Constant restart at "Starting Windows"

[dweirich]

I just finished my first computer build. It was working fine, so I decided to take my graphics card and install it since everything else seemed good.

I install it and the most recent drivers from ATI. When I reboot, it gets to "Starting Windows" and then restarts. Safe mode still works. In my BIOS it says the GPU voltage is 0.000, however the fan on the card is spinning.

I've tried everything I could find on the web to no avail.

Does anyone know what this mixture of symptoms could be caused by?

Thanks for your help.

 

[James7679]

is the PCIe Connector from the PSU plugged in to the GPU?

It might help if you properly fill in your system specs.

 

[dweirich]

Ok, updated my system spec information.

Yes the GPU is plugged in, fan is spinning fine. Works fine in another computer. In the new build however, the PSU doesn't have any 6 pin connectors, just 6+2. Would that make a difference?

 

[James7679]

Okay, give this a shot;
Do a full back up and create a restore point.
Download, install, and run Driver Sweeper to remove the GPU drivers.
Download and save to the desktop the newest drivers for your GPU.
Power down the PC.
Change video signal cable to onboard video.
boot from the onboard video.
in the device manager, if the GPU is listed uninstall it and disable the onboard video.
turn the computer offhttp://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/#.
change the video cable from the onboard to the GPU.
reboot into the bios.
disable the onboard video and set it to detect PCIe first.
save and exit the bios.
when windows finishes booting, disable your antivirus.
install your drivers for the card
reboot the computer.

 

[writhziden]

NOTE: Before changing the video cable to onboard video, you may need to change your BIOS settings to use onboard video, as well. It depends on how your motherboard works and how the BIOS is configured.

 

[James7679]

NOTE: Before changing the video cable to onboard video, you may need to change your BIOS settings to use onboard video, as well. It depends on how your motherboard works and how the BIOS is configured.

And that, thanks writhziden.

 

[dweirich]

Yes, I've been disabling and re-enabling the onboard from there. When it's the onboard everything is perfect. Switching to the PCI causes the problem. Would it be caused by the order in which I'm doing the install? When I first put in the video card, it loaded Windows to a low-res screen with the default background and the cursor in the middle, seemed to be installing an update for the driver. Then the restarting would happen and it wouldn't get past "Starting Windows."

 

[James7679]

Yes, I've been disabling and re-enabling the onboard from there. When it's the onboard everything is perfect. Switching to the PCI causes the problem. Would it be caused by the order in which I'm doing the install? When I first put in the video card, it loaded Windows to a low-res screen with the default background and the cursor in the middle, seemed to be installing an update for the driver. Then the restarting would happen and it wouldn't get past "Starting Windows."

Okay, did you follow the steps that were laid out? This will ensure a clean start for troubleshooting purposes.

Okay, give this a shot;
Do a full back up and create a restore point.
Download, install, and run Driver Sweeper to remove the GPU drivers.
Download and save to the desktop the newest drivers for your GPU.
Power down the PC.
Change video signal cable to onboard video.
boot from the onboard video.
in the device manager, if the GPU is listed uninstall it and disable the onboard video.
turn the computer off.
change the video cable from the onboard to the GPU.
reboot into the bios.
disable the onboard video and set it to detect PCIe first.
save and exit the bios.
when windows finishes booting, disable your antivirus.
install your drivers for the card
reboot the computer.

NOTE: Before changing the video cable to onboard video, you may need to change your BIOS settings to use onboard video, as well. It depends on how your motherboard works and how the BIOS is configured.

 

[dweirich]

Sorry didn't see that. I'll give it a try tonight!

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[James7679]

Okay, let us know how it goes.

 

[dweirich]

Just got a response from AMD tech support. I gave them my error codes (error 41 task 63) and they think it could be a RAM problem. Is this RAM compatible Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS3 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX16GX3M4A1333C9

With this motherboard? MSI Global ? Mainboard - Z77A-GD55

 

[writhziden]

They would appear to be compatible. I would recommend contacting Corsair if there is any question. Also, it may be that you have memory problems due to modules or slots that are bad.

• Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).
  
     Warning

  Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. :warn:WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!
  
  For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
  1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
  2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
  3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
  4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.
  Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

 

[James7679]

Here it is as I see it. Your GPU works fine in another PC. Your PC works fine without the GPU.
Try another GPU on your MoBo.
Check to see if you have to have your GPU installed in a particular slot. Some boards with PCIe 3.0 have separate lanes for PCIe 2.0.
Check to see if there is a BIOS setting to use a PCIe 2.0 GPU in the 3.0 slot if the above does not solve.

 

[dweirich]

Well I did the reinstall and the problem wasn't resolved. Going to do the Memtests and swap out the RAM, and if that doesn't work I might try to update the BIOS even though I'm hesitant to do that, seems pretty easy to ruin your mobo if you don't do it right.

I'll update again if I get things working.

 

[dweirich]

Sorry for double posting, but I had one more question about my problem. On my latest re-install of Windows 7 while trying to fix this problem, I didn't install any of the drivers from the CD that came with the motherboard except for the network driver. Should I install the rest of the drivers and see if that helps, or would that not matter?

 

[dweirich]

Good news! Started swapping out my RAM from the motherboard and found that with two of them out, it booted with the graphics card in

Then I took those same two and put them in the other two slots on the motherboard and it started fine again (for some reason my screen resolution was changed this time though).

This is basically, for sure, a RAM problem right? Go to Fry's and tell them to swap it?

 

[writhziden]

See if the other two work fine, as well. It may be that your RAM settings are not correctly configured to run four modules. Further testing would need to be done to determine whether the RAM is bad.

 

[Dave76]

According to the Corsair website that RAM is compatible with your motherboard.
Corsair Guaranteed-Compatible Memory for your MSI Z77A-GD55

First, never use the CD that comes with your motherboard for drivers, go to the motherboard site and download your drivers and install them.

Sometimes when you have 4GB RAM or more you will need to adjust the RAM settings to get it to run stable.
With 16GB you need to check the settings before you return them, as new ones will likely have the same issues.
If the system runs with two RAM cards that tells me that it is a settings issue, your IMC needs a voltage bump. Give us a little info and we can make some adjustments.

Can you download CPUZ and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.
For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums

Have you been checking your temperatures?
Use Real Temp , to check the CPU temps when at idle, under load and/or testing.
Let us know the minimum and maximum temps you get.

Go to your BIOS and tell us what the CPU, RAM and the CPU integrated memory controller (CPU-NB Voltage in your BIOS) voltages are.
This is important in order to make RAM settings adjustments.

 

[dweirich]

Ok, makes sense. One question though, wouldn't the fact that it started with one pair of the two sticks and not the other point to it being a faulty stick? I had four in the mobo, and it didn't work. Took two out, still didn't work, swapped which two were inside, then it finally works. I tried the good pair in both sets of slots and they worked fine.

 

[James7679]

Ok, makes sense. One question though, wouldn't the fact that it started with one pair of the two sticks and not the other point to it being a faulty stick? I had four in the mobo, and it didn't work. Took two out, still didn't work, swapped which two were inside, then it finally works. I tried the good pair in both sets of slots and they worked fine.

You've tried both sets independently in the same slots? And one set wouldn't post?