Half the time I get stuck on Windows logo screen on restarts

[marsmimar]

A Repair Install can take hours depending upon how much crap it has to back up before reinstalling, then replace it all while trying to screen out bad settings affecting System files.

This is one of the most complex software operations in existence. It may ponder a questionable setting for an interminable time trying to decide if it should be reimported. If this cannot be resolved it may abort.

Even if it works perfectly, it will never match a Clean Reinstall where you start fresh with no chance of reimporting problems. But it often solves intractable problems like Updates failure, damaged System files (often from those same sketchy settings) and boot issue since it reinstalls the OS.

Thanks for this clarifying post, Greg.

 

[keredd]

Well it looks like it has completed. Upon logging in I was met with a "you must reboot for this to take effect" window. So I rebooted and it shut down with no problems(was sometimes an issue before) and rebooted. However when it got to the Windows logo it stalled out again. Out of curiosity I let it sit there since many of the processes throughout have been really slow and after about 5 minutes the screen went black and after about a minute it went to "Preparing to configure Windows, Do not turn of your computer" . I have a sneaking suspicion that this is not going to work. Ah well, it was worth a shot. Thank you guys for your help and patience.

 

[gregrocker]

It is still completing the installation. You cannot judge if the problem remains until the install is completely finished and all Important and Optional Windows Updates are installed, as there will be performance Updates which might address the problem as well.

And boot times can never be judged while still installing the OS or updates which will go on for several rounds.

Then I'd check the logs for repeat errors to resolve, utilize the System Resources to resolve Problems, Generate a System Health Report, and assure a Clean Boot from the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

 

[keredd]

It is still completing the installation. You cannot judge if the problem remains until the install is completely finished and all Important and Optional Windows Updates are installed, as there will be performance Updates which might address the problem as well.

And boot times can never be judged while still installing the OS or updates which will go on for several rounds.

Then I'd check the logs for repeat errors to resolve, utilize the System Resources to resolve Problems, Generate a System Health Report, and assure a Clean Boot from the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Fair enough. I just figured since it let me on to my desktop (all my shortcuts and desktop files were absent BTW) I figured the installation was complete. At the moment the "preparing to configure Windows" screen has froze. It says do not turn off your computer but I may not have a choice. Of course I shall wait a good long while before I decide to do that as I have seen it freeze during this whole process before.

 

[keredd]

It completed and rebooted but when I went to enter my password to log on the screen froze.

 

[gregrocker]

It could be a corrupt User account.

After all Updates are installed and you've checked the logs, system resources, assured a Clean Boot, etc from the Troubleshooting steps to see if anything's obvious,

try creating a new user account to see if it behaves the same way. If not you can gradually migrate over to it.

 

[keredd]

Finally I'm on the desktop and there is a message box that reads "Can't open AsIO.sys !! (2)" . Also there is a box that reads "personalized settings" in the upper right corner of the box and "Windows Desktop Update" in the middle of the box and the spinner has been going for like 5 minutes. Windows explorer seems to be kaput because I can't get to the start menu. The task bar is completely missing as well. The desktop background is mine though.

 

[jshinevar]

Just go to the hardware manufacturers website and download a set of drivers before formatting. If you are really adventurous slipstream the drivers in and burn a custom iso.

Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express

 

[keredd]

Just go to the hardware manufacturers website and download a set of drivers before formatting. If you are really adventurous slipstream the drivers in and burn a custom iso.

Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express

I actually have all of the hardware drivers on an external drive. Now if I can only get Windows Explorer working.

 

[keredd]

There appears to be light at the end of this LOOONNNG tunnel. All of my desktop files are shortcuts have reappeared. However the spinner is still going and I am not able to get the task bar or to get the start menu to come up.

 

[gregrocker]

Finally I'm on the desktop and there is a message box that reads "Can't open AsIO.sys !! (2)" . Also there is a box that reads "personalized settings" in the upper right corner of the box and "Windows Desktop Update" in the middle of the box and the spinner has been going for like 5 minutes. Windows explorer seems to be kaput because I can't get to the start menu. The task bar is completely missing as well. The desktop background is mine though.

The driver error is for Asus bloatware that can be problematic. "Can't open AsIO.sys !! (2)" - Safer-Networking Forums

I suspect that Asus bloatware is also interfering with finalizing settings and setting up the Desktop.

Shut down the Asus services, none of which are needed and all of which interfere with Win7 native performance.

Type msconfig in Start Search box, uncheck everything except your AV in Startup and Services boxes after ticking "Hide all MS Services." Reboot.

Now uninstall all Asus crapware in Control Panel>Programs and Features, reboot, delete any remaining Asus folders in C: Program Files.

As aggravating as it is, you really should now run SFC /SCANNOW Command
since even uninstalling the crapware can damage System files, and Repair Install has not been absolutely able to tame it all.

Just go to the hardware manufacturers website and download a set of drivers before formatting. If you are really adventurous slipstream the drivers in and burn a custom iso.

The drivers should be all passed through in a Repair Install. Check Device Manager after all Important and Optional Updates are finished - there will be multiple rounds.

Likely a case of bad OEM software not being able to be processed fully by a Repair Install because it is inimical to the OS. Asus has a reputation for bad software but good hardware.

 

[keredd]

I believe my suspicions are correct. Windows Explorer is hosed. Every time I try to open something it spins forever and then it says its not responding and then it says windows explorer stopped working. However the task bar and start menu is back. Everything appears like normal on the surface except when I actually try to open something. When it does actually open something it takes forever. Man this is frustrating.

 

[gregrocker]

What are the hurdles to moving to do the Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

Do you have your files all backed up and program installers available? Check over the other steps to see how close you are to being able to get started.

 

[keredd]

I gave up and installed my back up image. Well the main reason I didn't want to do the clean install is because of how time consuming it is. I didn't realize that this is just as, if not more time consuming. Also the headache of re-installing all those programs all over again and accumulating all the drivers and such. I may go ahead and do it this weekend depending on what comes up. But my last back up image is back up and everything is running smooth which is also a reason that I do not want to do the clean install. As of now my only issue is that I have to reboot twice when I have to reboot. So why go through the install to fix that silly problem? It may be best to simply wait until the OS is unusable. Thank you for all your help and patience. I will definitely use your walk through when I am ready to take the plunge.

 

[gregrocker]

It's possible the boot problems can't be repaired without wiping the HD first before a reinstall.

However if you've already run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times which should automate all boot repair commands, then boot back into the DVD or System Repair CD, open a Command Line to manually run the boot repair commands shown here:

click to enlarge