Hi,
Would value some help, please.
Windows will not load. The pc runs through the dos POST routine OK. The indicator on the motherboard flashes up the hex code numbers of the various tests as it does them and it comes to rest at FF, which the manual explains as "Boot attempt (INT 19h)". The monitor screen shows that it has detected the hard drive(s) and the optical drives. It arrives at the "Windows failed to start" screen, giving the option of starting in Safe Mode, etc.
But whatever option I select, the screen goes blank and nothing more happens.

Actions I have taken: I've checked connections as best I can; progressively removed all un-necessary accessories including the 2nd hard drive; tried loading from the Windows CD; tried using a recovery disk downloaded from a recommended site; tried using a different recovery disk that works from Linux (Knoppix) - a method that my son tells me has worked for him. I've amended the boot order in the BIOS to give priority to the optical drives and tried the Windows CD and recovery disks in both CD drives in turn. Have also done the basic and extended memory tests with no problems reported.

But the outcome is still the same in every case: the "Windows failed to start" screen, then nothing. I've run out of ideas - can anyone help, please?

(Have also tried installing a brand-new hard disk - but no betterluck.)

My outift is:
PC: Made to order in 2006 by Vadim, a small UK firm no longer in business.
CPU: Intel Core 2 6400 EM64T
Motherboard: Abit AB9 Pro.
BIOS: Award v 6.00 PG
Hard drives: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 160gb.
RAM: 2gb
RAID controller BIOS v1.06.52,Optical drives: Optiarc DVD RW AD-7173A.
OS: Vista Business 64-bit.

Billy

maybe your mbr is somehow corrupted. that can be a big problem. open a command line in recovery console (hit f8) and choose command line. if you manage to get that far, type fixmbr. see if it helps.

Thanks, Process. Have tried but hitting F8 doesn't get any reaction - no sign of recovery console.
Have also looked through all the options in Setup in the hope of finding one that allowed typing in of 'fixmbr', but no joy.
If I installed the boot hard drive as the second hard drive in another machine (or rigged it up as an external drive on another machine), would I be able to fix the mbr that way?
Thanks again,
Billy