Replaced my HD and used Win backup to restore the system. Now Win will not start. I see the Dell screen, then "Windows is starting", then a blank screen.
I have shut down and restarted 4 times - same thing. Tried starting in safe mode, but what do I do when I am in it?Is it a laptop or desktop and what brand/model? Do you have the Windows disc or Repair disc (created on some OEM laptops)? What were the problems that made you replace the HD aside from probably a failing drive...?Also what exact method was used to create this Win backup ? ?I used Windows 7 IMAGE backup onto ext HD
I have a Dell 8100 desktop
Replaced HD with same size, 1TB (ORIG was failing and made the BU when I realized I would have to replace it)
Was running Win 7 64bit
Do have the Dell OS reinstallation CD, but prefer to get a duplicate of my old HD
Do have a boot discWindows Image Backup requires a repair disc or Windows disc in some cases for the image to be bootable. Check the Repair tutorial in Windows 7 link http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html Good luck.I did all that, but now after restoring a second time, I see my screen is just dark and blank.
I don't know what to do. I always end up on this blank screen.Shut down and restarted with F12 and changed the boot to USB. Got the starting windows screen and then the dark screen.
I have the boot disc and the USB backup, but starting from both does not get Windows going.Is the old image STILL reliable or bootable? Did you make a complete image/backup successful? Try using Macrium instead http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
In continuation to the blank screen see http://louisgale.blogspot.com/2011/10/restoring-windows-7-backup-to-new-hard.html

Using the repair disc http://www.winhelp.us/index.php/windows/backup-and-restore-windows/windows-7-backup-and-restore/restore-a-system-image-in-windows-7.html#.UOfEmXdkZuA
So I have to put the old HD back in, download Macrium and make another bu? That means deleting the old bu I just made? I assume I must make the bu from the old failing HD, right?
Btw, where can I buy the SCREWS that hold the HD in? I can't put both hds in because I only have the 4 original screws.Update. Decided to just start over with the new HD. Formatted it to get the old bu off. Put the Dell Win Cd in and started. Still not working!
I get a screen with:

Windows failed to start.
Insert Win cd and restart (have done this five times)
Choose language settings - never get this far because I get this "Win failed to start" screen

I can't even put Windows on a blank HD!STATUS. 0xc000000eDo you have AHCI/SATA hard drive mode in BIOS? I am not sure of what you mean made a repair 5 times and what messages appeared after the repair? How did you find out that the old drive is failing?