PC always goes into Startup Repair, even after Format & re-install

[StellaMan]

I have a PC that was working but then wouldn't after an overnight Windows Update. No idea of the problem as it was just going into Startup Repair and not being able to repair it. I formatted the drive, I ran SFC /Scannow which didn't find any problems, and I re-installed Windows 7 64-bit.

After installation and a few changes / updates a restart took it back to Startup Repair which again refused to repair anything.

I retried, got the same, so reformatted and installed Windows 7 32-bit, but after the first Windows Update EXACTLY the same thing has happened and Startup Repair is back !!!

I am assuming this is a hardware problem of some kind but I've been using and rebuilding PCs for many years and have never seen anything like this before ... can anybody help (unfortunately I am not able to deconstruct the box and try a new piece of hardware piece by piece) ?

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, @StellaMan!

I'm afraid that the issue could be indeed coming from somewhere inside as well. I'd advise you to try to boot into the system from the HDD once you have replaced the SATA cable that is connecting it and also plugged it to a different SATA port on the motherboard. It might also be a good idea to check its health and SMART status by running its manufacturer's brand-specific diagnostic tool or a third-party alternative from another system that could successfully boot into Windows. You can connect the drive as a secondary one, so it doesn't affect the bootup process in the other PC.

Give these a try and let me know how it goes. Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[StellaMan]

Sorry about the delay getting back to you, I tried this and it made no difference. I then ran MemTest 3 times and it was throwing errors all over the place so I am assuming that is at least part of the problem, though still don't see why a clean install of Windows would revert to the exact same problem every time !!!

Anyway, the problem is no longer mine, I told the lady to return it to the dealer she got it from as "not fit for purpose" and get a refund or replacement ...