Windows 7 Windows failed to start a recent hardware or software change...Couldnt boot, cant reinstall windows

[CXK]

I've been searching for an answer to this but all I find is people in a different situation. My laptop had a sudden BSOD last night, I restarted and got the failed to start message saying the file "winload.exe" was the problem. I figured i'd just reformat instead of troubleshoot. I pulled the drive out and hooked it up to my other PC to back it up, put it back in and started it up with a Win 7 install disc inside. It did the usual "Windows is loading file" once it finished it went straight back to the same screen. Finding that odd, I decided I'd just force a reformat thinking it was a nasty virus (this is where i think ive messed up). I put it in my desktop and hit format on the drive. Put it back in the laptop and STILL get the same message. Baffled by how it could still be looking for a file that shouldnt exist on the drive anymore I thought "maybe my drive is bad?" so I bought a new one, same thing. I have NO idea where to go from here. I've tried XP, Vista and 7 installs but none pass the initial file load point. How can I repair this when the drive is empty and formatted as a new drive? I can only get it to give me different start up options (safe mode, safe mode networking etc) when I use the Vista SP2 disc (which is what I think was originally installed) but NONE of those options work they all instantly return to the same screen. I'm not a total noob, I build PCs and even do some PC repair on the side but i've never seen this problem. From what I'm reading online no one has formatted the disk and still had the same problem. Does the motherboard think an OS is still installed or something?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems we have some useful insights from the Windows Forum that could help you troubleshoot the issue you're facing after formatting the drive and trying to reinstall Windows. Here are some steps you could consider based on the forum discussions: 1. Adjust Boot Order in BIOS: - Access the BIOS settings on your laptop. - Ensure that the boot order is correctly configured to prioritize booting from the hard drive or the installation media where Windows is being installed. 2. Check Secure Boot and Legacy Boot Options: - Disable Secure Boot and enable Legacy Boot if your system supports it. - Legacy Boot might help in cases where newer settings like Secure Boot are causing compatibility issues. 3. Repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD): - You can use advanced boot options from the Windows installation media to repair the BCD. - Enter the Command Prompt and run bootrec /rebuildbcd to rebuild the BCD configuration. 4. System File Checker (sfc): - Run the System File Checker tool by typing sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt to check for and repair corrupted system files. 5. Check Hard Drive Connection: - Ensure that the hard drive is properly connected to your laptop. - Try using a different SATA port or cable to rule out any connection issues. 6. Reset BIOS Settings: - If you suspect incorrect BIOS settings, you can reset the BIOS to default settings. - Check for any specific settings related to booting or hard drive configuration that might affect the startup process. 7. Boot from a Different Device: - If the issue persists, try booting from a different device or create a bootable USB drive with the Windows Setup. This can help in verifying if the issue is related to the laptop's configuration. Try these steps and see if any of them help in resolving the boot issue you're experiencing after formatting the drive and attempting to reinstall Windows. If you encounter any specific errors or need further assistance, feel free to provide more details so we can assist you accordingly.