 1gb of ram.

 

[xkjonathanxk]

It did the first pass without any errors. Its running windows 7 or should I install windows xp ?

 

[StrangleHold]

If you already have 7 I would just leave it.

 

[xkjonathanxk]

Thank you guys so much!! it booted up and I have my old computer now :good:

 

[johnb35]

Glad to hear, good job!!!