Booting Issues

Hi there, I'm experiencing a strange booting issue, and I was hoping someone here might be able to help me out. When I first boot up, the computer will go as far as loading the wallpaper, but that's it. I don't have a cursor, and I don't seem to have any other functionality. Ctrl-Alt-Delete leaves me with a black screen. If I do a hard reset, the option comes to boot into Safe Mode or continue to boot Windows normally. If I choose to load it normally, it boots fine, but if I restart or turn off the computer, it does the same thing again. I thought this might be software-related, so I re-imaged my machine, but this quirk continues. Anybody have any ideas?

Hi James Penner and Welcome.
Can you run the tool detailed here:

Windows 7 - Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions.

I know it says BSOD but it collects other info as well with which folks will maybe able to help you.
I'd also consider running Memtest86+:
Run Memtest86+ overnight, after your computer has been off for about an hour or two so it has a cold start. Let it run for at least 7 passes / 6-8 hours. If errors appear before that you can stop that particular test.
Note!! Any time Memtest86+ reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad Mobo slot. Test RAM sticks individually. When you find a good one then test it in all slots. Post back with the results.

RAM - How to Test with Memtest86+

Guide to using Memtest86+

fimble said:

Hi James Penner and Welcome.
Can you run the tool detailed here:

Windows 7 - Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions.

I know it says BSOD but it collects other info as well with which folks will maybe able to help you.
I'd also consider running Memtest86+:
Run Memtest86+ overnight, after your computer has been off for about an hour or two so it has a cold start. Let it run for at least 7 passes / 6-8 hours. If errors appear before that you can stop that particular test.
Note!! Any time Memtest86+ reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad Mobo slot. Test RAM sticks individually. When you find a good one then test it in all slots. Post back with the results.

RAM - How to Test with Memtest86+

Guide to using Memtest86+

Thank you very much for the information fimble! I'll run these tests when I get home tonight and post the results asap.

- James

Well, I finished the tests. I ran the memory test for about 12 hours and it came back with no errors. I've attached the results of the other tests. Any ideas?

Thank you.

Still haven't figure out what's causing this. I updated my bios on the off chance that might have something to do with it, but the problem is still there.

I've had a quick scout through a few of your files and apart from Gizmo Central (can occasionally be involved in blue screens) nothing is jumping out at me.
The only thing I can think of to try is to do a clean boot (See KB929135) then slowly re-add things to the boot process. It should hopefully pinpoint what is causing the problem.
If it happens with a clean install..... that's me lost!! Sorry I can't be of more help to you.

fimble said:

I've had a quick scout through a few of your files and apart from Gizmo Central (can occasionally be involved in blue screens) nothing is jumping out at me.
The only thing I can think of to try is to do a clean boot (See KB929135) then slowly re-add things to the boot process. It should hopefully pinpoint what is causing the problem.
If it happens with a clean install..... that's me lost!! Sorry I can't be of more help to you.

Thanks again for taking the time to help me out, fimble.

I've tried the clean boot, and the problem still persists. I think I've got some time tomorrow, so I'm going to try formatting the drive, installing everything from scratch and seeing if that works. It's frustrating enough that re-imaging didn't make a difference. If this doesn't work...

- James

Just finished a clean installation of windows... I haven't loaded any additional drivers or software yet, but it's booting normally at the moment... the problem seems to be resolved... at least for now.

I've managed to replicate the issue again. It seems to be related to my graphics card (ATI Radeon HD 5670). If I enable the driver, the issue occurs. Disabled, the problem goes away. I've updated the driver, and the issue continues... maybe a problem with the card itself?