• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Problem with Windows not booting

L337Llama

Senior member
Earlier today, I was running windows fine. I turned off the computer, and unplugged the monitor and mouse to use on another computer. When i wanted to go back to that computer, it stopped working right.

It goes through the BIOS fine, and then goes to the windows loading screen. Once it finishes, the screen blinks for a sec and stays black and nothing happens. I'm pretty confused as to how unplugging a monitor and mouse could do this. Any help would be really, really welcome, since I sorta got a large project that needs finishing really soon.
 
very unlikely it has anything to do with you unplugging the monitor/keyboard. Try booting safe mode first. hit f8 when windows is loading...
 
It goes into safe mode without problems. I tried using Windows update in sfae mode, and I get errors when iI try.
 
Windows update isn't going to fix anything. You also can't do a Windows Update from Safe Mode.

The major reason it would stop working in normal mode but would boot into safe mode is that SOMETHING in the startup is locking up the computer. Maybe a bad driver, maybe a bad background app, maybe some spyware. It's also possible the drive is failing and corrupted a critical boot file.

Another possibility - since it happened right after you moved the computer around a bit to disconnect the monitor - is perhaps a loose memory card or connector. Remove and reseat all your cards and memory sticks and ribbon cables.

If it's working in safe mode then I would suggest you use System Restore to go back to a restore point before the problem occurred. Don't just go back a couple of days - go back a week (due to the way system restore works you'll have better luck).

I would also recommend you download and run the HDD manufacturer's diagnostic. Run the full (Advanced) diagnostic which will take a few hours.

If a system restore doesn't help and the HDD passes the diagnostic, then please refer to my detail spyware removal instructions here: http://theflyingpenguin.com/spyware-removal.shtml

NOTE: Since you can't boot into normal mode, boot into "Safe Mode with Network Support" so you can download and update the anti-spyware apps I recommend you use in that article.

Hope this helps...




 
I did the stuff in the article. It still isnt going past the windows loading screen. My files dont seem to be corrupr, since I can still access my documents, etc in safe mode without problems. I ended up checking my computer, looking to make sure everything was hooked up, and did a throughrough cleaning for dust, and still nothing.

Im getting kinda sorta just a little annoyed.

Is this a common problem? Also, I installed windows on a seperate parition from the rest of my data (except for motherboard and video drivers). Would formatting that partition and resinstalling windows screw around much? I.e. would it mess with aplications installed on the other partition?
 
Originally posted by: L337Llama
I did the stuff in the article. It still isnt going past the windows loading screen. My files dont seem to be corrupr, since I can still access my documents, etc in safe mode without problems. I ended up checking my computer, looking to make sure everything was hooked up, and did a throughrough cleaning for dust, and still nothing.

Im getting kinda sorta just a little annoyed.

Is this a common problem? Also, I installed windows on a seperate parition from the rest of my data (except for motherboard and video drivers). Would formatting that partition and resinstalling windows screw around much? I.e. would it mess with aplications installed on the other partition?


reformatting and reinstalling will screw up any programs that are integrated into the operating system and depend on registry entries (usually 60-70%). Try installing windows over your current installation without reformatting. If you have service pack 2 it will preserve the programs you currently have installed.

I usually do this when I'm too lazy to pinpoint the precise cause of the problem...
 
Back
Top