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Windows 7 Memory Diagnostic Tool Crashed My System
Hello all. I'm currently talking to you from Safe Mode in Windows 7 32 bit.
I've been running Windows 7 for quite some time now and I haven't run across any hiccups like with the previous versions of Windows... until now.
I recently bought a copy of Star Craft 2 from Gamestop. Doing this allows you to be in the beta program... so I figured "Oh, good stuff".
I tried to patch the program and I received an error during the patch process. To make a long story short, Blizzard informed me that I should run the Windows 7 memory diagnostic tool to make sure that my RAM wasn't at fault, using the extended test. I figured "Ok, no problem".
I ran the tool, selected "Save work and restart the system".
The tool loads up and starts to run with 1 pass with a "basic" check. I realized after about 10 minutes into the check that I could hit F10 and change the options. I hit F10, changed the test to Extended and hit continue. The screen refreshed VERY slowly with the updated changes, except the progress went from 10% complete to look like "_%" for every spot that could have a % at it.
I thought that was odd, so I hit the Exit button.
The system rebooted.
The system started to hang at the BIOS POST screen a little longer that it usually does... normally it only stays there about 2-3 seconds... it now stays there for around 10-15 seconds.
The Windows 7 logo starts to load and then freezes half way through loading graphic. The system hangs there indefinitely.
I restarted the system and was given the option of "Repair" or "Start Windows Normally".
I tried to start Windows normally but it kept hanging at the Windows 7 load graphic.
The next time I hit Repair.
The system loads another loading screen with the old Windows Vista load bar... does about 2-3 full graphical loads, and then freezes there too. I tried this multiple times and only once did it get past that loading screen only to black screen freeze afterwards.
I hit F8 on the next startup attempt and was given a HUGE amount of options that I'm not used to seeing. I hit "Enter Safe Mode with Networking". Safe Mode starts to load and then it hangs a little on CLASSPNP.SYS but still loads into Safe Mode. I then get into Safe Mode and use the System Restore option.
I then successfully restore the system to the day prior. It takes a little longer at the Windows 7 loading screen due to the restore, but I make it into Windows no problem. I figured "Whew, that was a close one... I'm done messing around on the computer tonight." and I shut down the computer.
Today when I get back from work, I turn the computer on, and the SAME THING is happening again AFTER I fixed it last night!!!! It's freezing again at the Windows 7 load screen!
What's going on here? What do I need to do to permanently fix this thing?