Solved New PC sometimes freezes after Welcome screen

[pooksahib]

Hi. I've just put a new PC together (my first self-build) but I have a problem, one of those annoying ones where sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. It concerns the 'input password' screen just after bootup - when this appears, both mouse and keyboard are frozen even although the cursor is blinking away in the password box. Sometimes it unfreezes after a few seconds, other times I just give up and reboot. And sometimes there's no problem at all... Very irritating. Can anyone suggest what the problem/cure is? Thanks in advance.

 

[AddRAM]

Check the hard drive, is it brand new, old ? Or just re install windows.

Run a system file check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

You could also just get rid of the password, do you really need it ?

Let windows go straight to the desktop instead.

 

[pooksahib]

Hi addRAM, and thanks for that. I used a virgin SSD – scannow found nothing wrong. I use the password feature as it's not just me who uses the PC. If the problem persists then a reinstall is probably a good idea.

 

[gregrocker]

Use Win7 password created during install or at Control Panel>User Accounts, but not BIOS password.


Compare the install you did with the same one here in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which compiles everything that works best in tens of thousands of install we've helped with here since beta.

 

[pooksahib]

Hi gregrocker and thanks for that. I'm using the correct password (never had one solely for BIOS, can't recall being given the option to set one.). My BIOS screen mentions 'UEFI' and I see from your (excellent) link there's a specific install method for that. But the mobo manual just says 'install your OS' so I can't imagine a 'normal' install causes problems...

 

[gregrocker]

What are the UEFI, CSM, Legacy BIOS settings in BIOS setup now?

Post back a screenshot of Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image which can tell us a lot.

Run Startup Repair to see if it finds anything, then a Malwarebytes full scan follow by SFC /SCANNOW Command.

If nothing comes up you can go over your install thoroughly with the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

 

[pooksahib]

Hello again gregrocker. Latest Disk Management snapshot attached. Since doing this, things have improved but I'm going to install a few programs before I declare 'fixed'. The problem seemed to be related to 'restart' – there were a couple of Windows Updates this morning and when they were done, I noticed it was clicking 'restart now' that led to a subsequent freezeup.


Although I deleted all the Windows-related files on the old HDD (including hidden), it looks like some element of the old HDDs configuration was fooling the new OS on my SSD.


Anyway, fingers crossed and I'll report back.


I'll not report the UEFI, CSM, Legacy BIOS settings in BIOS for now (I'd need to teach myself to do that for a start...)

 

[gregrocker]

The configuration looks correct.

You can read about the BIOS settings choices in your Manual on the mobo's Support Downloads webpage.

Every mobo has a BIOS hotkey usually given on Splash Screen at boot. Tap that key to enter BIOS setup. Tell us what settings you have for UEFI, Legacy BIOS, CSM. One of those being set slightly wrong could be a problem.

 

[pooksahib]

Hi. The ASUS Bios has loads of info but nothing resembling UEFI, CSM or Legacy.
I took a couple of new programs out of 'startup' (via msconfig) this morning which generated the 'restart now' button (which I believe was the action which preceded the freezing). The PC powered down and when the password page returned I was able to input it with no problem. Nice.

The only minor downside was that, on reboot itself, it hung on the 'press F2 to enter BIOS' for more time than it did with my old PC. I imagined it would be super-fast with an SSD...

So, all in all, things look good. I'll wait a day or two before marking the thread solved, though.

 

[gregrocker]

Look for a setting in BIOS for Fast Boot or similar, to bypass or speed up the BIOS splash screen which sometimes has a delay so you can tap an Fkey.

If you haven't already, read your Mobo Manual on Asus Support Downloads webpage to understand better the BIOS settings as this can be a real eye opener to features.

 

[pooksahib]

Hi. I can't imagine it's a 'Fast Boot' issue - a normal bootup is fine, it's just when restarting after a prompt from a new program or update that the 'BIOS splash' stays longer. But I'll check the BIOS setting for such a feature.

The rest of the BIOS seems fine - I've selected 'normal' performance. Most other things seem to be 'enabled'.

Many thanks for all your time.

 

[pooksahib]

Tell us what settings you have for UEFI, Legacy BIOS, CSM. One of those being set slightly wrong could be a problem.

I finally found this section of the BIOS. Here's what's onscreen:
Launch CSM - Enabled
Boot Device Control - UEFI and Legacy OPROM
Boot from storage devices - Legacy OPROM First*

*the alternatives are 'UEFI First' or 'Ignore'.

Should I be happy with these settings? I'd expect so as everything's been working fine.

 

[gregrocker]

This looks correct, too. I avoid UEFI due to all the problems we see here but you may have had and Updates reboot issue that sorted itself.

Since you're interested, going through the Troubleshooting steps in my signature pic below will familiarize you
Better with Win7 and offer optimizations which work best.