You may encounter the message: "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this."
This might be indicative of software error, corrupted files and bad sectors on the hard drive. But this error can be resolved. You only need to know the basic functionality of your PC and its software. Here are few methods that will help you deal with this error message while starting Windows XP.
Repairing Windows by running CHKDSK
- You first need to restart your system with Recovery Console and run CHKDSK. This should be done with the 'Repair' option. This is done to ensure error free hard disk.
- To start up the recovery in Windows XP insert the installation disk and boot from it
- A setup screen for Windows XP will open up where you need to choose the 'Repair' option to enable utilizing recovery console. Press R key for this
- Choose the installation and type 1. Then press Enter
- In the software window type CHKDSK /r to enable the disk check
This reinstalls the OS without affecting the data.
Repair installation of Windows
Now you again require applying the Windows or software updates. For this you require to boot your PC from the disk and press 'Enter'. This process is similar to the reinstallation process of Windows. Your existing system files are being replaced without adversely affecting your data. After following the commands you will be able to restore Windows back to factory settings. Here you need to ensure that you are using the genuine installation disk that comes with the system.
Configure the operating system
This is the last way to solve the issues related to the error: "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully". For this you need to boot the system and press the F8 function key.
Then select the option of "Last known good configuration" from the Advance menu
This will restore our system back to the state when it was working fine. If this still does not work then in the 'Run' command box type:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
You will need to follow the instructions to restore your system to previous state. This will fix the errors and other software related issues. The steps mentioned above will help you solve the issues related to the error message: "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this."
Marigold Henry Montana is a technical expert who deals with various computer related issues. She is capable of handling the software as well as hardware troubleshooting. She advises people on basic upkeep and maintenance of their PC, Laptops, Notebooks and Tablets. She is working as a freelance technology writer and as fulltime online tech support for a well known IT software company. Her aim is to spread the technical know-how to the people all around the globe.
