Urgent: Boot-up complete failure

The other night, I had only one update to install after I logged out. Turns out, it got hung up during installation overnight and didn't install properly.
Now, I cannot even load up Windows, boot in safe mode nor run a system restore/factory restore. I tried using the Operating System Disc: After the "windows is loading files" screen and it goes back to the Microsoft Corporation (green bar) loading screen with no luck. I ran the standard memory diagnostic test and it came back good.

Am I using the wrong disc to do this, or is hard-drive related?

Problem on a Gateway GM5472 Desktop, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit.

Hi megaman306,
I appreciate the steps that have been done. Wanted to know if there are any external devices connected to the computer?

If yes, then disconnect the external devices except the keyboard and mouse then try to turn on the computer.

Remove static power (if any) from the computer to check if the computer is able to boot fine. To remove the static power, disconnect the power cable from the back of the computer, then press the power button for 10-15 seconds and then connect the power cable back to the computer.

Run the built-in diagnostics provided by the manufacturer on the computer to check if the hard drive is working fine.

For any further questions in future please feel free to contact us.

I've removed the static power and ran the diagnostics.

I received a PXE-E53: No boot filename received, and after some research, it would indicate a hard-drive failure (if I am correct?)

I also had no luck re-running safe mode/OS disc nor last restore today, so I was wondering if said problem is a hard-drive error. Thanks.

Hi megaman306,

This might be related to the hard drive, to confirm this, go to system set-up and check if the hard drive is getting detected.

If it is not detected then turn off the computer and then disconnect all the devices and go ahead and re-seat the hard drive.

Then restart the computer and check if it is booting fine.

If no, run the diagnostics again and check if there are any error message.

For any further questions in future please feel free to contact us.

I managed to tap into my hard drive via Ubuntu to save some important files, and ran a disk check. Came back with a "#197, Current Pending Sector Count" error, and I'm gnna declare my HDD gone. Will be replacing it in the future.

Thanks for the help.

Hi megaman306,

That is correct the error message "#197, Current Pending Sector Count" is a SMART error for the hard drive.

Providing the link for your reference: S.M.A.R.T. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

For any further questions in future please feel free to contact us.