Can't boot back up properly after using Driver Verifier

Orkimedes · 16 Mar 2014

I recently used Driver Verifier as I was experiencing constant hard hangs. I followed all the steps on this pageUsing Driver Verifier to identify issues with Drivers and got the BSoD I guess I was looking for:

Can't boot back up properly after using Driver Verifier-toronto-20140316-00149.jpg

So after that I rebooted and only got the option to either Launch Startup Repair or try to Start Windows Normally. Trying to Start Windows Normally would just result in the BSoD above so I tried doing Startup Repair but it would not detect my Windows installation. Because of that I can't restore my system to the point before I ran the verifier.

Can't boot back up properly after using Driver Verifier-toronto-20140316-00150.jpg

Mellon Head · 16 Mar 2014

Did you try clicking Load Drivers? Does it detect the system then?

Can you boot into safe mode?

It looks as though Diver Verifier may have trashed your install, or at very least, your MBR. You might be looking at the very real possibility that your install is unrecoverable. I hope not.

Orkimedes · 16 Mar 2014

There is no option to boot in safe mode. I'm still trying to figure out which driver I'm supposed to look for from the list, about 1/3 way down now...

Update: Tried inserting a boot USB for Windows 7 I made and used a while back. Got something like this Error: oxc000000f "An error occured while attmepting to read the boot configuration data File: \Boot\BCD"
Lovely...

cmmtch · 16 Mar 2014

Maybe you have a backup image and you can use that? I guess if you did you would have already done it

These situations cause us to start being sure we have a backup/image on another drive just in case.

Orkimedes · 16 Mar 2014

Yep, and already kicking myself for not having one. I've looked up a bunch of solutions, all I could come up with was that my hard drive is being unresponsive or something. Any more ideas?

SIW2 · 16 Mar 2014

Looks like smartdefragdriver.sys is the culprit.

It could be a start type 0 driver with filters.

The way round that is to try and replace the system hive with a backup.

There are usually backup hives in windows\system32\config\regback.

Check it isn't zero bytes, then just copy it into windows\system32\config, overwritting the existing System hive.

You will need something bootable for that. Paragon rescue kit is worth a go, it has a useful file transfer wizard.

http://www.paragon-software.com/home.../download.html

OR load the System up remotely with a registry editor and set it to type 4. You should find it under SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services

You will also need to have a look at this key and if there are any Upperfilters, delete them.

SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{71A27CDD-812A-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}

Windows doesn't seem to be able to pick up the drive, so try something linux which go for the drive controller directly.

Something like this PC Regedit, Create, delete and edit Windows registry key-values without Windows.

Orkimedes · 16 Mar 2014

Ok so I attempted to use the PC Regedit thing and I got this:
Failed to start window, please mark the message below and contract support@pcdisktools.com for technical support
Video is ATI Technologies Inc Unknown device 6818, using Xorg(ati) Server

As for the first solution, well you're gonna have to explain like I'm five.

Golden · 16 Mar 2014

Did you try rebooting in Safe Mode and then disabling Driver Verifier, then trying to boot normally?

Orkimedes · 16 Mar 2014

Tried hitting F8 multiple times at startup, no such luck.

matts6887 · 16 Mar 2014

unfortunately; this looks to be like that driver verifier did more harm than good. Which unfortunately happens more often than not. Did you remember to backup your important items like documents etc? I hope so because there is a distinct possibility that you may have to wipe the drive clean and do a clean install. Especially if it cant find the operating system when you try to do a repair install and it doesnt show your hard drive where you installed the o.s. at all.