Resolved Dell Inspiron Does Not Boot

I have a laptop that won't boot into Windows 10. Dell logo appears and then I get a message - similar to this:

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change may be the cause. To fix the problem:
(1) Insert Windows Installation Disk - Don't Have.
If you do not have, contact ...Adm or Mfr.
File \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD
Status 0xc0000225
Info: The boot configuration for your computer is missing or contains errors.

I tried the process to to boot in Safe Mode - Hard shut down three times with timing but had no luck. Also tried instructions from Dell to reset the Real Time Clock but that didn't work. If I press Escape while the above screen is on, I get a settings screen which I think are the BIOS settings. I tried resetting the clock in that menu but it didn't seem to change anything - reset it to correct time. I can't get any options to repair/restore, etc.

Any suggestions?

 

Hi Robert, I found this with a Google:
Did you mean: dell inspiron laptop won't Boot

Perform a hard reset
Turn off the computer. Disconnect the ac adapter or power cord from the computer, and remove the battery (for Dell laptops). ... Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds to drain residual power. Connect the ac adapter or power cord and the battery (for Dell laptops).12/04/2021

 

RL - I had already tried the things outlined in your link. The laptop doesn't have a removable battery so I tried to use the RTC reset proposed at the Dell site but that didn't work.

Steve - not my laptop but they did say it was working fine and turned it on one morning to the "no boot" problem. They said they don't know of anything they did that could have caused it. They are not computer "tinkerers" so I feel confident that didn't try to install or uninstall something that fouled it up. No CD/DVD in the drive. This is the message: I see I can't post the image here as I tried so I will try something else.


TonyT - Per your link, I downloaded the Media Creation Tool and created a bootable flash drive. I inserted it into the problem laptop, turned the laptop on, and got the same message as above again. The flash drive does blink during the failed boot process. Maybe I am doing something wrong - I hope. I am able to get to the BIOS settings if that helps any. When the BIOS settings screen is visible, one option is "Restore Settings" but I wasn't sure what that might do or cause so I just use the "Exit" option.

 

TonyT - I had 2 options - Windows Boot Manager or UEFI: PMAP, Partition 1. Windows Boot Manager was selected so I toggled to the UEFI option. Then I got to a screen that had 6 options - one being Startup Repair. When I tried it, I got a message "Startup Repair couldn't repair your computer. Press "Advanced" options to repair.........." which takes me to "Troubleshoot" or "Turn off your PC". Troubleshoot brings me back to the 6 option screen. "System Restore" was the only other option I felt comfortable with but it's message, with a red X, was to Restart and select an operating system to restore which took me back to my original problem screen.. Should I try the "Uninstall Updates" option.

Added Note - At initial boot with the flash drive, there were 2 options. I used the "Repair" option. Should I have used the "Install" option?

 

Should I have used the "Install" option?
YES.

 

Got it going now. I had to go with a fresh install. Wouldn't let me retain the data file while using an installation media rather than the original disc. Will let you know how it goes.

 

RL - Got through the installation. Now doing updates, installing programs, setting up emails, etc.
As I feared, none of the files are there. I have an old Manhattan QuickDock Duo that I got for copying hard drives. I had a bit of luck in the past looking at one expired hard drive and finding some of the files. Before I go to the trouble of removing the hard drive from the laptop, is there any possibility that I could find the files using the QuickDock Duo?

 

Good point Steve. I'll just let it rest for a while.
Thanks to all for all the suggestions. At least they can use the computer for email, browsing, and word processing. And I will give them a tutorial on backing up files. They had a portable, external hard drive that was attached - but never used or activated.

I'll go ahead and mark this one as resolved.

 

One more maintenance question. Using a Lexar Jump Drive, I was able to find files up to Dec 2020. However, when I attempt to locate and open one of the individual files, I get a dialog box that says "Compressed (zipped) Folders Please insert disk 1 or 8 ....." I'm not sure what this means but in any event I can't open any of the documents - either while on the flash drive of after they are moved to the hard drive. Any help?

 

Sorry for the delay - been gone. Steve, I never could get the "Extract All" option with right clicks. Thanks for the suggestion.
I believe that whoever set up the Jump Drive and the WD Passport external hard drive - Geek Squad/Staples - used the included software to do automatic images. I installed the software that was included with each and have had some success retrieving the files. The "...disk 1 or 8..." is a reference to how the images were made. So again, thanks to all and I will leave this one as "Resolved" again.