Booting Issues

[James Penner]

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?

 

[fimble]

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+​

 

[James Penner]

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

 

[James Penner]

First Tests Complete

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.

 

[James Penner]

Still no luck

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.

 

[fimble]

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.

 

[James Penner]

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... :banghead:

- James

 

[James Penner]

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.

 

[James Penner]

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?