To run chkdsk and sfc, follow these steps: The chkdsk and sfc utilities, part of Windows, can detect issues with your HDD. Restart your computer to test if it boots correctly.

Remove any external hardware from your computer, except your mouse and keyboard.

Remove the new added hardware and restart your computer to check if it now starts and boots correctly.

If you recently added a new piece of hardware, follow these tips: You can now try to uninstall recently added hardware drivers or software applications. The Advanced Boot Options screen in Windows Vista

Choose “Automated Repair” option and click Continue.

Boot up your PC from the Easy Recovery Essentials CD or USB you created.

Follow these instructions on how to burn the bootable ISO image very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive. This guide can help you identify what version of Windows you have installed.

Make sure to note your Windows version (XP, Vista, 7 or 8) before you download EasyRE. Using Easy Recovery Essentials (EasyRE) and its built-in Automated Repair process, you can find and fix various boot errors that prevent your computer from starting.

3 Fixes if Windows Vista or 7 won’t start.

2.3 Fix #3: Remove recently added hardware.

2.1 Fix #1: Boot into Last Known Good Configuration.

Windows programs not opening