A Stop 0×7B indicates that Windows Vista has lost access to system partition or boot volume during the startup process. Installing incorrect drivers when installing or upgrading storage adapter hardware typically causes Stop 0×7B messages. Virus activity can also cause Stop 0×7B messages.

Resolving the Problem

Before you can fix this problem you need to figure out what caused it. Did you recently install new software or hardware? This will help out a lot when troubleshooting the problem.

1. Check the hard drive’s driver. Try booting your computer at its last known good configuration ^[1].
2. Repartitioning, adding new, or upgrading hard drives might cause information in the Windows Boot Manager to become outdated. Try repairing Windows Vista ^[2].
3. Verify that system firmware (motherboard BIOS) or disk controller BIOS settings are correct. If you recently installed a hard drive, make sure it’s installed correctly.
4. If the error occurs during Windows Vista setup, the problem might be caused by unsupported hard disk controller hardware. If this is the case you’ll have to provide hard disk controller drivers during the Windows Vista setup.