Laptop won't start - Suspected driver issue...

Hi all.

I have a concern I might have done something to my laptop...

I recently installed and ran a Uniblue program called PowerSuite, which supposedly makes tweaks and updates to speed up my computer. After completing the process I was prompted to restart. I clicked the prompt, the laptop shutdown, but cannot start anymore.

One issue I did notice during the process was that, whilst the program was updating drivers, I received a warning of an attempt to install a driver with security issues. I opted not to install as recommended (could it be that the original driver was removed before I prevented the installation of e new one?). Also, during the restart process, I noticed a notification I hadn't seen before regarding an intel network process being disabled. (Could it be the intel driver that is the problem?).

When I try to start my laptop, I receive a glimpse of the BSOD, followed by a black screen giving me two options: start normally (which does not work), or start in repair mode. The repair mode runs, but finishes advising that the system cannot be repaired.
I am currently attempting a system restore which does not appear to be working (been running for several hours). I have made a separate post to try and resolve that issue.

Any advice out there?

Thanks in advance.

SJ.

Hello SJ and welcome to Seven Forums.

Are you able to start your machine in Safe Mode? If yes you may be able to undo the Uniblue "tweaks" by using system restore and return your machine to a date/time prior to using the utility.

Safe Mode

System Restore

If you have no previous restore points or if it doesn't work, you could try running a system file checker scan from an elevated command prompt (option two) also from Safe Mode. If problems are found run the scan 3 times rebooting in between each scan.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

If still no joy, one of the Forum experts prepared these troubleshooting guides. They're time consuming but they've helped many.

Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot

Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Please post back if anything helped or not.

Hi guys, thanks for your help.

I eventually got started in Safe mode. I repeatedly tried the various options available for starting in safe mode until I got some action. Restored back to an earlier working configuration and now I'm up and running.

Incidentally, I got a reply from Uniblue support. Without asking any questions their response was "the only thing left to do is a system restore..."
In fairness to their software, my system is running a lot faster. However, it is quite buggy at times and program's stop responding often. Things are getting better though.

Thanks again.
Sam

Glad to hear you're up and running again, Sam. Thanks for posting back!

One small suggestion if I may and absolutely no disrespect intended. Rather than use 3rd party utilities to tweak Windows 7, try to stay with the built-in tools, like disk cleanup, defrag, system file checker scan, etc. These tools are part of Windows 7 and usually know what's best to optimize the operating system. In the alternative, there are many knowledgeable folks on this Forum who have been working with Windows 7 ever since it was first being tested. They are more than willing to help with specific issues and provide time-tested solutions that won't turn your computer into a giant paperweight.

Again, glad to hear your computer is off life support.