Hi appleblossom,
I have read your post on needing a step-by-step process on troubleshooting the recovery process for Windows 7, and I would be happy to assist you! To begin, I will need to ask you a few questions:
What is the Product and Model Number of your desktop computer?
Have you installed any new software or hardware on this computer recently?
In the meantime, you can refer to this document on Computer Locks Up or Freezes (Windows 7), as well as Testing for Hardware Failures (Windows 7).
Please re-post with the results of your troubleshooting and the requested information. I look forward to your reply!
Regards :)