Help! Computer won't start Windows or repair after Avast update

[essexboy]

OK lets try this next

Download the attached fixlist to the same location as FRST
Start FRST as before and press fix
On completion try a normal boot..  You may need to run repair twice

[REDACTED]

Thanks, but still no luck.

Still goes to Startup Repair.

I had tried to force the computer to boot in safe mode by following the instructions in this link (http://www.digitalcitizen.life/command-prompt-fix-issues-your-boot-records) before posting here.

What's the next move?

Thanks again for your time.

[Eddy]

essexboy,

IObit crap is installed.
Rogue software > MalwareProtectionLive

[REDACTED]

I take it you aren't a fan of iobit. It did find quite a few outdated drivers which was useful.

I do have a lot of crap installed on that computer - always planned to clear it out...

[REDACTED]

Copy necessary files from one drive to another using DOS/Command Prompt. Then do a system restore using Dell. For more information on system restore of Dell, call their Toll Free help-line.

[Eddy]

Here we say "Buy a Dell, end up in hell"

Much better than a factory reset is a clean installation with a Windows cd/dvd.

Guess you don't know that IObit can't be trusted.
They stole from Malwarebytes.

[bob3160]

Here we say "Buy a Dell, end up in hell"

Much better than a factory reset is a clean installation with a Windows cd/dvd.

Guess you don't know that IObit can't be trusted.
They stole from Malwarebytes.

I own 3 Dell's by choice and am not having a bit of trouble with any of them.

[REDACTED]

Here we say "Buy a Dell, end up in hell"

Much better than a factory reset is a clean installation with a Windows cd/dvd.

Guess you don't know that IObit can't be trusted.
They stole from Malwarebytes.

I've probably had 3 Dells die on me now... though this one has been OK until now. Which make do you prefer?

It came with Windows pre-installed so I don't have the CD/DVD. I kept cancelling the upgrade to Win 10 but am wishing I did it now...

Didn't know that about IObit - can't remember where I got it from - CNet?

I'm hoping essexboy (or anyone!) can help me sort this out without a reinstall... The computer was fine until the Avast update (2016?). I clicked restart as Avast needed to restart my computer and then it was caput... Perhaps it corrupted the registry? I've seen many people post on the internet with exactly the same problem after updating Avast. Can the registry be fixed?

[Eddy]

If you want you can download Windows from the MS website and use that with your license to do a clean installation.

A clean installation now and then doesn't hurt.

This is what I do with new systems:
- Install Windows
- Install all drivers
- Install security software
Do all the above while physically disconnected from the net.

- Install all applications you normally use.
- Make changes in settings as you wish/like
- Create a image of the drive

[bob3160]

There isn't any reason that new install can't be windows 10 since the latest version allows you to use your
registration of Windows 7 or 8.1 for the free upgrade.
You'll be able to download what you need directly from windows.
More information here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

[REDACTED]

Thanks, guys, but any other suggestions as to how I can fix this startup repair loop? I'm pretty sure it is Avast-related.

Assuming we can fix it, then would you suggest upgrading from windows 7 to 10?

[REDACTED]

By the way, I disabled automatic restart and got the following technical information on the BSOD:

*** STOP: 0x0000007B (0xFFFFF880009A99928, 0xFFFFFFFFC0000034, 0x0000000000000000,0x0000000000000000)

I googled 0x0000007B and came to this: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/324103 (inaccessible boot device)

I should just say that literally before the Avast upgrade, I had run a boot sector virus check which came out fine. I can't remember if I switched it off the option to check the boot sector but I don't think that is necessary usually.

[essexboy]

One option would be to enter BIOS and change the device to either IDE or SATA depending on what it is now

[REDACTED]

One option would be to enter BIOS and change the device to either IDE or SATA depending on what it is now

Thanks, essexboy. I changed the SATA operation to and from AHCI/ATA, but it still goes to the Startup Repair.

Is there any way to fix the registry? That was one of the 'problem signatures'. I know we tried restoring an old version and that didn't work.

[bob3160]

Wonder if this is the problem you're having:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=28748.msg1274015#msg1274015
If it is, you're pretty much stuck with having to re-install windows.